《The Queen's Back》


 Chapter 1

    "Bang!"


    Mona Clem fell straight from the 88th floor of the hotel. The rush of falling left her feeling weightless and terrified, her body shaking uncontrobly.


    In the fading light, she saw two shadowy figures on the rooftop above. Rage ignited in her eyes as she screamed, "Barbara Burton, Teddy Powers, I swear I''ll haunt you both, even if I''m just a ghost!" With that, she reluctantly shut her eyes. Plummeting from the 88th floor, she knew there was no escaping death.


    But Mona wasn''t ready to give up like this. At just twenty-four, she was at the peak of her life, and now i I was alling to an end. If she hadn''t walked in on her fianc¨¦ and her cousin in bed tonight and gotten shoved off the roof by them, she''d still be convinced she was the luckiest woman in Nathontown, about to marry the guy who loved her most.


    It''s so ironic. Teddy, her fianc¨¦, had been her childhood sweetheart. They grew up together and got together officially in college. He treated her like she was made of ss, always looking after her and making sure she didn''t have to lift a finger. He practically kept her on a pedestal.


    But tonight, she realized it was all because she was from the Clem family. She had the shares her mom left her and was the apple of her grandparents'' eye.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    As she fell, the wind screamed past her ears, slicing at her skin like a million tiny knives, and the pain cut straight to her heart. If she could, she''d rather face the worst hell imaginable than let those two get away with it.


    Her consciousness started to drift away. Just as she fell intoplete darkness, Mona felt a brutal impact as her body mmed into the ground. Blood poured from her broken body, and she felt her bones shattering.


    *****


    After she died, Mona could only asionally float around Maxwell Carter. Other than that, she had no sense of awareness. Maybe it was because everyone thought her death was just an ident, except for Maxwell.


    She watched as Maxwell took control, steadily taking over the Powers Group and driving Teddy and Barbara to ruin until they were left homeless. Eventually, overwhelmed by their downfall, they jumped from a high-rise, getting a taste of their own medicine and finally paying for what they did to her.


    At first, Mona thought Maxwell was just using her death as an excuse to take down the Powers Group. Butter, when she saw him set up a foundation in her name, making sure everyone in Nathontown remembered her positively, she realized he actually had feelings for her. When Maxwell turned thirty, he donated his entirepany to charity in Mona''s name and went alone to visit her grave. With a choked voice, he said, "Mona, I''ve done everything I could for you in this life. In the next one, can I have a chance for you to love me?" Mona whispered softly next to his ear, "Thank you for everything. In the next life, I''ll take care of you, love you, and protect you." If there were a next life, she''d run straight into Maxwell''s arms and shower him with all her love. But for now, without a body, all she could do was dream about being with him.


    As a wandering spirit, Mona''s voice couldn''t reach Maxwell. His fingers gently traced the cold tombstone as he murmured, "Mona, wait for me. I''ll be with you soon."


    Hearing his words, Mona was stunned. She watched as Maxwell gave a faint smile at her photo on the tombstone, then turned and walked away.


    Mona tried to run after him, but her form was slowly falling apart. She was stuck at her own grave, unable to move. As she watched Maxwell''s figure fade away, her vision grew blurry with tears. "Maxwell, don''t do anything stupid. I need you to stay alive and be okay," Mona cried out, her voice breaking with desperation.


    But Maxwell didn''t stop. He kept walking until he disappearedpletely from her view.


    Before her formpletely vanished, Mona''s mind reyed Barbara''s cruel words from that night on the hotel rooftop. She remembered Barbara''s smirk, filled with malice and hate.


    "Mona, you really are dumb, aren''t you? Teddy and I have been together since his senior year of high school. You''re just the other woman here. Now you get why Teddy never wanted to touch you? From the start, he only ever liked me and only ever wanted me... As for being with you, that''s just because you''ve got the shares your mother left you and you''re the Clem family''s darling granddaughter. Unlike me, with no real blood ties.


    "Oh, by the way, did you not know? I''m not your cousin I''m actually your half-sister. Yep, Albert Clem is my half-brother. Your dad? he''s actually my real dad. Oh, wait, I almost forgot you''re not even his daughter. You''re just some illegitimate child from before he married your mom. Humph.


    "And get this-your mom didn''t die in a car ident. My mom and dad actually worked together to mess with the brakes and make it look like an ident. Bet you never saw thating! Your whole life''s been a big joke. Better luck in the next life, sis."


    *****


    Mona jerked awake, gasping for breath as if Barbara''s twisted grin was still right in front of her. Her eyes darted around the room-a white coffee table, pink curtains, ayout she knew all too well.


    Suddenly, something clicked. Mona pinched the back of her hand hard. "Ouch..." It actually hurt. ''Hadn''t I died? Why am I in my bed, still feeling pain?'' she wondered.


    Her eyes went nk as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her skin was wless and smooth, her face delicate. Her bright, round eyes looked clear and awake. Looking down at her outfit-a frilly, Barbie-pink nightgown-she thought it looked just ridiculous. Just then, a few knocks pulled her out of her thoughts, followed by a familiar voice from outside. "Ms. Clem, drink some milk before bed. Tomorrow''s your engagement party-you need to look your best."


    It was Polly Hudson, her maid. Hearing Polly''s voice made Mona feel like she was imagining things. ''Did the heavens actually take pity on me and send me to paradise instead of hell?'' she wondered. The memory of Polly getting hit by a car still hurt her heart. She never thought she''d see Polly again.


    The knocking came again, and Mona couldn''t care less about her outfit. She flung the door open. There was Polly''s familiar face. Tears filled Mona''s eyes as she threw her arms around Polly, whispering, "Polly, I can''t believe I get to see you again. I''m just so overwhelmed right now."


    Polly, holding a ss of milk, was caught off guard by the sudden hug and nearly spilled it. She waspletely thrown by Mona''s words. ''Didn''t we just see each other at dinner? And isn''t Ms. Clem usually closer to her aunt Beatrice Burton and Ms. Burton, barely talking to me? What''s gotten into her tonight, saying she missed me?'' Polly wondered, her mind racing with questions.

 Chapter 2

    her.


    2


    "Polly, I was so scared that after I died, I''d end up in hell. But it looks like I''m in heaven instead. By the way, is my mom here too?" Mona asked excitedly, though she could hardly believe it. After all, she''d said she''d rather fall into hell if it meant taking those two down with Maxwell had already gotten her revenge, so logically, she should be suffering in hell. But here she was, in heaven, feeling surprisingly happy. Then it hit her-what if Maxwell ended up in hell instead of her? The thought was like a dagger to her heart. She couldn''t stand the idea of him suffering for her. Hearing Mona''s words, Polly''s hands shook, and the ss of milk fell to the floor with a loud crash. "Ms. Clem, are you okay? What are you talking about, hell? Don''t scare me like that! And your mom''s been gone for years," Polly said, her voice trembling. Tomorrow was supposed to be Mona''s big day with Teddy, and Polly couldn''t have her suddenly falling ill or acting strange. She touched Mona''s forehead, checking for a fever, but everything seemed normal. No fever, so why is she talking like this?" Polly thought, confused. "My mom''s dead? Then... where am I?" Mona nced around, taking in her surroundings. This was definitely her home.


    "Oh my gosh, Ms. Clem, you''re home! And you''re getting engaged to Teddy tomorrow! What''s going on? I should get Mr. and Mrs. Clem and call a doctor," Polly said, starting to hurry out.


    Mona quickly grabbed her arm. "I''m fine, really. I just had a bad dream." Mona wasn''t sure what was happening yet and didn''t want to worry her grandparents until she figured it out.


    "You really scared me. If anything''s wrong, you have to let me know right away," Polly said firmly before leaving the room. Sitting alone on her bed, Mona took in the familiar sight of her room. She grabbed her phone and checked the date. It was clear-she''d been given a second chance, right back to two years ago, the night before her engagement to Teddy. fate had handed her a do-over, she was determined to make sure the mistakes of her past list was dealing with tomorrow''s engagement.


    Since


    diant repeat. First on First on her


    After a refreshing shower and changing into her pajamas, Mona noticed a bruise on her forehead. It was from when Barbara had "identally" pushed her down the stairs. Looking back, it was clear it wasn''t an ident. Barbara couldn''t stand the idea of Mona and Teddy getting engaged and took her anger out on Mona.


    Mona grabbed her phone and dialed Maxwell''s number. The call rang twice before cutting off suddenly. Mona was stunned. ''How could Maxwell not answer? He was so devoted to me in my past life, even avenging my death,'' she thought.


    But then Mona remembered she never really knew when Maxwell had fallen for her. It might have been after her engagement to Teddy, so it made sense he wouldn''t answer now. After all, in her past life, they barely had any


    contact.


    Mona quickly texted Maxwell, saying she needed to discuss something really important and asking him to pick up. After a few minutes, she called again, and this time he answered right away, She could hear loud music in the background as he said, "Hello?" Just hearing his voice almost made Mona cry. Thinking about everything he''d done for her in her past life, she felt an overwhelming urge to run to him and hug him tightly.


    "Maxwell, it''s Mona. I''m getting engaged tomorrow. Are youing?" Mona wanted to say, "I wish it were you I was getting engaged to, but before she could, Maxwell cut her off,


    "Oh, I know all about your engagement. It''s big news in Nathontown. But I won''t be there-I''ve got other ns. Anyway, congrattions, Ms. Clem," Maxwell said coldly. Inside, he thought, ''I hope things fall apart between you two. The idea of watching the woman he loved get engaged to someone else was too painful to bear.


    <


    "Congrats? For what? I''m not nning to get engaged to Teddy tomorrow," Mona said.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    G


    xwell could hardly believe his ears. Everyone in Nathontown knew how obsessed Mona was with Teddy, and now she was


    he


    wouldn''t go through with the engagement?


    ng with


    excitement, Maxwell stepped out of the noisy room into the quiet hallway. "Mona, what did you just say? Say it, clearly," he asked, needing to be sure he wasn''t just imagining things.


    n the other end, Mona stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the vi grounds. A wave of dizziness washed ver her, reminding her of the terrifying sensation of falling from the 88th floor. Her body trembled uncontrobly.


    In the dark night, only a few streetmps cast a faint glow, much like the light in her heart. To her, Maxwell, her grandparents, Polly, and her best friend Ava Swanson were the only rays of light in her otherwise bleak life.


    She had suffered so much in her past life, but now she had the chance to set things right. She was determined to make those who wronged her pay.


    Gripping her phone tightly, Mona said, "I''m not getting engaged to Teddy. Will youe? If you do, I''ll get engaged to you instead!" Her heart raced with nervous anticipation. She worried Maxwell might turn her down, especially since she wasn''t sure if he had any feelings for her at this point.


    When the silence stretched on and Maxwell didn''t reply, Mona worried he was going to turn her down. Panicking, she quickly added, "I found out Teddy''s cheating on me with Barbara. I want to make them pay and embarrass them both. If you agree to get engaged to me instead, I''ll I give you my shares in the Clem Group. Plus, I''m not exactly unattractive, and my status is a good match for yours. You wouldn''t be losing out by marrying me." After Mona''s mother, Emily Clem, passed away, her shares in the Clem Group were split between Mona and Albert. Their father, Jeremy Simon, had only a small stake in thepany, barely enough to make a difference, even though he was temporarily acting as the general manager. Most of the shares were still held by Mona''s grandparents.


    In her past life, Mona never understood why her mom left the shares to her and Albert instead of Jeremy. Now she had a guess. ''Maybe Mom found out about Jeremy''s affair and made the will before it got worse, or maybe their marriage was just a business deal, and Albert was a surprise,'' she thought. Once Mona sorted out the engagement issue, she nned to secretly get a DNA test with Jeremy to find out if Barbara had been lying. Even though she already had a strong feeling about the truth, she needed solid proof to back it up.

 Chapter 3

    Maxwell chuckled to himself when he heard Mona''s words. He''d just assumed she wanted to get engaged because she had feelings for him. It turned out he''d been overthinking it. ''How could she be into someone like me, an illegitimate kid? No way, he thought. "Alright, I''ll be there tomorrow, Ms. Clem. Just make sure you stick to your word," Maxwell said. He didn''t care about her reasons for the engagement. As long as they were engaged, he''d make sure she couldn''t back out. After that, she''d have no choice but to be his wife. Clearly, no one else loves Mona as much as I do. I used to hope someone else could make her happy, but now I see that''s pointless. Only I can give her the happiness she deserves. So what if I''m an illegitimate child? I''m the CEO of Carter Group now. Everyone in Nathontown calls me "Mr. Carter" with respect, Maxwell thought. The idea of Mona marrying someone else, bing another man''s wife, made his heartache. He wanted to be selfish, even more selfish, and im her for himself.


    With that, Maxwell ended the call, a smile spreading across his face. Tomorrow, he''d be getting engaged to Mona. It was going to be the happiest day of his life.


    Just then, Maxwell''s friend, Bud Ray, came out of the private room and saw Maxwell''s strange smile as he was heading out. Bud quickly asked, "Maxwell, where are you off to?" Maxwell grinned and replied, "I''m heading back. Got an engagement tomorrow."


    As Maxwell''s figure disappeared into the elevator, Bud stared after him, stunned. "Engagement? Is he out of his mind?" he muttered.


    Everyone in Nathontown knew that the CEO of Carter Group wasn''t interested in women. There were even stories about actresses throwing themselves at him, only to be kicked out by Maxwell. Not a single woman had ever been with him. And now he was saying he was getting engaged? Maybe he was nning to marry himself tomorrow. Meanwhile, Mona heard the beep tone and wondered, ''Did he agree to my proposal? He''ll show up tomorrow, right?''


    To be safe, Mona decided to call Ava. Ava was a hacker, so breaking into Barbara''sputer would be a piece of cake for her. In Mona''s past life, she remembered how devastated her grandparents and Ava were at her grave. The look of heartbreak in their eyes was something she could never forget.


    Later, Ava was tricked by a sc***ag into having surgery where her heart was forcibly removed, leading to her death. Maxwell had revealed this cruel truth at Mona''s grave. Right now, Ava hadn''t met that sc***ag yet. In this life, Mona was determined not only to get her revenge but also to change her best friend''s fate.


    As soon as the call connected, Ava picked up immediately. "Ava, I need your help with something!" Mona said, her voice brimming with excitement. It had been ages since she''d had a proper chat with Ava.


    Ava had always thought Teddy wasn''t good enough for Mona and had hinted at it more than once, but Mona brushed it off every time. Looking back now, she couldn''t believe how blind she''d been! If she''d just dug a little deeper, she wouldn''t have been yed by those jerks for so long, let alone lost her life.


    "What''s up, Ms. Clem? Aren''t you getting engaged to Teddy tomorrow? How do you still have time for a chat with me?" Ava teased, but her words almost brought tears to Mona''s eyes.


    "Ava, I need you to hack into Barbara''sputer. There''s got to be something interesting in there. I need it for tomorrow''s engagement," Mona said.


    Ava nearly fell out of bed. "Wait, what? Hack into Barbara''sputer?"


    "Yep. If you can''t find anything on hers, try her mom Beatrice''s instead," Mona replied calmly, casually ying with her


    neatly manicured nails. This time around, she wasn''t just seeking revenge for her mom-she was determined to see Beatrice behind bars where she belonged.


    Are you serious? What are you trying to find?" Ava asked, now both curious and excited. She''d been itching to dig into Barbara and Beatrice''sputers for ages but had always held back because Mona used to insist it was wrong to invade her cousin and aunt''s privacy. Mona clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I want dirt on Barbara and Teddy-photos of them together, maybe even videos if you can find any," she said through gritted teeth.


    Barbara had been messing around with Teddy since their senior year, so there were bound to be some intimate photos. The real question was if there were any steamy videos, too. Knowing Barbara, she''d definitely have kept some proof of their rtionship. Mona figured the files would be either on Barbara''sputer or Beatrice''s. After all, those two were cut from the same cloth.


    "No way! Are you saying Barbara and your fianc¨¦ are hooking up? Why are you even going through with the engagement? You should just p him in the face." Ava fumed. She''d always suspected Teddy wasn''t trustworthy, but finding out he''d been sneaking around with Mona''s cousin was beyond infuriating. Absolutely unforgivable.


    Just wait for the show tomorrow. Send me the files when you get them. I''ll treat you to a meal after," Mona said before hanging up. Shey down on her bed, feeling a wave of relief. It was a good thing she''de back the night before the engagement. If she''d returned after it, canceling the whole thing would''ve been a real mess.


    Realizing she only had Maxwell''s number and not his WhatsApp, Mona quickly added him. She wasn''t sure when Maxwell had started liking her in her past life, but right now, it was clear those feelings weren''t there yet. ''Will he fall for me this time around?'' she wondered. Deep down, she hoped he would. In her previous life, she had spent enough time by his side to develop real feelings for him.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    The next morning, the Clem household buzzed with activity as everyone prepared for the engagement ceremony.


    Bright and early, Polly went to wake Mona, still thinking about the strange things she''d said the night before. She hoped Mona hade to her senses. "Ms. Clem, it''s time to get up. You still need to try on your engagement dress and get your makeup done," Polly called out, knocking on the door.


    Mona opened the door and stepped out, only to wince at the sight of her engagement dress. It was a tacky Barbie pink, overloaded with sparkly rhinestones-an eyesore, to say the least.


    If she were just canceling the engagement with Teddy, she wouldn''t care much. But today was about getting engaged to Maxwell. Plus, it was her first time seeing him sinceing back, so she really wanted to make a good impression.


    "Polly, do I have a backup dress?" Mona asked. She had already checked her wardrobe, but most of her clothes were pink. She couldn''t help but wonder, ''What was I thinking buying so many pink outfits? What''s wrong with me?"

 Chapter 4

    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 chosepletely 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 thetest 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 unfoldedter. ''Will she be upset?'' Mona wondered. But she knew it wasn''t the right time to exin 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 andpletely wreck Barbara''s reputation. "Oh,e 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.


    "DidProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    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 tly, 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 congratting 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


    anger.


    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 ssy 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 nothingpared 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 pped 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, "d 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 ce next to Teddy. The Clem family''s banquet hall wasvishly 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 thest one, but the oue 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 fianc¨¦s 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 nced at it, amused. The ring was one she''d bought herself. Teddy expected apuse after his big deration, but instead, he heard only whispers and murmurs from the crowd. Something was definitely wrong.

 Chapter 5

    G


    Mona didn''t take Teddy''s hand. Instead, she looked at him like he was a total idiot, her eyes cold and distant. For a moment, Teddy waspletely confused.


    Just as Teddy was about to push for her to take his hand, Mona took a step back, covering her mouth as if in shock. "Teddy... you... you..." Before Mona could even finish her sentence, Teddy started hearing whispers from the guests. "The Powers family was already out of their league with the Clems, and now there''s a cheating scandal? Do they even want this engagement?" "Exactly! And to cheat with his fianc¨¦e''s cousin? That''s outrageous!"


    "Is Ms. Clem still going through with the engagement today? If so, I''m free. At least I wouldn''t cheat!"


    "Look at that-they''re even in school uniforms. How much worse can this get for Ms. Clem?"


    stood frozen, staring at screen that showed pictures and Barbara kissing, a video them in bed. The private parts were blurred, but it was stillThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Panicked. Teddy didn''t even think about how the video get out. All he could do was beg Kona for forgiveness. If she called off the engagement, he''d lose his chance at the Clem Group shares he desperately wanted. He tried to grab Mona''s hand, but she pulled away, yelling, "Don''t touch me. You make me sick."


    Mona then grabbed Barbara from the crowd. Barbara had tried to sneak away when the video yed, but Ava stopped her. Mona pped Barbara hard across the face, and the loud smack echoed through the banquet hall, drawing everyone''s attention.


    Mona put all her strength into that p, fueled by anger and the painful memories from her past life. If she could, she''d p Barbara a few more times just to vent. But no one felt sorry for Barbara. Being the other woman, especially in elite circles, earned her nothing but scorn from the other guests.


    Barbara clutched her cheek, stunned. ''How dare Mona ps me in public over what happened with Teddy?'' she thought. Mona shoved Barbara into Teddy''s arms, which he caught instinctively.


    "If you wanted him, you could''ve just asked. I would''ve handed him over without a fuss. Why sneak around behind my back?" Mona''s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, making her look genuinely heartbroken. The guests watched her with sympathy. Meanwhile, her grandparents sent sharp, judgmental looks toward Beatrice.


    Ava stood Good nearby with a smirk. "Like mother, like daughter, huh? You really can''t be surprised. Poor Mona, though-losing her fianc¨¦ like this must be a real blow."


    Jane was livid. "Beatrice. ice, what is this? How could your daughter go after Mona''s fianc¨¦? Do you think just because Emily''s gone, you can push her daughter around?"


    Years


    ago, Emily was nearly kidnapped, but Beatrice saved her. From that moment, Beatrice held a special ce in Emily''s heart. Since Beatrice was an orphan, the Clem family took her in, raising her alongside Emily.


    Yearster, Beatrice got married as the Clem family''s second daughter, but her husband turned out to be a jerk who often beat her when he drank. With nowhere else to go, she returned to the Clem family with her child. At that time, Emily was still alive, so they let Beatrice and her daughter stay. That''s how Beatrice and Barbara ended up living with the Clem family.


    A few yearster, when Mona was in middle school, Emily passed away in a car ident, leaving Mona and her brother Albert behind. Bernard Clem and Jane poured all their love for Emily into Mona. Although they had treated Beatrice like a daughter and cared for Barbara too, their priority was always their own granddaughter, Mona.


    "Beatrice, Barbara needs to give Mona a proper exnation," Bernard said, watching Mona tearfully standing on stage. He was so furious that he felt like giving Teddy a good beating to defend his granddaughter.   "I''m so sorry, Dad, Mom. It''s my fault for not raising her right. But Barbara''s a good kid-she must''ve been tricked," Beatrice said, looking genuinely remorseful. With no other options and knowing how much she relied on the Clem family''s support, she had no choice but to bow her head. While Teddy''s parents stayed silent, they were in shock. They never thought Teddy would do something like this, which had totally wrecked their reputation. They were terrified the Clem family might hold a grudge and cancel their business deals, which would be a huge disaster for them. Amidst the chaos on stage, Teddy kept apologizing to Mona, insisting it wasn''t intentional. Barbara, on the other hand, kept crying and ying the victim. Some guests felt sorry for her tears and started to think Teddy was the real viin, ying with both sisters'' emotions. Just then, the grand doors swung open, and a stranger walked in. Under the bright chandelier, his tall figure cast a shadow as he moved toward the center of the stage. His cold gaze swept the room before softening a bit when he spotted Mona. With tousled hair falling over his sharp brows, a defined nose, and thin lips, he looked intense. His piercing eyes lit up when theynded on her. He wore a ck shirt with two buttons undone, showing off his corbone and the smooth lines of his neck. The guests were intrigued by his cool demeanor, quietly specting about his identity. Someone recognized him and whispered that he was the illegitimate son of the Carter family. No one said much, just a few murmured, "It''s Mr. Carter." In Nathontown, two powerful families ruled: the Clem family in the south and the Carter family in the north. Each controlled half of the city''s business and rarely crossed paths. Both had been around for a hundred years, and any big move by either could shake up the entire city''s economy. "If your fianc¨¦ cheated, Ms. Clem, then you should just find a new one. Let me introduce myself-I''m Maxwell Carter, CEO of the Carter Group. I think we''d be a great match." Maxwell''s icy voice rang out through the hall, leaving everyone in shock The guests whispered among themselves, "Mr. Carter, who usually keeps his distance from women, is proposing in public? If the Clem and Carter families join forces, it''d be the biggest news in Nathontown."


    Mona looked at Maxwell, the man who had avenged her in her past life and felt a mix of emotions. She remembered how he had sought revenge for her but then took his own life, which left her feeling heartbroken. This time, she promised herself. she''d treat Maxwell better and make sure he really fell in love with her.


    "Sure. I''m Ms. Clem and have plenty of suitors. Maxwell is a great match for me. Barbara, you can keep Teddy. I don''t need him anymore," Mona said with a smile, then waved Maxwell to join her on stage.


    The guests werepletely shocked. A cheating fianc¨¦ and a public fianc¨¦ swap? They''d never seen anything like it before.

 Chapter 6

    6


    Maxwell walked right up to Mona, taking in the sight of the woman he''d been yearning for day and night. She was even more stunning than he remembered-bright eyes, red lips, and wless skin. Her almond-shaped eyes held a hint of irresistible allure. "Mona, I messed up. Don''t throw your life away just to get back at me." Teddy''s heart pounded as he heard Mona agree to marry Maxwell. Maxwell had been his rival since high school, and now, with the Carter family sn****ng up deals from the Powers family, the tension between them had only gotten worse. Mona scoffed. "Ruin my life just to get back at you? Don''t tter yourself." She then looped her arm through Maxwell''s and **ly announced, "The engagement goes on as nned."


    The household staff quickly swapped out all the banners and photos of Teddy for the ones of Maxwell, even going as far as to usher Teddy and Barbara off the stage. Now, it was just Mona and Maxwell standing together, looking like the perfect pair from every angle. Teddy looked at Mona in disbelief. "Mona, don''t do this out of spite. I know I messed up, but I promise it won''t happen again. Just give me another chance."


    He was panicking inside. If Mona really married Maxwell, the Clem family''s shares would fall right into Maxwell''s hands. Teddy was already struggling topete with him-if Maxwell got control of those shares, Teddy wouldn''t stand a chance anymore.


    Mona gave Teddy a cold nce before her eyes settled on Barbara. "Another chance? You must be joking. When a guy cheats, it''s never just once. You two deserve each other. After all, you''ve already had your fun together-you better not ditch her now."


    Her words had the guests nodding in agreement. "It''s true-how can you sleep with the younger sister and still expect to marry the older one? That''s just beyond disgusting."


    Beatrice also spoke up, "My daughter''s innocent, and you took advantage of her like that. You need to take responsibility!"


    Even though the Powers family wasn''t as big as the Clem or Carter families in Nathontown, they were still a good catch. Teddy was seen as a rising star, the only heir to the Powers Group, with just a younger sister. Eventually, he''d take over thepany, so marrying into the Powers family wasn''t such a bad deal for Barbara. Beatrice''s words were loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, which clearly annoyed Teddy''s parents. After all, Mona was the Clem family''s cherished daughter, set to inherit everything from her family, while Barbara was just a hanger-on with no real power, despite her title.


    "Mona, I get that Teddy messed up, but please, give him another chance. Today is supposed to be your engagement ceremony-how can you just switch fianc¨¦s like this?" Teddy''s mother, Hannah Powers, pleaded with Mona. Hannah had always liked Mona because she came from a good family, was good-looking, and most importantly, wasn''t too sharp. That made her easy to manage, which was ideal for Teddy


    "Yes, Mona, once you''re engaged to Teddy, I''ll make sure he gets a good talking-to," added Teddy''s father, Matthew Powers. To him, his son''s affair wasn''t a huge issue. After all, what man doesn''t slip up now and then? The real worry was how it might impact the family''s interests. Maxwell felt like shutting them up. He''d finally gotten his chance to be with Mona, and he wasn''t about to let these two mess it up with a few pleas. Mona, though, wasn''t swayed by their excuses. She was done with Teddy, and just seeing him made her sick.


    "Please stop with the jokes," Mona said firmly. "I''ve already decided to get engaged to Maxwell. A man who cheats once isn''t worth keeping." She turned to the emcee and added, "Let''s not waste any more time. The engagement with Maxwell will go ahead as nned. My mind is made up, and nothing''s going to change that."


    111


    Hearing this, Maxwell finally, rxed.


    The emcee quickly adjusted, s**ng the nned video montage of Teddy and Mona''s love story and going straight to Maxwell putting the engagement ring on Mona''s finger. Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Maxwell pulled out a dazzling diamond ring from his pocket, got down on one knee, and said, "Mona, marry me. I promise I''ll make you happy."


    Mona was taken aback by Maxwell''s unexpected proposal. ''When did he even prepare this ring?'' she wondered. Still a bit dazed, she held out her hand. As Maxwell slipped the ring onto her finger, she fumbled for a matching ring and ced it on him, her mind still in a fog. As Mona reached to put the ring on Maxwell, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Mona, think this through. Once you give me this ring, there''s no going back. You''ll be with me for life. This was hisst chance for her to reconsider. If she chose to be the light in his dark world, he wouldn''t let that light slip away. Without a second thought, Mona nodded. She''d decided to be with Maxwell even beforeing back. With a smile, she slipped the ring onto Maxwell''s finger and said, "I trust Mr. Carter isn''t the sc*** type. That alone makes you better than Teddy"


    "Now, Mr. Carter, you may kiss your fianc¨¦e," the emcee said.


    Maxwell, towering over Mona, made her heart race with his masculine scent. He leaned in, his warm lips brushing gently against the corner of her mouth. His strong hand cradled the back of her head, pulling them closer. The subtle scent of his shampoo mixed with a hint of cigarette smoke, filled the space between them.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona''s eyes welled up, her longshes fluttering. Before she could fully take in what just happened, Maxwell had already pulled away, but she could still feel the warmth of his kiss. "Thank you, Mona," he said softly.


    The engagement ceremony, which many thought would be a disaster, ended in an unexpected way. After the guests left, Maxwell turned to Mona and said, "I''ll pick you up tomorrow to meet my grandfather."


    He then addressed Bernard and Jane, "Grandpa, Grandma, I''m heading out now. Sorry, I didn''t bring a gift this time-that was an oversight. I''ll make sure to bring something next time."


    Jane just nodded. Everything had happened so fast that she was still trying to wrap her head around how Maxwell had suddenly be her precious granddaughter''s fianc¨¦.


    After Maxwell left, Mona was called into a room by her grandparents for a private conversation.

 Chapter 7

    "Mona, what were you thinking, getting engaged to Maxwell so suddenly?" Jane asked. During the engagement ceremony, Jane kept her thoughts to herself since it was Mona''s choice. But she was also set on teaching Teddy a lesson. He shouldn''t think her precious granddaughter is easy to push around. Bernard, with his life experience, saw that Maxwell was clearly no ordinary guy. He decided to stay neutral about the engagement but nned to keep a close watch on how things unfolded. Mona sat next to Jane and said, "Grandma, Maxwell is such a great guy. I don''t feel like I''m losing out at all by being with him."


    Jane agreed to some extent. Maxwell was now the CEO of Carter Group, good-looking, and well-regarded in Nathontown. But since Mona and Maxwell didn''t know each other well, she couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be more to this engagement than met the eye. "¨¢ren''t you two a bit unfamiliar with each other? I''m just worried he might not treat you wellter on," Jane said.


    Jane had always been protective of Mona and found it hard to ept the idea of her getting married. But she was getting older, and Mona''s father, Jeremy, seemed too timid and unreliable. Mona needed someone who could stand up for her.


    Jane had considered getting Mona a live-in son-inw, but with Jeremy already in that role, finding another wouldn''t look right. She thought it might be better for Mona to marry someone from a slightly lower background, so he wouldn''t dare mistreat her. However, with the Carter family''s power growing, Jane worried that Mona might face challenges if things didn''t go well. "Grandma, Maxwell''s a really great guy. We knew each other back in high school. Just trust my judgment, okay?" Mona said with a yful smile.


    She and Maxwell were high school ssmates-he was a senior and she was a freshman. Back then, Maxwell was always teasing her, pulling her pigtails and pinching her cheeks. Mona ended up scared of him and tried to avoid him as much as possible. "Alright, let''s head out. People outside must be getting impatient," Jane said. As Mona helped her grandparents out, she noticed Albert carefully applying ointment to Barbara''s face. His concern was clear in his gentle touch. Mona remembered that Albert wasn''t her biological brother, just a half-brother. She almost forgot that the man on the sofa wasn''t her real father either.


    "Sorry, Mona. Please forgive me. I was drunk that night, and by the time I realized what happened, it was toote. I was scared and didn''t want to tell anyone at home. I''ll never talk to Teddy again. I know I messed up," Barbara whimpered, clinging to Mona''s arm. "Yeah, Mona, give Barbara a break this time. She got tricked by that jerk Teddy." Albert jumped in to support Barbara.


    Mona had mixed feelings about Albert. Since they were kids, he always seemed to favor Barbara over her. Even now, with Mona being the one betrayed by her fianc¨¦, Albert wasforting Barbara. But in her past life, when she died, Albert, who had juste of age, was so overwhelmed with grief that he cried as if the world was ending.


    Maxwellter told her that Albert didn''t end up well, either. Always under Barbara''s thumb, he eventually fell into drug addiction. In the end, it was Maxwell who put him into rehab, where he spent hisst days.


    "Morra, Albert''s right. We''re family, and you''ve already pped Barbara. Just look at her swollen face. Isn''t that enough?" Jeremy said, clearly unhappy.


    In Mona''s past life, Jeremy always took Barbara''s side, leaving Mona feeling hurt and confused since she was supposed to be his biological daughter. Now she knew the truth-Barbara was his real daughter. Strangely, this revtion didn''t sting as much as it used to. Beatrice sighed and said, "Mona, it''s my fault for not keeping an eye on Barbara. If you''re upset, go ahead and p me if it


    III


    ?


    <


    helps. Just don''t let thise between you two as sisters."


    11Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mona, this is all my fault. I messed up big time. If you want to me me, go ahead-hit me, yell at me, whatever. Just don''t shut me out," Barbara begged, tears in her eyes as if she''d been deeply wronged.


    Mona smiled, though her eyes were cold, and gently took Barbara''s hand. "Does it still hurt? I was just so angry before. Let me see-it''s really swollen. Poor thing.


    "Look, Dad, Aunt Beatrice, Albert, you''re all acting like I''m the bad guy here. It''s just a man, right? If Barbara wants him, she can have him. But today''s my engagement day, and after all this, none of you thought tofort me?" Mona''s voice grew more aggrieved as she spoke, and tears began to well up in her eyes.


    Everyone was taken aback. Mona had always been strong-willed and rarely showed her emotions. Seeing her like this, looking genuinely hurt, made Beatrice realize she''d misspoken. She quickly moved tofort Mona, but by the time she got close, Mona had already snuggled up to Jane, whispering, "Grandma, I''m so upset."


    Jane gently stroked Mona''s head and said, "What''s wrong with you all? Can''t you see Mona''s having a tough day? Instead of cheering her up, you''re making things worse. And Barbara, you were asking for it after getting involved with Teddy. Stop with the pity party. "Jeremy, can''t you see your daughter''s been wronged, and you''re taking someone else''s side? What kind of father does that?"


    Jane''s words left everyone quiet. Barbara realized she was in deep trouble and started thinking about who might have leaked those photos and videos. They were all saved on herputer. If she ever found out who did it, they''d be in for a serious payback. "Enough with the drama! Barbara, this whole mess is mostly on you. So, you''re grounded-no allowance for six months, and it goes to Mona instead. Apologize to her, and none of you are to have any contact with the Powers family. Jeremy, cut all business ties with them. How dare they mess with my granddaughter? I''ll make sure the entire Powers family regrets it."


    Bernard''s words brought a smile to Mona''s face. Six months of allowance wasn''t a small sum-let''s see how Barbara keeps showing off now.

 Chapter 8

    Jeremy''s


    biological child-Barbara was.


    After everything settled down, Mona returned to her room, determined to show her grandparents Barbara and Beatrice''s true colors. She knew they wouldn''t believe her if she just confronted them, so she needed solid evidence. First, she had to prove that she wasn''t She nned to expose Jeremy''s affair to ensure her grandfather wouldn''t leave the Clem Group to him. Mona didn''t really care who inherited thepany, but she couldn''t stand the thought of bad people livingfortably after all the terrible things they''d done-they deserved to pay for it. After resting for a while, Mona went over to Barbara''s room. She could hear Barbara on the phone, her voiceced with fake sobs as she said, "Teddy..." Mona recognized that tone instantly-Barbara was up to her usual game of ying the victim. Mona knocked on the door and called out, "Barbara, are you in there? I need to talk to you." Barbara quickly ended her call and replied, "Yeah, I''m here. Come in, Mona."


    Soon,


    Barbara opened the door, Mona immediately noticed her puffy, tear-streaked eyes. "Hey, Barbara, mind if Ie in to fix my hair? I can''t find my woodenb anywhere." Barbara, especially after being involved with Mona''s fianc¨¦, had no choice but to let her in. Mona casually walked into Barbara''s room, and while pretending to fix her hair in front of the mirror, she quickly bent down and picked up two strands of Barbara''s hair from the floor, holding them tightly in her hand. With what she needed now in hand, Mona let out a sigh of relief. Barbara generously offered herb to Mona, who epted it with a smile and left the room. As Mona''s graceful figure disappeared down the hall, Barbara''s eyes narrowed with spite. She had just checked herputer and was baffled about how the video got leaked, but she was certain Mona was behind it. Barbara felt that Mona was to me for her humiliation. Teddy had called earlier toy the me on Barbara, but she quickly turned it around, telling him Mona and Maxwell had plotted to embarrass him at the engagement party, Barbara wasn''t sure if Teddy would buy it, but she figured it was worth a


    try.


    Just thinking about how Maxwell, who was so stunning, was now engaged to Mona made Barbara seethe with jealousy. A man like that should have been swept off her feet instead.


    Back in her room, Mona tossed theb into the trash and carefully stored Barbara''s hair. Now she needed a sample from Jeremy. Getting into his room wouldn''t be easy-since her mom''s ident, her rtionship with Jeremy had soured, and she hadn''t been in his room for ages. Mona decided to ask Polly to help her out while cleaning the room.


    The next morning, Mona woke up to find her engagement party all over social media. Despite the Clem and Powers families trying to keep things quiet, there were too many reporters and high-profile guests from Nathontown yesterday. There was no way to keep a lid


    it.


    Mona scrolled through thements-most were sting Barbara for being so shameless, h**g up with her cousin''s fianc¨¦. Many felt Mona''s p wasn''t nearly enough. Teddy was getting trashed as a **ag, and of course, Maxwell was getting tons of praise for his looks. Mona hoped the scandal would keep growing. If Barbara cared so much about her reputation, Mona was determined to ruin itpletely.


    After freshening up and heading downstairs, Mona saw movers bringing in box after box. The lead mover kept shouting, "Watch it! If you break anything, you''ll owe more than you can pay-even if we have to sell you to cover it."


    Curious, Mona looked around and saw Maxwell lounging casually on the living room sofa. Her entire family was there, including Jeremy, who usually left for work early.


    Jane waved Mona over as she came down, signaling her to join them. Mona walked over with a smile and took a seat next to Maxwell. Being so close to him made her a bit breathless. Their legs were almost touching, and every time his pants brushed


    against her leg, she felt a strange tingle that made her heart race


    "Look, Mona, these are all gifts from Maxwell for you. I''ve kept them safe for you," Jane said, her eyes twinkling with approval as she nced at Maxwell.


    Even though they were already engaged, Maxwell''s thoughtful gesture of bringing the gifts today was a sign of respect. The gifts were not only valuable but also showed how much more the Carter family valued Monapared to the Powers. Mona blushed, making Jane''s smile grow even wider.


    Meanwhile, Barbara looked on with envy at the sight of those gifts. She never expected Maxwell to be interested in Mona, let alone shower her with such extravagant gifts.


    After a while, Jeremy got up and said he had work to do at thepany. Bernard and Jane didn''t object-someone had to keep things running smoothly.


    Just as Jeremy stood up, Mona spotted a strand of hair on his blue suit. She quickly got up too, pretending to smooth out his clothes while discreetly pinching the hair. "Dad, your suit''s a bit wrinkled. Let me fix it for you," she said with a sweet smile, acting like the perfect daughter. "Thanks, sweetheart. I''ll head out now," Jeremy said with a strained smile. No matter how well Mona behaved, she wasn''t his real daughter-just some child from who-knows-where. He had to focus on his actual kids.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona waved goodbye with a big smile, even reminding Jeremy to get some rest. Bernard and Jane were impressed by how thoughtful Mona was and felt she had really matured. While they focused on her words, only Maxwell noticed her subtly grabbing the strand of hair from Jeremy''s suit. After sitting for a while, Mona said she needed to change clothes before going to the Carter family''s home. In reality, she was already dressed for the asion. She just needed to safely store Jeremy''s hair and find time to get the DNA test done.


    When Mona came back downstairs, Maxwell was already waiting at the bottom of the stairs. As soon as she reached him, he grabbed her hand so quickly that she barely had time to react. His big hand wrapped around hers, warm and a little rough. The texture of his skin gave her a tingling feeling up her arm, making her heart race. 2/2

 Chapter 9

    "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 fianc¨¦?" 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 sessful 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 apany. "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 gatedmunity 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


    too."


    100.


    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 conversationing 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 fianc¨¦-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 ept any more gifts from your family.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "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 fianc¨¦e. "Oh, yes, yes. Mona''s absolutely right. I''m just d 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 maic 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 res at Gordon. Gordon, however, didn''t seem bothered at all and shamelessly kept his eyes fixed on Mona''s chest with a roguish look.

 Chapter 10

    Maxwell let out a quiet sigh and gently adjusted the strap of Mona''s dress, covering a bit of her chest that had shown. Mona looked at him puzzled, wondering what he was doing.


    "You were showing a bit. I just fixed it for you," Maxwell exined calmly, though his ears turned a bit red.


    Mona adjusted her dress and said with a coy smile, "Thanks, honey. I''ll be more careful next time." Mona saw Maxwell''s gesture as a sign he was getting closer to her.


    Hearing Mona call him "honey" so warmly, Maxwell felt like he could give her his heart. "No, no problem," he replied.


    Gordon, clearly ufortable with their flirting, immediately urged the servants to serve the dishes. Maybe because it was a rare family gathering, the Carter family had prepared avish feast, with each dish carefully crafted and looking incredibly delicious. Richard and Stephanie couldn''t eat much because of their age but enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the family reunion. The conversation at the table focused on Maxwell and Mona''s wedding ns.


    Maxwell mostly nodded and let Mona do most of the talking. To make a good impression on Maxwell''s grandparents, Mona carefully chose her words, filling the table withughter.


    After lunch, Juliet helped Stephanie back to her room to rest, and Richard called Maxwell into the study. Donald was also called away by a phone call. With everyone gone, Mona was d to enjoy some quiet time. She rxed on the sofa, ying on her phone and munching on fruit that the servants had prepared.


    "Well, well, Mona, enjoying some fruit? Are those strawberries sweet?" a voice asked. Mona turned and saw Gordon sitting beside her.


    She nodded. "They''re alright. If you want some, just help yourself."


    Gordon chuckled and grabbed a strawberry from the fruit tray, but he thought the ones Mona was holding looked sweeter. "Mona, is Maxwell treating you well?"


    Mona frowned slightly, thinking he was just making awkward small talk. "He''s pretty good."


    "Pretty good, huh? So, not the best. There''s something I''m not sure if I should tell you or not. Not saying it feels like I''m keeping something from you, but bringing it up is... awkward," Gordon said, hesitating.


    "Then don''t say it," Mona replied, clearly not very impressed with Gordon.


    Gordon suddenly pped his thigh, startling Mona. "I should just say it, or my conscience will bug me. Do you know why Maxwell hasn''t had a woman by his side all these years?"


    "Because he''s got great self-control and isn''t into chasing women," said Mona.


    "Bull. It''s because he really isn''t... good in bed. He can''t get it up. His ex left him because of that."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Mona mulled over his words in her head. ''Can''t get it up? Really? And wait, Maxwell had an ex?'' she wondered. But in front of Gordon, she still defended Maxwell. With a mocking smile, she said, "Where''d you hear that nonsense? I''d know better than anyone if my fianc¨¦ has any issues."


    "Well, in that case, I must''ve been misinformed. But Mona, if you ever feel lonely or... unsatisfied, you know where to find me," Gordon replied with a sly grin, slipping a business card into her hand before sauntering away.


    Left alone, Mona quickly tossed the business card into the trash, staring nkly for a moment. ''Could it really be true that Maxwell''s impotent? But even if it is, I wouldn''t hold it against him. I''d support him through treatment, and if that didn''t work, we could always adopt,'' she thought to herself.


    III


    15:16 Sat,


    In the evening, at Richard''s insistence, Maxwell and Mona stayed the night. After dinner, the servants showed them to their room, wished them a good night, and left.


    Mona nced around. The decor was elegant, exactly Maxwell''s style. Then her eyesnded on the bed, where her nightgown wasid out. Mona''s cheeks flushed as she stared at it. It was the same bright red as her dress, but way more revealing. The barely-there fabric made it clear the gown was designed to be more sexy than practical.


    Maxwell quickly grabbed the nightgown and shoved it into the wardrobe, pulling out one of his shirts and handing it to Mona. "Wear this to sleep. It''s new. That nightgown was probably prepared by Grandpa," he said.


    Mona looked at the white shirt in her hands and nodded. She was just as ufortable with the nightgown and was relieved to have a more modest option.


    The bathroom was fully stocked with toiletries, and Mona quickly finished her shower and stepped out, drying her hair. She noticed Maxwell''s intense gaze fixed on her. "I''m done. You can go shower now," Mona said.


    Maxwell took off his sses and nodded, but the image of Mona fresh out of the shower stayed with him. Her figure was stunning, with her long legspletely exposed-slender and smooth. He swallowed hard and quickly headed to the bathroom.


    As soon as he walked in, the steam and lingering scent of Mona''s bath hit him. Maxwell cursed under his breath. Agreeing to stay the night to spend a bit more time with Mona was turning out to be a huge mistake. Now he was just making things harder for himself. Meanwhile, Mona had let her grandmother know she wouldn''t being home that night and was now staring at therge bed. She''d be sleeping with Maxwell tonight.


    Honestly, she wasn''t worried at all. Even if something did happen, she wouldn''t mind-Maxwell was her fianc¨¦, after all. But she didn''t really expect anything to happen. Deep down, she doubted Maxwell was any good in bed.


    When Maxwell came out, Mona was already lying in bed. Under her watchful eye, Maxwell grabbed a pillow and nket and headed for the sofa.


    "The bed''s pretty big. You sure you don''t want to sleep here?" Mona asked, her cheeks flushing. Even though she''d lived a long time, this was the first time she''d invited a man to share her bed.


    Maxwell nced at Mona lying in bed. Her ck hair flowed over her shoulders, her face was bare of makeup, and her skin looked wless. Just seeing her made it hard for him to keep hisposure. He knew that if hey next to her, he''d probably stay awake all night, struggling with his feelings. He didn''t want to scare her away like that.


    "No, I''m good on the sofa," he said.


    "Oh... okay then." Mona sighed quietly. It seemed like Maxwell really wasn''t interested in her if he preferred to sleep on the cramped sofa rather than share the bed. She thought maybe Maxwell only started to have feelings for her after she got engaged to Teddy in her past life. With the lights off, Monay on her side, watching Maxwell curled up on the sofa under the dim glow of the bedsidemp. The sofa was small, and Maxwell was all scrunched up, looking pretty ufortable.


    Mona suddenly felt a pang of self-doubt. Maxwell would rather put up with that than share a bed with her. ''Am I really that unattractive?'' she wondered.


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 Chapter 11

    Monay in bed, watching Maxwell huddled on the couch. He looked so pitiful, like a big dog abandoned by its owner. Her heart ached, and she wanted to pull him into her arms. After what felt like ages, Mona whispered, "Maxwell, are you asleep?" "No." Maxwell''s deep voice came from the darkness.


    "I''m having trouble sleeping," Mona said softly. "I just can''t seem to fall asleep."


    "Close your eyes, clear your mind, and take deep breaths," Maxwell suggested. He turned his back and nced at the bed. In the dim light, he could just make out Mona''s silhouette under the covers.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    His heart warmed with a strange feeling. Mona was lying in his bed-the very bed he usually slept in. The faint scent of her perfume hung in the air, a soft fragrance that made it hard for him to sleep as well.


    With a sigh, Mona said, "It''s no use, I still can''t sleep. Are you sure you don''t want toe up here? My sleeping position is pretty good."


    In the dark, her courage grew. Despite Maxwell turning her down once, she found herself asking again. Feeling a bit shy, she remembered that the closest they''d ever been was the kiss Maxwell gave her at their engagement party. They hadn''t had much chance to get close since then.


    Suddenly, Mona felt the bed shift slightly as Maxwelly down next to her, and his deep voice said, "Go to sleep" The warmth of his body and his masculine scent made Mona''s heart race. She slowly moved closer to him, drawn by his heat.


    Mona thought about everything Maxwell had done for her in her past life, and a wave of love filled her chest. She wanted to tell him the truth, but who would believe such a strange story? He''d probably think she was crazy.


    Being close to Maxwell made Mona feel at ease, and she soon drifted into a deep, restful sleep. Maxwell, however, couldn''t sleep at all. The soft scent of her filled the air, wrapping around him like a gentle web. He felt a strong pull to give in to the warmth andfort she brought.


    Suddenly, Mona''s smooth leg draped over his, sending a tingling sensation through him. Maxwell''s heart raced as he looked at her, now curled into his arms. So much for her iming she had a good sleep position.


    Gently turning onto his side, Maxwell faced Mona, their faces now just inches apart. He could feel the warmth of her soft skin and imagine her plush lips close by. His throat went dry as he swallowed, his hand instinctively sliding around her slim waist. Her waist was so tiny, he could almost wrap one hand around it.


    ''She''s my fianc¨¦e. It''s okay to hold her, right?'' Maxwell thought, trying to justify the embrace. But now that he was holding her, other thoughts started to creep in. He reminded himself that he was a gentleman, not someone who''d take advantage, and fought to keep his wandering hands in check.


    For Mona, it was the best night''s sleep she''d had in a long time. With Maxwell beside her, she slept through the night without waking up from that unsettling feeling of weightlessness that had been frightening her for the past few days.


    When Mona woke up the next morning, Maxwell was already gone. The only sign he''d been there was the crumpled bedsheets next to her. Mona wondered if she''d done anything embarrassing in her sleepst night but quickly shook off the thought. She''d always been a pretty calm sleeper.


    Mona sat on the bed for a moment before getting up to get ready. A dress had been set out for her on the bedside table. It fitted perfectly, making her smile. After her bold request for Maxwell to share the bedst night, she was relieved to see he didn''t seem annoyed. Come on, Mona, be braver. Maxwell''s practically yours already! she whispered to herself. If anyone had walked in then, they would''ve seen her grinning like a fool, lost in happy thoughts.


    Mona had to admit, that Maxwell had great taste. The light blue dress fit her perfectly, showing off her slim waist and long


    legs like it was made just for her.


    When she went downstairs, Maxwell was already sitting on the couch. She greeted him with a smile and sat next to him. "Thanks for the dress, it''s gorgeous. I really love it."


    Maxwell responded calmly, "I''m d you like it." But even as he spoke, his eyes couldn''t help but linger on her. The dress, which seemed ordinary before, now looked even more stunning on her, perfectly showing off her slim waist.


    After breakfast with his grandparents, Maxwell was eager to leave, still fuming about how Gordon had been eyeing Mona with that sleazy grin. "Want me to drop you home?" he asked.


    "Yes, please," Mona said, sighing at the thought of facing her enemies.


    Sure enough, as soon as Mona walked in, Barbara was there with a sugary-sweet smile, fawning over her. "Mona, how was your time with Maxwell? I''m so jealous! He must spoil you so much-he''s perfect! How lucky you are!" Barbara gushed, clinging to Mona''s side. Mona could barely tolerate her fake cheerfulness. Just hearing Barbara''s voice made her stomach churn. ''Has she already forgotten she slept with my ex-fianc¨¦? Stop faking this sisterly act just for the grandparents, Mona thought.


    Mona took a step back and replied coolly, "What''s going on? One fianc¨¦ wasn''t enough for you-now you''re aiming for the second one too?" Her words were cutting, and her gaze was icy, boring straight into Barbara.


    For a moment, Barbara felt like Mona must have some deep grudge against her. But then she thought it through and realized all she''d done was just sleep with Mona''s fianc¨¦. Spotting Jane on the couch, Barbara quickly tried to exin, "No, Mona, you''ve got it all wrong. I really didn''t mean itst time. Can''t you still trust me?"


    "Whether you meant it or not, it takes two to tango. You did it, so own up to it," Mona said sharply, then walked over to Jane, taking her arm warmly. "Grandma, I missed you."


    Jane chuckled. "Oh, you silly girl, what''s there to miss?" She then asked, "How''s everyone at the Carter family?"


    Mona filled Jane in on everything about Maxwell''s family, making sure to highlight how Juliet looked down on her. She knew Jane would definitely get Bernard involved once she heard about it. "Overall, Maxwell''s not bad," Jane said, smiling. "He even slept on the couchst night-a real gentleman!"


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 Chapter 12

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    12Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Mona smiled faintly. She definitely wasn''t going to mention how she''d invited Maxwell to share the bed with her twicest night. If she did. Jane would probably scold her for being too forward.


    That afternoon, Mona used her nned meetup with Ava as a cover to take Barbara''s and Jeremy''s hair samples to a private hospital for a paternity test. Once she had the results, she nned to cause some real trouble for them.


    The test results would take some time. After going through necessary procedures, Mona decided to hold off on heading home. She nned to meet Ava at a cafe, then do some shopping and pick up some nice clothes. After all, looking good might catch Maxwell''s eye a bit more. People do notice appearances, after all. Mona waited for a while, but instead of Ava, she ran into Teddy-the jerk himself. The moment Teddy saw Mona, he was stunned. ''Is this really the same Mona I know? She looks amazing today.'' He thought. Back when they were together, she always wore odd outfits and her hair was a mess.


    As Teddy remembered how his father had just chewed him out earlier that day, anger surged inside him. He thought, ''All I did was sleep with another woman, and Mona made it a huge deal! Now she''s even engaged to Maxwell. That''s a real blow to my pride. "Mona, what a coincidence." Teddy shed his trademark charming smile, the kind that usually made girls swoon. Even though he was out of college, he still had that boy-next-door, heartthrob vibe. In her past life, Mona might have fallen for his smooth talk and good looks, but now, she just found him greasy and insincere. "Mr. Powers, don''t call me that. My fianc¨¦ might get jealous if he hears you," Mona said coolly


    "Mona, I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance! I was drunk and mistook Barbara for you. You''re the only one care about, I swear!" Teddy pleaded, thinking she was just upset.


    Teddy was convinced that everyone in Nathontown knew how much Mona adored him. Since high school, she had always been chasing after him, giving him the best of everything. He thought he''d just made amon mistake and that a little sweet talk would fix things. The whole engagement with Maxwell? He believed it was just her way of getting back at him. He was absolutely sure of that.


    "Didn''t you hear? I''m engaged to Maxwell now. So, what are you to me? Trying to be the third wheel?" Monaughed. "If that''s the case, I''d be happy to make it news."


    She held up three fingers and said calmly, "I''m giving you three seconds to get out of here, or I''ll start shouting that there''s a guy here trying to be a homewrecker." "Mona, don''t be like this. I''m really sorry. I won''t ever do anything like that again," Teddy said, reaching out to grab her hand.


    them.


    Just then, Maxwell walked into the caf¨¦. His gaze immediately found Mona in her light blue dress. But when he saw Teddy holding her hand, his mood darkened. Anger shed across his face, and his hands clenched into fists. Maxwell marched over, silently watching Feeling the icy tension, Mona quickly stood up and pointed at Teddy. "Shameless! You want to be the other man? Well, I wouldn''t even look your way." Her words about Teddy being a''third wheel'' caught the attention of several people in the caf¨¦. Seeing Maxwell arrive, Mona abandoned all pretense and threw herself imo his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Maxwell, this third wheel is trying to steal your fianc¨¦e. What are we going to do about it?" she said with a yful pout. Maxwell stiffened at the sudden hug, his breath catching as he felt her warmth. But he quickly got into character, saying, "Someone wants to y the third wheel with my fianc¨¦e? Looks like they need a lesson."


    He then instructed his assistant, Nigel, to make sure the Carter Group snatched a few more deals from the Powers Group. Mona couldn''t help butugh. Maxwell definitely knew how to y along.


    Teddy''s face went pale. With the Clem Group already canceling a contract with the Powers Group that morning and hist father''s furious reaction, he knew angering the Carter Group would spell disaster for their business. "Mona, I was just joking! I''d never actually mess with you. I wish you and your fianc¨¦ all the best, Teddy said through gritted teeth. He thought, ''Once Mona cools down and forgives me, I''ll make sure Maxwell gets what''sing to him. Teddy wondered how long Mona would stay mad this time. Back when they were together, they''d fight, but she''d always get over it in a few days ande back to him. What Teddy didn''t get was that Mona really liked him back then. But now, Mona hated him and probably wished he would just vanish. Why would she ever forgive him? After Teddy slinked out of the caf¨¦, Mona quickly pulled away from Maxwell, feeling how awkward the situation was.


    "What a coincidence running into you here! I was actually just meeting my friend Ava. Bumping into that jerk was pure bad luck," she said, trying to rify so Maxwell wouldn''t get the wrong idea. But Maxwell had already guessed that Mona was just using him to get under Teddy''s skin. "I had a meeting with a business partner nearby," Maxwell said casually. Then, after a pause, he added, "By the way, Mona, in a few days, let''s go ahead and get the marriage license. My grandfather''s been pushing for it."


    He didn''t want to wait any longer. It wasn''t that he didn''t have faith in them; he just didn''t want to risk Mona being fooled by anyone else again.


    Mona nodded with a sweet smile. "Sure, just text me the details on WhatsApp." Despite being connected on the app for a while, they hadn''t exchanged many messages. Maxwell had only sent her his name, in and simple: "Maxwell Carter"-not even a period at the end. Maxwell was a bit surprised at how easily Mona agreed. Maybe she really didn''t mind the idea of being with him after all.

 Chapter 13

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    On the second floor, Maxwell''s business partner noticed he seemed distracted, staring intently at something downstairs. Worried that the deal might be going south, the partner was about to offer more concessions when Maxwell suddenly sweetened the deal even further. The partner couldn''t believe his luck and nced down, only to see two women who were absolutely stunning with every smile and gesture. But Maxwell wasn''t the type to be swayed by looks. Oh well, as long as the deal went through, that was all that mattered. Downstairs in the caf¨¦, Mona and Ava were chatting over coffee, Mona was letting off steam about Teddy''s arrogance. "Can you believe it? He actually thinks I''d just forgive him like that!" she huffed. "I''m starting to wonder if it''s my own fault for boosting his ego back then." Ava looked at her skeptically. "Mona, are you really over Teddy?" It''s no surprise Ava had her doubts, considering how obsessed Mona used to be. Back then, she''d drop everything to pick Teddy up in the middle of the night, even in freezing weather, just to cover his tab and drag him home. Noints, no questions. And when his parents got on his case for being a cker, she''d jump in to defend him, scared he''d get upset. Noticing the doubt in Ava''s expression, Mona couldn''t me her. Honestly, if someone had told her in the past that she''d one day stop loving Teddy, she wouldn''t have believed it either. But now, she nodded with conviction. "Yep, I''m really over him. I''m marrying Maxwell in just a few days."


    Ava almost choked on her coffee. "Wait, what? You''re actually marrying Maxwell? Are you serious? You''re not just doing this to stick it to Teddy, are you?"


    Mona felt like knocking some sense into Ava. "What''s going on in your head? Why would I throw away my happiness for that loser? Of course, I''m marrying for love! You wouldn''t get it, Miss Single."


    As she said this, Mona couldn''t help but remember how, in her past life, Ava had fallen for the jerk who ended up taking her heart-literally. This time, Mona was determined to stop that from happening. Ava still wasn''t buying it. "You''re talking like you and Maxwell had some epic love story. Let''s be real-this is totally a sh marriage."


    Mona brushed it off. "Say what you want. I''m marrying Maxwell because I feel like it. Anyway, if you find someone you''re into, make sure you tell me! I''ll check him out and see if he''s worth your time."


    Seeing Mona''s serious face, Ava felt it was a bit over the top. Just because she might start dating doesn''t mean she''d jump straight into marriage like Mona. But with how sincere Mona looked, Ava just nodded along. "Alright, fine, I''ll let you know."


    After lunch, they headed to the mall, ready for some serious shopping. But just as they got to the parking lot, they spotted Barbara''s car. That probably exins Teddy showing up out of nowhere at the caf¨¦ earlier.


    Once they hit the stores, Mona went full-on shopping mode. What woman doesn''t love a shopping spree? "This one''s cute. Wrap it up. And this, and that, and those too." She pointed at everything that caught her eye, not even blinking. With a stack of cash and Barbara''s half-year allowance in hand, she was more than ready to splurge on herself.


    Ava couldn''t help but admire her. "Mona, your style''s really leveled up."


    Mona chuckled. "My style''s always been on point. I just went along with Teddy''s cheesy taste because he was into those Barbie-pink looks. But now that he''s history, I can finally dress how I want." She picked out a few outfits for Ava as well, casually telling the staff to wrap them up without a second thought. After some shopping for themselves, Mona dragged Ava up to the men''s section on the second floor. She wanted to get something for Maxwell but was totally clueless about what to pick.


    IIL


    As they wandered through the stores, Ava couldn''t hold it in any longer. "Mona, don''t jump from one bad rtionship to another. You''re getting way too caught up in Maxwell already."


    Mona chuckled. "Teddy''s a jerk, no doubt, but Maxwell''s different. I''m leveling up-bing the sweet little wife of a bossy CEO. Now, let''s check out this store." They strolled into a boutique called ELL, known for its great reputation.


    After browsing around, Mona spotted a silver-gray suit on a mannequin. Her heart raced-it was just perfect for Maxwell. She could already picture him in it, with gold-rimmed sses. He''d look so irresistible she might just want to pounce on him herself. "Excuse me, could you show me that suit?" Mona asked the salesperson. Before they could respond, a sharp voice interrupted. "Wrap that up. It''s mine."


    Mona turned around and immediately recognized the girl-it was Quinn Hart, the same brat Teddy always called his "little sister."


    In her past life, Quinn had been a real thorn in Mona''s side. Every time Mona tried to buy Teddy a gift, Quinn would swoop in first, often using Mona''s money to pay for it. ''I must''ve been such a rich and gullible fool back then!'' Mona thought. Quinn sneered at the staff. "Didn''t you hear me? I want that suit! I know Mona''s nning to buy it for Teddy anyway. Since I''m having dinner with him tonight, how about I give it to him instead? I''m sure Mona won''t mind, right?" Her attitude was so arrogant like she didn''t even see Mona as a challenge.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Ava clenched her fists in frustration. ''Poor Mona''s been through so much for Teddy. Why does she always get treated like this?'' she thought.


    Mona remained unfazed and shot Quinn a cold look. "Miss Hart, aren''t you being a bit too pushy? When did I ever say I was buying this suit for that jerk Teddy?" She then turned to the salesperson and said, "Wrap it up. I''ll take it." The staff, knowing Mona was the first customer, quickly started wrapping the suit.


    Quinn looked puzzled. "Mona, if it''s not for Teddy, then who''s it for? It''s definitely not for your dad-it wouldn''t suit him at all."


    Mona smiled coolly. "It''s for my fianc¨¦-Maxwell." She paid for the suit, grabbed the bag, and walked out, not bothering to give Quinn another look.


    Quinn watched them leave, seething with rage. "Mona, aren''t you worried I''ll tell Teddy what you said? You''re just asking for trouble." Mona waved her hand dismissively. "Go ahead."


    Fuming, Quinn stomped her foot and quickly texted Teddy, adding her own dramatic spin to the story. Things were about to get interesting.

 Chapter 14

    Teddy didn''t even look at the message when it came in. He was too busy fooling around in bed with Barbara. He had to admit, he was really into her body and that soft, delicate voice-it just made him want to push her around even more. 41%


    After some intense action, Teddyy back, holding Barbara close and ying with her hair. He thought to himself that Barbara was indeed goodpany. If it were up to him, he''d consider sticking with her long-term.


    But he couldn''t shake the memory of Mona''s tempting look at the caf¨¦. It stirred up a craving in him. Mona had always been so conservative. Even after dating for years, all they ever did was hold hands; she wouldn''t let him kiss her, insisting she''d save everything for their wedding night.


    Back then, he thought it was beneath him to push her and was fine with waiting. But now, seeing how irresistible she looked and considering they''d been together for four years, he figured she should be his at least once.


    "What are you thinking about, Teddy?" Barbara''s fingers traced his lips teasingly. Honestly, if Maxwell weren''t in the picture, Teddy would have been her top choice for a husband. But with Monanding someone like Maxwell, Barbara felt Teddy just didn''t measure up. In this life, all Barbara wanted was to outshine Mona. If Mona liked something, Barbara wanted it too. She''d taken Teddy just because Mona liked him, and now that Mona was engaged to Maxwell, she wanted him too.


    "Nothing much, just wondering what wild thing Mona might be up to now," Teddy replied, "If we don''t get her in check, we''ll never get her shares of Clem Group." He thought, ''If I could take over Clem Group and merge it with Powers Group, what would I have to worry about from the Carter Group?


    "Exactly, Teddy. You should really work on winning her over. I''m just hoping to get some of the leftovers from your feast," Barbara said yfully, nudging him on. She had set up today''s caf¨¦ meeting to give Teddy a chance to patch things up with Mona. But to her surprise, Mona wasn''t ying along at all, bluntly kicking Teddy out.


    "Yeah, if I manage to get a full meal, I''ll save some soup for you," Teddy grinned, giving Barbara a kiss on the cheek.


    A few hourster, Teddy finally saw Quinn''s message. When he saw that Mona had bought a suit for Maxwell, he was furious. She used to pick out all his clothes, including the suit he was wearing today. The thought of her doing that for another man drove him crazy. That suit should''ve been his.


    "Damn it! What''s Mona thinking? If she wants me to notice her, she should just talk to me. But no, she''s gone and gotten engaged to Maxwell and is buying him clothes. Where does that leave me?" In a fit of anger, he kicked the table, feeling both helpless and enraged. Barbara quickly got out of bed and tried to calm him down. "Teddy, how about we turn this around? Let''s tell Maxwell that Mona originally bought the suit for you, but when you got upset and refused it, she gave it to him.


    "They don''t have a strong rtionship anyway. If you nt some doubt in Maxwell''s mind, he might even eall off the engagement. After all, what man can stand to see his fianc¨¦e still hung up on someone else?" Teddy''s mood lifted immediately. "Barbara, you''re a genius! I''m posting something right now."


    Maxwell was in a good mood all day. Mona had agreed to get the marriage license without hesitation, and he even let his secretary off the hook for a mistake.


    Teddy posted a cryptic message on social media, visible only to Maxwell: [So you''re marrying someone else to get back at me? Regretting it already?] The post included a photo of the silver-gray suit Mona had bought.


    Maxwell wasn''t one to check his social feed often, but today he was feeling unusually cheerful and decided to scroll through it. He saw Teddy''s post and immediately took a screenshot, ready to confront Mona. Were they not supposed to be getting


    III


    married? Why was she buying suits for another man?


    3


    He even opened up Mona''s chat, preparing to ask her about it, but then chickened out. What if she replied, (Yes, I do regret it]? That would crush him. Better to act like he didn''t know, he decided.


    Meanwhile, Mona had no clue about the drama. She was busy admiring the suit in her closet. Among her colorful dresses, the silver-gray suit stood out, giving her a sense of satisfaction.


    She thought it might be too eager to hand it to Maxwell directly she needed a good excuse. But after brainstorming all night, she couldn''te up with one. By the next morning, she woke up with dark circles under her eyes.


    To her surprise, Maxwell had sent her a message-something he rarely did. It read, [Mona, I''ll pick you up at 8 a.m. Let''s go get the marriage license.] Then she noticed it was sent at 3 a.m. Did he stay up all night?'' she wondered. Her heart raced. Maxwell was more eager than she''d expected. She quickly replied. [OK, see you then.]


    Then she rushed to get ready-moisturizer, serum, eye cream, primer, foundation... she used everything she had. Finally, she put on a white blouse with a short skirt and let her slightly curled hair fall naturally over her shoulders.


    Pleased with her bright-eyed, red-lipped, long-legged reflection in the mirror, Mona marveled at how being two years younger worked wonders-no sign of those dark circles at all.


    When she got downstairs, Maxwell was already chatting with her grandparents. Whatever he had said had them both grinning from ear to ear. Mona had always thought Maxwell wasn''t much of a talker, but clearly, she''d underestimated him.


    After greeting everyone, she sat down next to Jane, who handed her the birth certificate with a smile. "You''re going to get the marriage license, right? Don''t waste time-get it done ande back quickly."


    Mona blinked in confusion. She had nned to sweet-talk her way into getting permission, but it seemed Maxwell had already taken care of that. Before she could react, Maxwell took her hand and led her outside. He only dared to hold her hand in front of their families. "How did you get my grandparents to agree so easily?" Mona asked, her fingers tugging at Maxwell''s sleeve.


    Maxwell''s voice turned cold as he shot back, "Why, did you not want them to agree?" But as soon as he asked, he regretted it. What if she said "yes"? That was thest thing he wanted to hear.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


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 Chapter 15

    like all the warmth had been drained out of the air around him.


    "Maxwell, what''s going on? We agreed on this, didn''t we? Of course, I want them to be on board. I''m just curious about what you told them," Mona quickly exined. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off with Maxwell today-he seemed colder than usual She didn''t know what was up with him, but thankfully, she had enough warmth for both of them. After everything she''d gone through in her past life, she knew Maxwell better than anyone. She wasn''t scared of him anymore. "Nothing, let''s just go." Maxwell''s tone was short, but he still opened the passenger door for her, making sure she didn''t bump her head as she got in.


    The ride to the city hall was silent, with only the whooshing sound of the wind filling the space between them. Mona had no clue what to talk about, while Maxwell was still brooding over the thought of her wanting to reconcile with Teddy.


    Maxwell knew deep down that Mona was only marrying him out of spite toward Teddy, but understanding that didn''t make it hurt any less. The thought alone was enough to dampen his mood.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    At first, he''d been over the moon when Mona agreed to get engaged-he''d been so thrilled he couldn''t sleep that night. But now, he couldn''t help but wish that one day, she''d truly fall for him.


    He wasn''t sure when that would happen, but he believed it would. And when it did, they could have the wedding they both deserved. But as for the marriage license? That couldn''t wait any longer.


    Given their status in Nathontown, getting the marriage license was a breeze. No lines, no hassle-just some signatures, a couple of stamps, and a quick photo. The whole thing took less than six minutes.


    As they stepped out of the city hall, Mona stared at the marriage license in her hands, feeling a strange sense of calm. The position every girl in Nathontown dreamed of was now hers. ncing at the man beside her, she couldn''t help but feel a wave of satisfaction. After they got into the car, Mona, sitting in the passenger seat, hesitated before finally calling out, "Max." It felt a bit awkward, but he was her husband now-getting closer seemed natural.


    Maxwell''s lips curved slightly as he responded softly, "Yeah?" From today, Mona was officially his wife. Hearing Mona call him that stirred something inside him. ''Is she finally ready to move on from Teddy and give us a real chance?'' he wondered.


    "Do you have any nster? Could you drop me off at the hospital?" Mona asked casually. Today was the day the paternity test results would be ready.


    "The hospital? Are you feeling unwell?" Maxwell asked urgently, his voice filled with concern. He was immediately on edge, fearing that something might be wrong with her.


    Caught off guard by the genuine concern in his dark eyes, Mona''s heart fluttered slightly. "No, I''m fine. Just going to pick up something."


    Hearing that, Maxwell''s tensed nerves rxed, and he drove them to the private hospital she mentioned. The moment they arrived, he followed right behind her, as if scared she was secretly suffering from something serious.


    Mona hadn''t intended to hide anything from Maxwell anyway. He''d find out sooner orter. Honestly, she''d love to blow this whole matter up-after all, the truth about Barbara being an illegitimate daughter was a ticking time bomb for her.


    The only thing holding her back was her concern for her grandparents. With Jeremy still running the Clem Group, things could get really messy.


    Mona quickly retrieved the test results. As expected, she wasn''t Jeremy''s daughter-Barbara was. Even though she''d known this in her past life, seeing it in ck and white still hit hard. Suddenly, all those years of Jeremy favoring Barbara made perfect sense.


    Maxwell stood beside Mona as she scanned the report. She didn''t try to hide it, and he caught a nce at the papers, his eyes widening. ''So Jeremy''s not Mona''s real father?'' he thought, shocked. "Max, can I lean on your shoulder for a bit? I''m feeling kinda down," Mona asked softly. Before he could respond, she was al snuggling into his embrace.


    d by the sudden closeness, Maxwell stiffened for a moment, then gave a small, awkward nod. This felt even more than the time he''d secretly hugged her-only this time, she was the one initiating it. Sure, she had her reasons, but it meant she wasn''t ufortable being close to him. Mustering up his courage, he nervously patted her back, his heart racing with every gentle tap. To Maxwell, Mona was like a ray of light in his otherwise dark world, slowly bringing warmth and color into his life.


    They weren''t sure how long they stayed like that, but eventually, Mona felt a bit better and gently pulled away, feeling a little shy about hugging in public like that.


    "Are you still feeling down?" Maxwell asked, his voice slightly husky as he tried to keep his cool, hiding just how much their closeness affected him.


    "I''m okay now. I kind of expected this result anyway. Let''s head home-my grandparents are probably waiting for us," Mona said with a brave smile. Gathering her courage, she took Maxwell''s hand. They''d already hugged, so holding hands shouldn''t be a big deal, right? She silently hoped he wouldn''t be cruel enough to pull away. Maxwell nced down at their intertwined fingers, his chest swelling with a sense of joy. ''She''s really serious about this... about building a life with me, he thought, focusing only on Mona and the warmth of their joined hands. Everything else seemed to blur into the background.


    He couldn''t believe how things had turned out today-stuff he wouldn''t have even dared to dream of. They held hands all the way to the car, and when Mona finally let go, he felt an unexpected emptiness.


    "Max, what are you spacing out for? Start the car." Mona teased, snapping him out of his daze.


    Maxwell quickly started the car. The road felt way too short-they''d barely held hands, and now they were already here. After Mona got in, Maxwell leaned over to buckle her seatbelt, trying to stay calm. ''It''s just a seatbelt, no big deal, he thought. But as he leaned in, their faces ended up just inches apart.


    Mona''s heart skipped a beat. His slightly messy hair fell across his forehead, partially shading those deep, intense eyes. The open cor of his shirt revealed a smooth neck and a teasing glimpse of his corbone, sending her pulse into overdrive. Flustered by where her thoughts were going, Mona quickly looked away. "Th-thanks."


    With a soft click, Maxwell secured the seatbelt and pulled back, doing his best to keep his cool. "No problem," he replied, hiding the nervous flutter in his chest.

 Chapter 16

    Returning to the Clem family honte felt different for Mona this time. Today was the day she and Maxwell were getting their marriage license, and nothing-not even the paternity test results-could dampen her mood.


    Mona quietly tucked the test results into her bag, deciding to deal with themter. Just then, she felt a pair of strong hands wrap around hers. Looking up, she saw Maxwell''s deep, reassuring gaze. "Don''t be upset. None of this is your fault," he said softly. He seemed to get how she felt.


    Maxwell thought back to his own childhood, before he was brought into the Carter family. Back then, he lived with his mother and had to endure being called a bastard. Even after joining the Carters, he still felt the sting of being seen as illegitimate. No one dared say it out loud in the Carter house, but the bitterness and sense of inferiority never really went


    away.


    He could imagine how hard it must be for Mona to learn that her father wasn''t her real father.


    "Yeah, I know. Let''s go inside. Grandma and Grandpa must be waiting," Mona said.


    It wasn''t her fault anyway. The real troublemakers were Barbara and Teddy-the ones who''d pushed her off a building in her past life-and Beatrice and Jeremy, who had caused her mother''s death. If she wasn''t supposed to hold onto her feelings, then she wouldn''t. She''d learned that lesson the hard way.


    As soon as Mona and Maxwell walked in, she handed their marriage license to Jane. Meanwhile, Mona noticed the envy in Barbara''s eyes. It made sense-Maxwell was a big deal in Nathontown, a business powerhouse and a standout among his peers. Teddy wasn''t even in the same league.


    Mona, with her second chance at life, knew all too well that Barbara was incredibly selfish. She only cared about herself, her interests, and her status. Family and love didn''t even register for her.


    "Grandma, Grandpa, don''t we look great together?" Mona asked with a smile. She had to admit, their marriage license photos were stunning. Both of them had bright smiles, and Maxwell''s look of love in the picture really shone through.


    "Oh, absolutely. You both look so beautiful. Mona, you''re as lovely as your mother," Jane said, her eyes glistening. Mona was looking more and more like Emily, especially with those mesmerizing almond-shaped eyes.


    "Indeed, beautiful." Bernard agreed. The Clem family genes were strong-each generation seemed to get even more beautiful.


    "Mona, you look amazing! I can''t believe you''re actually married now," Beatrice eximed, genuinely surprised. She hadn''t expected Mona to go through with marrying Maxwell. Wasn''t Mona supposed to be in love with Teddy? But now that Mona was married, maybe she could convince Bernard and Jane to let Barbara marry Teddy.


    The Powers family might not be as influential as the Carters, but they still had a good amount of sway in Nathontown. Plus, after the mess at Mona''s engagement party, Barbara would have a hard time finding someone better than Teddy. "Thanks, Aunt Beatrice," Mona said, holding back her anger.


    "Mona, I can''t believe you actually got married. I always thought you''d end up with Teddy, Barbara remarked, ncing at Maxwell. She couldn''t believe Maxwell hadn''t seen Teddy''s social media posts. ''How could he still be with Mona?'' she wondered. Barbara''s words put Mona on edge. "Yeah, I used to think that too. But here''s something you might not know, Barbara-1 don''t keep trash around. And that includes people. Didn''t you realize you''ve already slept with Teddy?" Barbara had meant to provoke Maxwell, but she didn''t expect Mona to expose her affair with Teddy so bluntly, Her face flushed red, as if she''d been pped. "It''s... it''s my fault. I''m sorry, Mona," Barbara stammered.


    "No need to apologize," Mona said with a sweet smile. "If anything, I should thank you. Without you, I might not have found


    III


    15.17 Sat, Oct


    someone as amazing as-Maxwell." She took Maxwell''s hand, giving him a loving look in public to really drive her point


    home.


    Mona, Barbara knows she was wrong. Let''s just move on. You''re married to Maxwell now, so focus on your life with him and orget about Teddy," Jeremy said firmly.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Mona chuckled. It was always the same-Barbara made a mistake, apologized, and everything was brushed aside. Back when Mona thought Jeremy was her dad, she put up with it. But now that she knew they weren''t rted, why should she?


    Just as Mona was about to say something, Maxwell cut in. "Dad, that''s not right. Barbara slept with Mona''s ex-fianc¨¦. If she has the nerve to do that, she should have the nerve to face the consequences. Mona''s not out of line here."


    "You..." Jeremy was so furious he jumped up from his seat. In this house, as long as he kept Bernard and Jane happy, everyone else had to listen to him. But now, Mona''s fianc¨¦ had the nerve to stand up to him, and it made him feelpletely disrespected. "Alright, everyone, let''s calm down. Today''s a happy day-Mona and Maxwell just got their marriage license. Let''s not focus on the negatives. Polly, whip up something special for lunch to celebrate," Jane said, stepping in to diffuse the tension. She headed to the kitchen to make ns.


    Jane was pleased with Jeremy as an inw, but she was even more thrilled about Mona marrying Maxwell. Especially today, she''d found-out Maxwell had been in love with Mona since they were kids.


    When Jane came back to the living room, she was pleasantly surprised to see Maxwell feeding Mona strawberries, and Mona was happily epting them. "This boy''s on the right track. If things keep going like this, they might be nning their wedding soon, she thought. "Mona, you and Maxwell should start nning your wedding in a few months," Jane suggested with a smile. She had originally hesitated about the marriage license that morning, but after hearing Maxwell''s reasons, she changed her mind.


    It was clear Mona needed to move on from Teddy and start fresh. It was better to be with someone who truly loved her than to chase after someone who didn''t. And Maxwell was definitely that person for Mona.


    Maxwell had initially proposed dying the wedding because he wanted Mona to marry him out of genuine happiness, not out of revenge or spite toward Teddy. He was confident that Mona would eventually fall for him, and Jane believed it was just a matter of time.

 Chapter 17

    17


    having the wedding right away?" Mona asked, looking puzzled. After all, she was the eldest daughter of the Clem family, Maxwell was the CEO of Carter Group. How could they get married without a proper wedding?


    ah, we''re going to wait a bit. Your marriage isn''t just any event, it''s a big deal in Nathontown. It takes time to n erything right," Jane exined. Mona seemed keen on having a wedding sooner, and Jane wasn''t entirely sure if agreeing to Maxwell''s suggestion was the best move.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. We''ve already gotten the marriage license, so I''m officially Mrs. Carter now." Mona shrugged. Ater wedding was fine with her. It would be even better to have it when Maxwell was head over heels in love with her. That would be the real win. And just like that, the wedding topic was set aside for the time being.


    After lunch, Jane urged Mona and Maxwell to leave, hoping they''d get some quality alone time to strengthen their rtionship.


    Over the past few days, Jane had be more impressed with Maxwell. He wasn''t much of a talker, but when he did speak, it was always heartfelt. He was consistently supportive of Mona, unlike Teddy, who was all talk and no action. Looking back, it was clear that Teddy had only been leading Mona on, making promises he never meant to keep.


    "Don''t pack too much. You can alwayse back with Maxwell anytime. Just take a few of your usual outfits," Jane advised from outside as Maxwell helped Mona pack her things in her room.


    Mona hummed in response, focusing on sorting through her belongings. It was her first time leaving this home, and while she felt a twinge of nostalgia, excitement was her main emotion. Maxwell stood by quietly, handing her items when needed.


    "Max, can you grab a couple of towels from the left-hand cab?" Mona asked while cing her pajamas in her suitcase.


    "Sure." Maxwell nodded and opened the drawer. His face went red the moment he saw what was inside. He quickly grabbed the towels and handed them to Mona.


    Mona instantly realized what he must have seen in that drawer-besides the towels, there were her bras and probably some underwear. Her face flushed with embarrassment. She avoided looking directly at Maxwell, just reaching out to take the towels from him.


    By mid-afternoon, they arrived at Maxwell''s ce-a swanky apartment right in the heart of Nathontown. Surrounded by greenery, the building had a calm, almost artistic vibe that didn''t quite match Maxwell''s business image. The apartment was a duplex: downstairs had the living room, dining area, and kitchen, while upstairs was housed the bedroom and study.


    Mona looked around, a bit surprised. In her past life, Maxwell had lived in a grand mansion when she was with him.


    "This ce might be a bit small, but it''s got everything we need," Maxwell said nervously, worried Mona might think it was too cramped for her socialite tastes.


    "It''s cozy, I actually like it. Big houses are overrated anyway. Where''s the bedroom? I''ll unpack," Mona smiled.


    She hadn''t expected Maxwell to choose a simpler, more private space over a mansion with a bunch of servants. The best part? It was just the two of them here-no interruptions. This might be her chance to get closer to Maxwell.


    Plus, she was pretty confident in her cooking skills. In her past life, she''d worked hard to impress Teddy with her cooking, only to have it mostly eaten by his so-called "siblings." Looking back, she felt all that effort was wasted. They say the way to a man''s heart is through his stomach, and that''s exactly what she nned to use on Maxwell.


    "Upstairs. I''ll show you," Maxwell said, feeling a bit relieved as he led her up to the second floor and into the bedroom.


    "The ce is a bit small, so there''s only one bedroom. Is that okay with you?" Maxwell asked, sounding both hopeful and a


    ...0


    bit nervous.


    He admitted he had selfish reasons-he wanted to stay close to Mona, even if it meant sharing the same room. Though he had a bed in the study and rarely used the bedroom, the idea of Mona being there made him want to be there more often. Even if he had to crash on the sofa, just being near her was enough.


    After their time at the Carter family mansion, Maxwell knew Mona wasn''t totally against him. Even though he knew she''d married him partly to get back at Teddy, he still took the chance to ask.


    "I think it''s perfect-neither too big nor too small. I''ll start unpacking," Mona said.


    "Okay, I''ll be in the study, right next door. Just give me a shout if you need anything." Maxwell replied.


    After Maxwell left, Mona looked around at the minimalist ck decor of the room. It felt a bit cold and empty. She promised herself she''d bring some warmth and love into Maxwell''s life.


    Mona hung her colorful clothes next to his collection of ck suits in the closet, which brightened up the space immediately. Then she set up her skincare and makeup on the vanity. When she was finished, the room felt more lively, and she realized she was pretty tired. Seeing the bathtub with those massage jets, Mona didn''t even hesitate and started running the water. She had to admit, Maxwell really knew how to live it up-even the bathroom had a stash of nice wines. She poured herself a ss of red, enjoying the deep, rich vor. With a sip, she sank into the tub, letting her mind drift.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ''How am I supposed to break the news about the paternity test to Grandpa and Grandma? If. I just hand it over, they''ll definitely ask why I secretly did it in the first ce. I can''t exactly say it''s because of something Barbara told me in a past life.


    ''Oh wait. What if I anonymously send copies of the results to everyone in the Clem family, including myself? That way, I can act surprised and confront everyone without looking suspicious. She thought, silently giving herself a pat on the back for the clever idea. After finishing her bath, Mona slipped into a silk nightgown that fell to her calves. As she was fastening the buttons, she noticed a shadow at the door. ncing up, she saw Maxwell standing there, and then she looked down at herself-her nightgown was only half- buttoned. Quickly pulling it tighter around her, she felt her face heat up with embarrassment.


    "S-sorry. I didn''t know you were getting dressed. Take your time I''ll head out," Maxwell stammered before quickly backing


    out of the room.

 Chapter 18

    18


    bit of a reaction down below.


    Maxwell''s heart sped up as he caught another glimpse of Mona''s figure. She had the kind of curves that could make any guy lose his cool-everything just right in all the right ces. A moment ago, he''d identally gotten a peek at her chest, and it was hard not to feel a After Maxwell left, Mona quickly finished getting dressed, still thinking about how the day had been full of awkward moments with him. It was surprising how much Maxwell had matured. It was hard to believe that the same guy who used to tease her and pinch her cheeks was now so calm andposed. Spotting the silver-gray suit hanging in the closet, Mona decided it would make the perfect wedding gift for Maxwell. She picked it up and headed toward the study. Standing at the door, she knocked twice and called out, "Max, I''ming in." His deep voice responded from inside, "Come in."


    As Mona walked in, she was met with Maxwell''s usual cool, distant vibe. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned, showing a bit of his firm chest. He wore gold-rimmed sses, giving him a mix of restrained desire and icy detachment. Mona couldn''t help but think, ''He''s incredible. When will I ever win him over?''Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Their eyes met briefly before Mona smiled and held out the suit. She''d noticed his closet was full of ck suits and was curious to see if he''d be into a different color for a change.


    When Maxwell saw the suit, his expression darkened. He felt a surge of irritation and gripped his pen tighter. "What''s this supposed to mean? Is she giving me something Teddy didn''t want?'' he thought.


    "Max, it''s a wedding gift. Do you like it?" Mona asked with a bright smile.


    Trying to keep his frustration in check, Maxwell just said, "It''s not bad.


    Mona felt a pang of disappointment at his lukewarm response, but at least he didn''t t-out reject it. "I''ll hang it in the closet for you. Maybe you can wear it when you get a chance."


    "Sure," Maxwell said, turning back to hisputer, focused on his work. Mona stood there for a moment, hoping for some acknowledgment, but when none came, she realized she was just in the way and left the study.


    Once Mona was gone, Maxwell leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarette, letting the smoke fill the room with a hazy mist. He thought to himself, ''Mona, what am I supposed to do with you?''


    Meanwhile, Mona was in the kitchen, deciding what to cook for dinner. Since it was her first time making a meal for Maxwell and it would just be the two of them, she went with some simple dishes: fried steak, Caesar sd, and French onion soup-all with ingredients she found in the fridge.


    She had taken the steak out of the fridge and was marinating it with spices, paying close attention to every detail. She wanted Maxwell to taste her best effort. When Maxwell walked out of the study, he was met with the sight of Mona, her hair tied up and wearing an apron, hard at work in the kitchen.


    Maxwell''s heart squeezed at the scene. Mona, the pampered heiress he''d always thought wouldn''t lift a finger in the kitchen, was here cooking for him. But then he realized, she must have learned all this for Teddy,


    Mona felt a strong gaze on her back and knew without looking that it was Maxwell. "Just a little longer, and dinner will be ready!" she said cheerfully.


    "Let me help," Maxwell said. He wasn''t one of those CEOs who couldn''t manage on his own. He''d learned to cook out of necessity growing up, and even after joining the Carter family, he still liked to cook for himself whenever he could.


    M¨®na turned and saw Maxwell washing vegetables with skillful ease. She nodded in agreement, and they quickly fell into a smooth rhythm, working together effortlessly. Before long, the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of their cooking.


    §à


    R


    The peaceful atmosphere was suddenly broken by the buzz of a phone on the table. Mona nced at it but didn''t bother checking, thinking it was just a message. Maxwell, standing right next to it, caught a glimpse of the screen.


    The message read, [Mona, I know I was wrong. You don''t have to marry Maxwell just to get back at me. I promise I won''t mess up again. Please, give me one more chance.] Even without a remark, Maxwell instantly recognized the sender as Teddy.


    Th


    hed cooking, and Mona ate cheerfully, but Maxwell only took a few bites before getting up and heading back ving Mona alone at the table. Even though the food was delicious, it tasted like ash in his mouth. Mona, sudden shift in mood, sighed. ''Did my cooking not suit his taste?'' she wondered.


    well left, Mona lost her appetite too. As she mindlessly scrolled through her phone, she finally saw the message


    d stirred things up. Already in a bad mood, her anger red.


    Mona replied, [Teddy, you jerk! Haven''t I made it clear? I don''t like you anymore. We''re done. And you seriously think I married Maxwell just to spite you? Are you out of your mind? The biggest mistake I ever made was wasting my time on you!] After sending the message, Mona immediately blocked the number, trying to calm down.


    When Teddy read the message, he was fuming. ''I begged her, and this is how she treats me?'' he thought. When he tried to call Mona, he found she''d blocked him. Enraged, he smashed his phone. He decided he wouldn''t chase her anymore, confident that Mona would eventuallye crawling back, just like before. After a while, it finally hit Mona that Maxwell might have seen Teddy''s message, which could exin why he''d suddenly gone cold. But then she second-guessed herself. ''Maxwell doesn''t even really like me right now, so why would something like that bother him?'' she wondered.

 Chapter 19

    After tidying up the kitchen and dining area, Mona decided to bring Maxwell a ss of milk. Who cared if it felt a bit awkward? Considering that Maxwell had avenged her in her past life, she owed him this. She knocked on the study door, milk in hand. Maxwell replied, "Come in," and Mona walked in, setting the milk on his desk. "You didn''t eat much at dinner, so I thought you might like some milk. It might help you sleep better." "Hmm, thanks," Maxwell said, ncing up at her with a touch of gratitude. He was used to being alone and no one had ever prepared milk for him or shown him this kind of care. Most people didn''t even dare get close to him. Suddenly, the annoying message from carlier seemed irrelevant. As long as Mona was willing to stay by his side, that was enough. He could take his time winning her over. "Don''t work toote," Mona said with concern. "It''s not good for your health."


    "Alright. You should get some rest too," Maxwell replied.


    After leaving the study, Mona headed back to her room, feeling a surprising sense of security, maybe because Maxwell had slept there before. But as soon as she checked her phone, she was greeted with a flood of messages from Teddy. Teddy: [Mona, I don''t care if you''re married to Maxwell. You better not sleep with him.]


    Teddy: [If you do, you''ll regret it! Even if youe crawling back, I won''t forgive you.]


    Teddy: [Mona, answer me! Don''t y dumb with me.]


    Annoyed, Mona snapped back. [Are you delusional? How many times do I have to say it? We''re done. Why do you keep bothering me?]


    To make her point, Mona sent him a picture of Maxwell''s room, clearly a man''s space. [Whether I sleep with Maxwell or not is none of your business.]


    Just as she was about to block Teddy, he replied, [You''ve got guts, Mona. We''ll see if youe crawling back to meter.]


    Mona shot back. [Get lost! I''ll never beg you, not in a lifetime.]


    Fuming, Mona immediately deleted Teddy''s number and tossed her phone on the floor in frustration. Just then, Maxwell walked in, and the phonended right at his feet. Mona quickly jumped out of bed to grab it. "Sorry, did it hit your foot?" Maxwell was taken aback by her outburst. "No, it''s fine. What''s got you so worked up?"


    Mona unlocked her phone, relieved it wasn''t broken, and showed Maxwell the messages. "Look at this! Is he out of his mind? I told him at the engagement party that it''s over between us, yet he keeps bothering me like I can''t live without him." Maxwell read through the conversation with a hint of satisfaction, thinking, ''Looks like Mona really isn''t nning to get back with Teddy. He then asked, "So, that suit wasn''t meant for Teddy?"


    "What? Who told you that?" Mona asked, quickly realizing why Maxwell hadn''t seemed thrilled when she gave him the suit earlier.


    Maxwell showed her a screenshot of Teddy''s post, which had misled him.


    Mona silently cursed under her breath. "Maxwell, don''t let him get in your head. I bought that suit just for you! Ava was with me when I picked it out. If you don''t believe me, you can ask her or even the store clerk. The moment I found out Teddy was with Barbara, Ipletely wrote him off. I''m never going back."


    15:17 Sat,


    almost let it slip that she was starting to like Maxwell but held back, worried he might not take her seriously since they hadn''t spent that much time together yet. Better to take it slow.


    Hearing Mona''s sincere exnation, Maxwell felt warmth spread through his chest. "You don''t have to exin so much. I believe you. We''re married now, right?"


    Mona smiled and nodded. "Yeah, we are." Married-it meant they were officially a couple now.


    "It''ste. You should get some rest. I''m going to take a shower."


    "Alright, go ahead." Mona watched as Maxwell grabbed his clothes and headed to the bathroom. The vibe between them felt a bit different now.


    When Maxwell came out of the shower, he was shirtless, just wearing ck shorts. His broad shoulders, toned waist, and the hint of abs under the dim light all gave off an air of quiet strength. Mona stole a couple of quick nces before quickly looking away, her face warming up. Maxwell turned off the lights andy down beside Mona. "Goodnight." Even though lying next to Mona made it hard for him to control his urges, he was determined to stick it out. He figured if he didn''t take this chance now, it''d be even harder to share a bed with herter. "Good... goodnight," Mona stammered, her thoughts spinning, ''Is he really just going to sleep? It''s our wedding night, for crying out loud. I''m right here next to him, and he doesn''t react at all? Could it be that he really can''t...?'' She soon heard Maxwell''s steady breathing and sighed in frustration. ''So, he really can''t,'' she concluded. Still mulling over it, she eventually drifted off to sleep, unaware that Maxwell had quietly slipped out to the bathroom.


    The next morning, Mona woke up to find Maxwell already gone. She quickly got dressed and headed downstairs, ready for the day-she had big ns and was also going back to work at Clem Group.


    When she reached the living room, she found Maxwell sitting on the sofa, enjoying breakfast. Without hesitation, Mona grabbed a piece of toast and sat down next to him. She noticed he was wearing the silver-gray suit she bought for him-it fit perfectly. "Max, this suit looks amazing on you! I''ve got good taste, huh? Can you give me a rideter? It''s a pain to get a taxi around here," she said, taking a bite of her toast.


    She was considering buying a car. Back when she lived at the Clem residence, Jeremy would drive her around, but now that she''s with Maxwell, she can''t rely on him for rides. Taking taxis every day just isn''t practical.


    "Where are you off to? Clem Group?" Maxwell asked.


    Mona nodded. "Yep, and I''m also thinking about getting a car. I got my driver''s license in college, but it''s been a while since I drove, If I buy one, Til need to brush up on my driving skills before hitting the road." Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 20

    "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 wasst 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 na?ve she had been. Teddy didn''t want her working simply because he thought it was inappropriate for his fianc¨¦e 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 thepany''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 nce at her.


    She could guess why. Back in the day, she was always thest 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''de in early, wearing a white blouse and a and a ck skirt-looking professional and mature.


    Around half past t eight,N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    leam


    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 nces.


    s give her a a warm wee,'' ''Leander Ford, the design manager, announced, leading the apuse.


    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 fianc¨¦. That mark on Barbara''s reputation was now permanent. Leander then nced 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. Hisck 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 reiming 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, ra. 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 ra Whitlock." She noticed Mona seemed different today, maybe shaken by the whole fianc¨¦ affair. ra 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, bing the center of attention while Mona was left on the sidelines.


    "Mona, let''s have lunch together! We haven''t eaten at thepany 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 popr Barbara was with the team. What was meant to be a meal for two quickly turned into arge 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.


    ?

 Chapter 21

    The person Ava found for her was trustworthy. Even if Jeremy investigated, he wouldn''t find anything. Mona hadn''t sent anything rted to herself and Jeremy.


    Through her observations over the past few days, she suspected that Jeremy knew she wasn''t his daughter but hadn''t said anything. There had to be a reason, possibly connected to her mother. She nned to find a suitable opportunity to speak privately with her grandparents to uncover the truth.


    Ava''s contact was impressively quick, arriving at the Clem Group''s entrance in less than five minutes.


    Wearing a ck baseball cap pulled low, his face waspletely hidden, but Mona recognized him instantly. He ced the items she intended to send to her family on a ledge by the flowerbed and then walked away. Watching from a corner, Mona saw the man pick up the items, and she breathed a sigh of relief, waiting for her package to arrive. With everything in order, Mona returned to her desk and settled infortably.


    No one around her noticed anything unusual. When Barbara returned from lunch, she asked why Mona was back so early. Mona simply replied that she had finished eating and came back As the workday was wrapping up, Mona noticed the office assistant handing out packages. The assistant handed her an envelope, and Mona epted it with pleasant surprise. That was fast! Mona then saw


    Tast:


    Barbara receiving a simr envelope. Mona chuckled softly and opened her envelope at the same time as Barbara.


    Barbara''s face immediately went pale, her eyes filled with fear. If the family elders found out she was Jeremy''s child, could her family continue living peacefully with them? Barbara''s head shot up, locking eyes with Mona, who wore an expression of surprise and disbelief.


    As


    As the clock struck twelve, Mona grabbed her bag and headed out of the office. Passing by Barbara, she gave her a meaningful look. Barbara stammered, "Mona, did you get something too?"


    Mona waved the document in her hand. "You mean this paternity test report?"


    Barbara forced a smile, "Mona, it''s fake. It''s just a joke. There''s no way I''m his kid."


    Hearing this, Mona couldn''t help but recall the moment Barbara had nearly pushed her off the ledge, taunting her with those very words.


    "He''s actually my real dad. Oh, wait, I almost forgot-you''re not even his daughter You''re just some illegitimate child from before he married your mom. Ha!"


    That mocking smile, that arrogant tone. Ironically, it was Barbara''s own words that had tipped Mona off to the truth. Otherwise, she might never have suspected.


    "Did you find out after returning to the Clem family?" Mona asked, not waiting for an answer before striding away.


    She was determined not to meet the same fate as before. She would make Barbara and Teddy pay for what they''d done.


    "Mona! Mona!" Barbara called after her, but Mona didn''t respond. Betraying her own dignity, Barbara hurried toward Jeremy''s office.


    Who would have such a grudge against her to send the paternity test to Mona?


    Outside the Clem Group building, Mona still felt unsettled. Talking to Barbara had resurrected the terror of hanging off that ledge. Her body trembled as she struggled to hold her bag steady, while her other hand clutched the paternity report tightly. "Mona, are you okay?" A warm hand suddenly enveloped hers, and she looked up to see Maxwell''s calm face.


    Unable to hold back, she fell into Maxwell''s arms, sniffling. "I''m just a bit upset. Can you hold me?"


    "Of course," Maxwell replied, gently patting her back as if soothing a child.


    After a moment, Mona remembered she had things to do and pulled away. "Why are you here?"


    "To pick you up." "Maxwell''s deep voice was $forting.


    Mona felt a warmth spread through her. "You''re the best. But I need to go back to the Clem family first. Do you want toe with me?"


    Maxwell nodded without t hesitation, eager for the chance to be close to her.


    Together, they drove to the Clem family


    "Mona, did you get it?" Jane asked. home. As soon as they arrived, Jane rushed over to Mona, grabbing her hand.


    her voice tense.


    Mona nodded, holding up the paternity report. "Grandma, is Barbara really my father''s child?" Her tone was filled with doubt but leaned toward certainty.


    Jane clenched her teeth in anger, gripping Mona''s hand tightly. "We''re not sure yet. I got one too. I''ve already called Jeremy, and we''re waiting for him toe back."


    Mona eximed angrily, "If Barbara is is really Dad''s


    daughter, then he''s gone too far. Barbara is only a year younger than me, which means Dad cheated on Mom not long after I was born." "Yes, if that''s true, your grandmother and I won''t let them get away with it," Jane replied, gripping Mona''s hand tightly. "And then there''s Beatrice. She''s been eating our food, drinking our


    SheC0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    truly felt her mother deserved better than to have chosen such a mass, and living in our house, only to end up having Dad''s child. It''s such a betrayal to Mom," Mona said, tears welling up in her eyes.


    a man.


    after Mona and Maxwell arrived at the Clem family home, Barbara and Jeremy showed up too. Soon, the entire family was gathered, even Albert, who was in his first year of high school, had returned.


    ced the paternity test results on the coffee table in the living room and asked, "Jeremy, are the results on this paper true?"


    Jeremy, realizing he couldn''t hide the truth any longer, nodded and knelt before Bernard and Jane. "Mom, Dad, it''s true. It''s all my fault. I wronged Jane, and I take full responsibility," he said, pping his face harder with each word. Mona watched, feeling a pang of sympathy. The man before her was a far cry from the dignified figure she had seen at the office earlier.


    Following Jeremy''s lead, Beatrice also knelt down, pulling Barbara with her. "Mom, Dad, I know I was wrong. Please, for the sake of all the years I''ve cared for you, forgive me this once," she pleaded.

 Chapter 22

    Mona quietly observed the two people on the floor, both looking rather disheveled. Jeremy, in particr, had red marks on his cheeks from pping himself. Yet, she felt no sympathy for them. Instead, a flicker of satisfaction crossed her mind, though it wasn''t enough. She wished for Barbara to experience the same suffering she had endured.


    It wasn''t just the physical pain she wanted Barbara to feel, but the emotional anguish as well. The words Barbara had spoken to her just before her death had revealed that her entire life had been a cruel joke. And that joke was orchestrated by none other than Barbara and Teddy!


    "Enough! Everyone, be quiet!" Bernard shouted, ring at the three kneeling before him. With a swift motion, he knocked the scalding water off the coffee table.


    of


    The mix f shattered teacups and spilled water sttered around them, causing the three to flinch. Beatrice''s dress was soaked, yet none of them dared to utter aint. Indeed, it was Jeremy and Beatrice who hadmitted such a disgraceful act, and angering the family elders was inevitable. To them, Barbara''s very existence was a mistake. How could Bernard not be furious? His beloved daughter was gone, and now this scandal hade to light! "Dad, I..." Jeremy stammered, unsure where to begin.


    From t the first day he had joined the family, Bernard had looked down on him. In front of the elders, Jeremy''s timid nature had be ingrained. Even though he was now the much-envied general manager of the Clem Group, he remained spineless in their presence. "Come on, exin yourselves. When did this start between you two? You''ve really betrayed my daughter!" Bernard''s clouded with anger, bore into the three on the floor, his hand tapping the armrest of the sofa with authority. eyes,


    Beatrice and Barbara remained silent, knowing that saying nothing was the best way to avoid further displeasing the elders. Jeremy nced at Mona, who was seated next to Jane, seemingly hesitating about whether to speak. "What are you looking at? Speak!" Bernardmanded, his voice brooking no argument, as he hurled a cup to the floor near Jeremy.


    Jeremy, startled, quickly lifted his head and shifted his gaze away from Mona.


    With a sigh, Jeremy began, "Mom, Dad, this all started when Emily and I got married. Our marriage was an arrangement. Emily was already pregnant when we wed, which means Mona isn''t my biological daughter. Emily married me to give her child a father, and you both knew I loved her, so I agreed without thinking twice."


    The revtion stunned the Clem family elders and Albert. They werepletely blindsided by the fact that Mona was not Jeremy''s daughter.


    However, Mona felt little surprise; she had known this truth for a long time. The arranged marriage was something she had suspected as well.


    Jane looked at Mona with concern, gripping her hand tightly, worried that she might not be able to handle this revtion.


    Regardless of whether Mona was Jeremy''s daughter, she was Emily''s, and she carried the Clem family blood. She was their beloved granddaughter, and that would never change.


    "That''s no excuse for cheating with her sister!" Bernard eximed, his anger also directed at Emily for deceiving them. But


    what could anger achieve now? His daughter was gone, and he still needed to stand up for her.


    45


    "You''re right, Dad. It''s all my fault. I wronged Emily. It only happened once with Beatrice, and we were both drunk. I only just found out that Barbara is my child. Please, forgive me for the years I''ve spent working hard for the Clem family," Jeremy pleaded sincerely with the elders.


    Hearing Jeremy''s words, Mona gave a bitter smile. He spoke so well of himself, yet conveniently omitted the benefits he''d gained from the Clem family.


    Mona said, "No wonder I always felt like Dad didn''t like me. Now I know it''s because I''m not his daughter. It exins why he''s so good to my cousin, even personally driving her to the office today-something he never did for me!"


    Indeed, over the years, the Clem family elders had noticed Jeremy''sck of attention to Mona''s upbringing. Now they understood why.


    Suddenly, the elders felt a wave of sympathy for Mona, and even Albert looked at her with newfoundpassion. He had never imagined that Mona and he didn''t share the same father.


    "Mona, Mom, Dad, over the years, I''ve trulye to see you as my own daughter, and I always will," Jeremy said.


    Mona sniffled and chose not to speak further. Some things only needed to be said once; others would think about them in their own time.


    Seeing Mona''s distressed expression, Bernard made a decision. "Beatrice, you and Barbara need to pack up and leave. From now on, the Clem family has no ce for you. Jeremy, I''ll let this slide for Albert''s sake, but if it happens again, you''ll be out of the Clem Group


    too.


    100.


    Beatrice looked up at Bernard in disbelief. She had been raised by his side and had always served the elders with care. Yet now, because of this incident, they were casting her out.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    If it had been Emily who cheated, the Clem family elders might have helped cover it up. This was the difference between being a biological child and being adopted.


    "Grandpa, isn''t this too harsh? Barbara hasn''t done anything wrong. Being kicked out is too severe a punishment," Albert pleaded on Barbara''s behalf.


    He had always liked his sister, Barbara, and now that he knew she was his half-sister, he naturally cared for her and wanted to live with her.


    Mona chuckled inwardly. If it had just been a one-time affair, perhaps Beatrice wouldn''t have been kicked out. But they had a child together, and the child was already grown.


    Living under the same roof as her grandparents would constantly remind them of Jeremy Simon''s betrayal of their daughter. How could they possibly endure that?


    Barbara looked gratefully at Albert. In this situation, he was the only one willing to speak up for her, while everyone else pretended not to see.


    "Yes, she hasn''t done anything wrong, but her very existence is a mistake. Enough, no more discussion. My mind is made up. You must move out tonight," Bernard dered, his cloudy eyes fixed on the three people on the floor.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Jeremy and Emily had a son, Jeremy might have been kicked out as well.


    "We''ll leave, Barbara and I. Mom, Dad, please take care of yourselves. We''ll visit often," Beatrice said, gritting her teeth as she spoke.

 Chapter 23

    Beatrice


    had spent years taking care of Bernard, and she knew that once he made a decision, it was unlikely to change. Leaving the family was just a temporary setback. She was determined that one day, she and Barbara would return. Jane nced at the two kneeling on the floor, feeling no sense of loss. Compared to her own daughter, this adopted child never held much ce in her heart. After a brief look, she turned her attention to Mona beside her. Of everyone, Mona was the most affected by this revtion. Discovering that the man she had "Mona, don''t sad. don''t be You still have me, your grandfather, and Maxwell. No matter what to bear seeing her unhappy. Hearing his name from Jane, Maxwell put a reassuring arm around Mo Mona''s shoulders. "Mona,


    called "Dad" for over twenty years wasn''t her biological father was a heavy blow.


    Having lost her daughter. Jane had poured all her love into her granddaughter, unable tappens, you will always be the family''s eldest daughter. That will never change," Jane said, holding Mona''s hand with certainty in her voice.


    your grandmother is right. You still have us," he said, as if to affirm his support. The warmth of Maxwell''s hand seeped through the thin fabric of her clothing,forting her. Feeling a bit shy, Mona looked at Maxwell and nodded. "Yes, having you all is truly wonderful." These three These three those rtionships for as long as she lived. Mean Meanwhile,


    to her. She wanted to cherish them and and maintain prioritizing his own interests, didn''t


    e had always been good to her. ''t dare plead on behalf of Beatrice and Barbara. He stood up and retreated to his room, tail between his legs.


    With everything that had happened, Mona and Maxwell decided not to leave that night. Instead, they stayed at the Clem family home.


    After the family elders left the living room, Mona sat on the sofa, sipping tea and waiting patiently. She felt a sense of relief now that some of the troublemakers had been expelled from the household. Before long, she Beatrice saw downstairs with their Seeing Mona on the sofa surprised them. Her faint smile felt like a p in the fuses. They hadn''t packed much, likely thinking they might have a chance to return. the face to both of them.


    Barbaraing down rice and Barbara


    "Take care. I won''t be seeing you off," Mona said, setting down her teacup and looking directly at them, feeling a sense of satisfaction.


    Without the protection of the Clem family, she wondered if Teddy would still find Barbara appealing.


    Beatrice gripped the handle of her suitcase tightly, holding back her anger. "Mona, we''ll be leaving now. Please take good care of your grandparents."


    "Of course, no need to worry about that," Mona replied.


    Looking at Beatrice''s gentle demeanor, it was hard to believe she had sabotaged her mother''s brakes. Appearances could be deceiving.


    Barbara noticed how much Mona had changed since the engagement party. In the past, Mona would have pleaded on her behalf, but today she showed no sadness or sympathy. Barbara thought it must be because she had been with Mona''s fianc¨¦. She hadn''t expected Mona to still be upset about that!


    Sun, N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    3


    As Beatrice and Barbara stepped outside the Clem family home, they paused. Having lived there for so many years, it was hard to leave without feeling a sense of loss. "We will be back," Beatrice said firmly.


    Barbara nodded in agreement. "Yes, we will return."


    Why should Mona be the Clem family''s heiress while she was seen as a parasite? How was she any less deserving than Mona?


    Maxwell emerged from the study and saw Mona on the sofa, her beauty striking as ever. Her long legs were casually crossed, and there was a hint of satisfaction in her eyes, which surprised him. Was she happy? Shouldn''t she be upset about everything that had happened?


    As he pondered this, Mona''s gaze met his, and she gave him a gentle smile, beckoning him over.


    Maxwell walked over and sat beside her. Mona looked at him with her bright, captivating eyes and asked, "Maxwell, what did Grandpa talk to you about?"


    Her voice was soft, with a hint


    a hint of sweetness.


    Maxwell cleared his throat and replied, "Nothing much, just about the coboration between the twopanies."


    Additionally, Bernard had asked Maxwell to keep an eye on Mona over the next few days, concerned that she might be upset after learning about the recent events. However, there was no need to share this with Mona. "Oh, by the way, can you stay here at the Clem family home with me tonight and not work?" Mona asked. After all, Maxwell had spent the previous night in the study and only returned to the bedroom when it was time to sleep. Maxwell looked into Mona''s eyes and replied earnestly, "Don''t worry about that. I''ve already arranged for my assistant to send over everything I need." Meeting Maxwell''s amber gaze, Mona felt a bit shy and looked away, saying, "That''s good to Ito hear. Even though she had seen Maxwell many times, she still found herself


    When Jane and Bernard emerged from their room, they saw the two of getting bashful whenever she was close to him.


    exchanging nces, and Jane couldn''t help but smile.


    It seemed that Mona''s new husband was squite catch, and at least he genuinely cared for her.


    Dinner that evening was not diminished by Beatrice and Barbara''s departure; in fact, a few extra dishes were added.


    At the table, only Albert seemed unhappy, while the others pretended not to notice.


    That night, Maxwell followed Mona to her bedroom, which was fully equipped with everything one might need.


    This was Maxwell''s second time entering the room, and he still felt his heart race a bit.


    Mona pointed to the desk and said, "I''m going to take a shower. You can work at the desk while you wait. I won''t be long."


    Maxwell nodded and walked over to the desk, taking a seat.


    The desk was neatly organized, with several design books on it. One book had visible creases, indicating that Mona had flipped through it many times. Out of respect, Maxwell didn''t open the book but moved it slightly to the side. In doing so, he noticed something tucked inside.

 Chapter 24

    As Maxwell listened to the sound of running water from the bathroom, he couldn''t resist opening the design book to see what photo Mona had used as a bookmark. It had to be something precious. The photo revealed Mona''s carefree, joyful smile, with Teddy standing beside her, his arm draped over her shoulder. However, Teddy''s expression was one of impatience, not happiness. The image seemed to remind Maxwell that although Mona had married him, her heart might still be with Teddy.


    Maxwell didn''t know how long it would take for Mona to forget her feelings for Teddy.


    Maxwell angrily tossed the photo into the trash.


    Without much thought, Ma door, tempted for a moment to walk in and confront Mona directly. But he held back, worried that his impulsiveness might cause her to resent him.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    He stared at the bathroom


    With Mona, he knew he had to take things slowly.


    When Mona stepped out of the bathroom, she immediately caught the intense possessiveness in Maxwell''s gaze. It was as if a lion were sizing up its prey, sending a slight shiver down her spine. Feeling a mix of intimidation and intrigue, she managed to say, "Maxwell, I''m finished. You can go ahead and shower now."


    Maxwell moved closer, his expression softening into a slight smile as he looked down at her. "Alright," he replied, his voice warm and reassuring.


    Once Maxwell was in the bathroom, Mona still felt uneasy. She couldn''t understand why his demeanor had suddenly changed. Had she done something to upset him?


    Shaking her head, she decided to focus on her skincare routine.


    "Are you still there, Mona?" Maxwell called from the bathroom.


    Lost in thought, Mona was still pondering Maxwell''s earlier behavior. Was he upset about work? She was so deep in thought that she didn''t hear him.


    When Maxwell didn''t hear a response, he assumed she had left the room and came out wrapped in a towel.


    His physique was impressive-broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and well-defined abs. His tanned skin glistened with droplets of water under the light.


    Mona looked up and was caught off guard by his appearance, dropping her eye cream onto the vanity as she stared.


    She hadn''t expected Maxwell to have such a great physique.


    Noticing her gaze, Maxwell felt pleased with himself and walked over to her. When he was just an arm''s length away, he turned and headed to the wardrobe. "I forgot to grab my pajamas," he exined, rifying why he hade out without clothes. Hearing this, Mona snapped out of her daze, swallowing nervously. It seemed a shame for such a great physique to be hidden away.


    "Oh, it''s fine, we''re married after all!" Mona blurted out, only realizing what she had said afterward, her face turning crimson. Did she just admit she enjoyed seeing Maxwell without clothes? Her boldness surprised even herself. Maxwell studied Mona, noting her flushed cheeks, and his mood lifted. With a teasing smile, he said, "So, should I skip the 10:11 Sun, Oct


    10:11


    pajamas


    s then? We are married, after all!"


    Mona''s eyes lingered on Maxwell''s abs, and she instinctively nodded before quickly shaking her head. "No, you should wear them. It wouldn''t be appropriate if my grandparents saw."


    She felt pleased with her quick thinking.


    Maxwell''s lips curled into a mischievous grin. "So, you''re saying it''s fine at home?"


    Mona''s


    a''s face, already red, seemed to deepen in color. She averted her gaze and busied herself with her skincare routine. "That''s not what I meant," she mumbled. Maxwell had only intended to tease Mona, but he found himself feeling the tension too. He could look, but he couldn''t touch.


    Silently, he grabbed his This pajamas and headed I to the bathroom to change.


    Mona noti


    noticed that Maxwell was taking an unusually long time in the bathroom, long enough for her to finish her routine. She considered calling out to him but remembered the earlier awkwardness and decided against it. "Time for bed!" Maxwell I announced as he emerged, spotting Mona already in bed. He nced at her, turned off the lights, andy down beside her.


    In the darkness, every sense seemed heightened. He could smell the fresh scent of Mona''s skin, and having shared a bed with her for the past few nights, he was getting used to it.


    He shifted slightly closer to Mona, their subtle contact bringing him a sense of contentment.


    The next morning, after breakfast, Mona and Maxwell left the Clem family home. Mona preferred riding with Maxwell rather than Jeremy.


    "Don''t


    t wander


    off after work. I''lle pick you up," Maxwell said, stopping the car at the Clem Group''s entrance and looking at Mona in the passenger seat. of the car.


    Mona nodded, gave him an "OK" sign, and got out of


    She was in high


    spirits, feeling even the sun overhead was warmer than usual. Upon entering the office, she noticed Barbara chatting with colleagues at her desk, seemingly in good spirits.


    Mona had expected Barbara and Beatrice to be upset for a few days after being kicked out of the Clem family, or perhaps too distressed toe to work. It seemed she had underestimated Barbara''s resilience. "Mona, you''re here! I brought you breakfast!" Barbara eximed, approaching Mona with a thermos.


    ten," Mona replied coolly. She had no interest in pretending to be close with Barbara at the office, "No need, I''ve already knowing they were anything but friendly.


    Mona had barely spoken when Barbara''s expression turned to one of feigned hurt. "Cousin, are you still upset with me? I know I was wrong and I won''t do it again. My mom made this breakfast herself, waking up really early. You used to love it." Mona watched Barbara''s performance calmly. "Upset? Why would I be upset? I''ve already had breakfast, but thank you and your mom for the gesture."


    Hearing Mona''s words, Barbara''s eyes filled with tears, and she thrust the lunchbox into Mona''s arms. "Well, no matter what, if you''re unhappy, it''s my fault."


    Mona had no intention of epting the lunchbox, and whether by ident or design, Barbara let it slip from her hands. It fell to the floor, spilling the breakfast inside.

 Chapter 25

    25


    As a man in a suit passed by the design department, it turned out to be none other than Jeremy.


    Barbara put on a pitiful expression, looking at Mona with a face that suggested she was the victim. "Mona, it''s all my fault. I didn''t hold onto it properly. It has nothing to do with you."


    The people in the design department turned their attention to Mona, and a few even began whispering among themselves.


    Mona watched Barbara''s performance with a sense of disbelief. Seeing Jeremy approaching, she understood Barbara''s intentions.


    Barbara''s n was to make Jeremy lose all affection for Mona, transferring any fatherly love he had to herself. She also aimed to paint Mona as a spoiled and difficult heiress in the eyes of the design department. What Barbara didn''t know was that Mona no longer felt any daughterly affection for Jeremy. All that remained was resentment.


    It was because of Jeremy and Beatrice''s actions-tampering with the car brakes-that her mother had died in a tragic ident.


    P


    Mona had no interest in befriending the people in the design department, nor she need anything from them. There was no reason to seek their approval.


    Mona''s gaze remained fixed on Barbara, saying nothing.


    For some reason, being stared at by Mona made Barbara feel uneasy, as if Mona could see right through her.


    After a long pause, Mona nced at the spilled breakfast on the floor and said calmly, "Since you know it''s your fault, clean it up. The smell is disrupting everyone''s creative flow."


    With that, Mona didn''t spare another nce at either Barbara or Jeremy.


    Although she was just an assistant, her status as the Clem family''s eldest daughter meant no one dared to openly criticize her. Doing so would be career suicide.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    As Mona walked away, Barbara watched her with a sh of resentment, muttering softly, "Yes, cousin."


    Jeremy simply observed the scene without intervening. After the affair ffair scandal from the previous day, he knew it was best not to upset Mona over something minor. If she reported it to the Clem family elders, it would not bode well for him.


    Since Mona had spoken, even though the design department staff felt sympathy for Barbara, no one dared to help her. After all, getting a job at the Clem Group wasn''t easy.


    Once Mona left, the onlookers dispersed, leaving Barbara to clean up the spilled breakfast alone. Her grip on the broom was so tight that it seemed it might snap if she applied any more force.


    Barbara seethed with resentment. She believed that one day, Mona would experience the same humiliation she felt now, but a hundredfold.


    However, her n had seeded. Jeremy had witnessed the scene, and so had the others. Mona''s image in their eyes was tarnished, and Barbara couldn''t help but smile.


    Back at her desk, Mona calmly picked up a design book and began sketching, unfazed by the morning''s events.


    ra, noticing Mona''sposure, scooted her chair closer and asked, "Mona, what are you up


    10?


    "Just practicing my drawing. It''s been a while, and I''m a bit rusty Mona replied casually. Sun, Oct 20


    "I saw Barbara deliberately try to hand you the breakfast this morning. When you didn''t take it, it fell," ra whispered.


    From the moment she met Barbara, ra disliked her. Her pitiful demeanor only fooled gullible men, and knowing Barbara had been involved with someone else''s fianc¨¦ made her even less likable. Mona, on the other hand, was genuine and straightforward, which ra appreciated.


    "Yeah, I know, but you''re probably the only one who noticed. Everyone else likely thinks I was bullying her," Mona said with a shrug.


    Her tone was indifferent, showing no concern for her image. ra felt that Mona seemed to have risen above it all.


    Before she could say more, the design department manager announced, "Everyone, listen up. We have an opportunity. The famous actress Artemis Rain will be attending an awards ceremony in two months, and our department will design her gown. If you''re interested, submit your designs within two weeks. Once she makes her choice, we''ll create the gown. That''s all, back to work!" After the manager left, the department buzzed with excitement about the project:-


    Mona was


    seager to participate. Whether or


    "Are you going to enter, Mona?" ra aske not her design was chosen, she wanted to give it a shot.


    Mona nodded confidently. "Yes, I am. Whether I seed or not, there''s no harm in trying."


    ra had been on the fence about participating in the designpetition, but hearing that Mona was entering inspired her to give it a try as well.


    She


    "Yeang


    I''ll give it a shot too.


    Who knows, maybe the celebrity will have a unique taste and choose my design!" she said with augh. might be getting a bit


    a bit carried away, ra chuckled and said, "Alright, maybe I''m being a little too ambitious. But dreaming is important, right?" Mona smiled and nodded. "Absolutely! Dreams fuel our motivation. Let''s both enter and see where this takes us!"


    That afternoon, Maxwell found himself ncing at the clock while working, asionally looking at the marriage certificate on his desk, wondering why time seemed to crawl.


    Bud entered Maxwell''s office and noticed his gaze drifting to the side. Following it, he saw the bright red bookletbeled "Marriage Certificate."


    He was stunned. Last time, Maxwell had mentioned an engagement, and now there was a marriage certificate. Could it be with Mona?


    "Is this marriage certificate yours?" Bud asked, puzzled by how quickly things had progressed.


    Maxwell''s lips curled into a smile as he nodded. "Yes, it is."


    "Maxwell, you can''t be serious! Let me see it!" Bud eximed, reaching for the certificate, but Maxwell was quicker, "Come on, Maxwell, I knew you were joking. That can''t be yours, Bud teased, skeptical that Maxwell would marry so easily. To his surprise, Maxwell opened the certificate and said, "It is mine and Mona''s. I just didn''t want you to get too excited and identally damage it."

 Chapter 26

    +5)


    Bud reached out to touch the marriage certificate in Maxwell''s hand, but Maxwell quickly put it away. "If you want to touch one, go get married yourself, Maxwell teased.


    Bud paused, feeling the urge to give Maxwell a piece of his mind. "Oh, so getting married makes you special, huh?"


    Maxwell ced the marriage certificate safely in his drawer and grabbed his suit jacket. "It sure does. I''m off now, so you can stay here and be amazed."


    Time was ticking, and he had to pick up his wife. He couldn''t afford to waste any more time.


    As Maxwell walked out, Bud watched him go, muttering to himself, "Who would''ve thought? This guy actually has someone he cares about."


    Having worked alongside Maxwell for years, Bud knew that Maxwell was not someone who could be easily swayed or pressured into doing something he didn''t want to do, especially when it came to major life decisions.


    The only exnation for Maxwell marrying Mona was that he genuinely liked her, and getting the marriage certificate was something he was happy to do.


    After work, as Mona left the design department, she overheard two young women giggling about a handsome man waiting outside, wondering whom he was there for.


    From their description-about 6.1 feet, in a ck suit, with thick eyebrows, a prominent nose, and captivating eyes partially hidden by tousled hair-Mona knew it was Maxwell. Just leaning casually against the car, he had captured everyone''s attention.


    With a smile, Mona quickened her pace toward the exit.


    Sure enough, as she reached the entrance, she saw Maxwell leaning against the car. Their eyes met unexpectedly, and her heart fluttered with excitement, as if a little deer were about to leap from her chest.


    She started to run toward Maxwell, but was stopped midway by someone holding arge bouquet of roses. "Mona, it''s all my fault. It''s been days now. Are you still mad at me?" the person said.


    AY


    Seeing it was Teddy Powers, Mona was exasperated. How could he be so confident? She had made it clear she was over him, yet he refused to believe it.


    "Teddy, are you out of your mind? I''ve told you we''re done. Finished. Do you not understand what that means Mona said, looking him in the eye, before trying to move past him to get to Maxwell. Maxwell stood nearby, his captivating eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him. He exuded a dangerous charm but remained motionless, seemingly deep in thought.


    Teddy, ignoring Mona''s words, pressed the bouquet of roses against her chest with a faint, charming smile. He looked every bit the quintessential gentleman, the kind that could make any woman''s heart flutter. "Mona, I truly realize my mistake. Please give me another chance," he pleaded.


    Teddy hadn''t wanted toe, but the recentpetition from the Clem and Carter Groups had been cutting into hispany''s business. If things continued this way, the Powers Group would be in jeopardy. Ultimately, it all traced back to Mona. Her influence and assertiveness had only grown stronger, and he felt he needed to address the situation to protect his interests.


    Mona, being the Clem Group''s heiress, naturally drew attention standing at thepany''s entrance, especially with a handsome man blocking her path, flowers in hand.


    Unbeknownst to them, passersby slowed their steps, some even daring to snap photos of the scene.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Among all the eyes watching, Mona felt a particrly intense gaze from ahead-Maxwell''s. It was as if epting Teddy''s roses would ignite them in mes.


    Without hesitation, Mona flung the roses aside, scattering them across the ground. She showed no remorse as she looked directly at Teddy and said coolly, "Teddy, do you not understand English?" Her voice was icy and questioning, sending a shiver down Teddy''s spine. Without sparing him another nce, she walked confidently toward Maxwell, ignoring the onlookers and their cameras.


    While Teddy hadn''t pushed her from the 88th floor himself, he had been Barbara Burton''s most reliable aplice, an essory to the crime.


    Without Teddy''s involvement, Mona believed she could have stood her ground against Barbara. Perhaps she wouldn''t have been the one to fall.


    But with Teddy''s help, she had been pinned against the wall, giving Barbara the chance to push her.


    As a result, she ultimately met her tragic end by falling from the 88th floor.


    The moment Mona learned the truth about her past, her years of affection for Teddy Powers turned into deep-seated hatred.


    Mona was determined to make Teddy pay for his actions in the past.


    Mona approached Maxwell, wrapping her slender arms around his neck. Her bright eyes locked onto his as she teased, "Maxwell, didn''t you see someone bothering your wife just now? How could you not react?" Maxwell ced his hands possessively on Mona''s waist, his eyes ncing at the man behind her with a challenging smile. "I was just about to step in, but I didn''t get the chance."


    He wasn''t entirely truthful. When he first saw Mona emerge, he had taken a step forward, only to see Teddy approach her with a bouquet of roses. Suddenly, his feet felt like they were made of lead.


    He seemed tock the courage to confront them, choosing instead to watch quietly.


    Mona nodded, her eyes sparkling as she yfully said, "Oh, is that so? Then I won''t be upset. But next time, you better stand up for me!"


    Next time, if he saw Mona and Teddy in a close encounter, would he have the courage to intervene?


    He wasn''t sure if he would, but when he met Mona''s bright eyes, he found himself nodding.


    Next time, he thought, he would try to take a couple of steps toward Mona. If she didn''t push him away, he would continue.


    Hisrge hands remained on Mona''s waist, easily encircling her. He couldn''t help but notice how slender her waist was.


    After they left, Teddy watched the car drive away, nced at the roses scattered on the ground, and reyed Mona''s cold words in his mind. For the first time, he felt as if something was quietly changing.

 Chapter 27

    C


    For several days, Mona had been deeply immersed in designing gown. She began by researching Artemis Rain''s appearance, body type, and past work, as well as the styles of gowns she had worn before. Artemis Rain, standing at 5.8 feet, was the epitome of a national goddess-fair-skinned withrge eyes. Her career had progressed from supporting roles to leading ones, showcasing hier undeniable acting skills. As Mona thought about it, she began to form a mental image of the design, though it was still a bit vague. Her task now was to trante that image onto paper.


    Artemis often wore short gowns that highlighted her long legs, which looked great on her butcked a certain wow factor. Mona felt these styles didn''t quite match Artemis''s unique aura.


    Then, Mona stumbled upon a photo of Artemis on set, wearing a simple white dress with a slit skirt that subtly hinted at her legs, sparking Mona''s inspiration. She envisioned a long gown with a dramatic slit, wondering how Artemis would look in such a design. Mona felt it would suit her well.


    When Maxwell entered the room, he found Mona seated at her desk, one hand supporting her chin while the other held a pencil. Before her was a nk sheet gradually taking the shape of a gown. Her furrowed brow suggested she wasn''t entirely satisfied with her progress. Maxwell had noticed Mona spending a lot of time in thought over the past few days. Without hesitation, he approached her, resting a hand on the back of her chair and leaning in. "What are you working on?" he asked.


    His deep voice pulled Mona from her thoughts. Looking up, their eyes met unexpectedly. She realized how close he was, his presence enveloping her, and she felt a bit shy.


    Startled, she identally dropped her pencil on the paper and quickly averted her gaze. "I''m sketching a design," she replied.


    Noticing Maxwell''s interest, Mona instinctivelyid out two sketches she had been working on. "Which one do you think looks better?" she asked.


    Maxwell followed her gaze to the sketches. Both were simr, but the left one featured a deep V-neckline, which he wasn''t keen on Mona wearing. It was a bit too revealing for his taste.


    The right sketch, however, was more to his liking. It was a strapless design but covered the essential areas well. Comparing the two, Maxwell preferred the right one for Mona, even though he wasn''t thrilled about her wearing either. "This one," Maxwell said, pointing to the right sketch.


    As he leaned closer, the atmosphere became more intimate, and Mona found her breath slowing. "This one? But I feel the other design might suit Artemis Rain better. She''s morous and has a great figure; the other design seems more fitting for her."


    "Artemis Rain?" Maxwell asked, surprised. He had assumed Mona was designing the gown for herself.


    Mona nodded and exined her intention to design a gown for Artemis Rain.


    In this new chapter of her life, Mona didn''t want to be the idle heiress she once was. She aimed to reim her dream of bing a talented designer.


    Back in her early college years, she wore her own designs, which were well-received by ssmates who often asked where they could buy them. She proudly told them she had designed them herself.


    By her junior year, she had focused all her attention on Teddy, even designing a suit for him. However, while Teddy had seemed pleased and epted it, he never wore it. Looking back, Mona realized he likely dismissed it because it wasn''t a famous designer brand, fearing it would tarnish his image.


    3


    Reflecting on her past life, Mona couldn''t help but feel she had been incredibly naive.


    Actually, on closer inspection, the other design seems to suit that actress''s look better," Maxwellmented, a hint of jealousy in his voice. His own wife hadn''t designed anything for him, yet here she was designing for someone else.


    Mona nodded, agreeing that the design was a good fit. As she moved to stretch, she realized how close Maxwell was, his gaze fixed on her.


    It dawned on her that if she tilted her head slightly, her lips might brush against Maxwell''s cheek. Acting on impulse, she stretched, and her lips "identally" grazed his cheek.


    In that instant, Mona noticed a hint of redness on Maxwell''s ears, which lifted her spirits. She had managed to fluster him.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    The moment Mona''s lips touched Maxwell''s check, he felt a surge of emotion, a strong urge to hold her.


    Feigning innocence, Mona said, "Sorry, I didn''t mean to do that." Of course, she had meant to.


    Maxwell shook his head, removing his hand from the chair. As he looked at Mona''s lips, he couldn''t help but recall the softness that had just brushed his cheek. "It''s fine," he said.


    After this incident, the dynamic between them seemed to shift. That night, as theyy in bed, Mona noticed how much closer they were. A slight turn could easilynd her in Maxwell''s arms. Recalling their earlier closeness, Mona hesitated, worried that Maxwell might realize she had done it on purpose, given their marriage was an arrangement.


    Mona pondered why Maxwell had liked her in her past life but couldn''t figure it out. After her engagement to Teddy, she had lost contact with Maxwell. Eventually, she drifted into sleep. Unconsciously, she turned in her sleep, ending up nestled in Maxwell''s arms. His lips curled into a satisfied smile-he had been waiting for this.


    Every night, Mona would unconsciously turn toward him, ending up in his embrace. Holding her felt like holding his entire world, and Maxwell contentedly closed his eyes.


    He used to struggle with insomnia, often lying awakete into the night. But since marrying Mona, his sleep had improved. Holding her and inhaling her gentle scent lulled him into a peaceful slumber.

 Chapter 28

    28


    The next morning, Mona was awakened by the sound of her rm. As she opened her eyes, she noticed that Maxwell was already up, though the spot beside her was still warm, indicating he hadn''t been gone long. After shaking off her sleepiness, Mona got up and prepared for the day. As expected, when she went downstairs, she found Maxwell in the kitchen, wearing an apron and busy with breakfast. If she hadn''t seen it with her own eyes, Mona would never have believed that Maxwell prepared all their meals himself-and quite deliciously, too.


    Breakfast was always Maxwell''s responsibility, and Mona felt a bit t guilty about it


    it it. She wanted to help, but Maxwell always woke up earlier than she did, and she struggled to get up that early. Since their marriage, breakfast had been his domain, while they usually ate lunch out and cooked dinner together. As usual, Mona joined Maxwell in the kitchen, skillfully setting the table with their breakfast. Watching Maxwell handle the spat, she admired his strong, capable hands, which gave her a sense of security.


    Breakfast was


    simple, just for the two of them, but it tasted wonderful. Mona savored the golden, crispy fried eggs, closing her eyes in satisfaction. "Maxwell, your cooking is amazing!" she couldn''t help but exim. Even with her years of cooking experience, she had to adm admit she was impressed.


    Hing her praise, of promise, suggesting he wanted to be with Mona for a lifetime.


    Maxwell felt a surge of pride. His tone softened as he replied, "Eat as much as you like. I''ll cook for you every day."


    Swords carried a a hint of


    "I''ll cook for you every day," Mona repeated in her mind, feeling it was a lovely sentiment. She nodded happily.


    After breakfast, Maxwell, as usual, drove Mona to her office, waiting until she was inside before heading to the Carter Group.


    As soon as Mor


    Mona entered the office, Barbara approached her eagerly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Mona, are you going to participate in the gown designpetition for Artemis Rain?" Without hesitation, Mona nodded.


    She remembered that in her past life, after she left thepany, Barbara had gained significant recognition by designing a gown for the celebrity Artemis Rain. This sess had paved the way for Barbara to be thepany''s chief designer. Mona wasn''t sure if she could change the oue, but she was determined not to let Barbara have her way.


    When Mona nodded in response to Barbara''s question, Barbara''s eyes lit up with determination. She was set on showcasing her perfect design to everyone.


    However, a shadow of doubt crossed her mind. While others, including Mona herself, might not be aware of Mona''s design talent, Barbara knew it well. She had seen Mona''s designs in college, each piece brimming with creativity and ir-qualities she herselfcked. Back then, Barbara had been envious of Mona, but fortunately, Mona had been more focused on Teddy than on her design


    career.


    Before the scandal of Barbara''s involvement with Teddy, she and Mona had been close, and Barbara had even managed to take some of Mona''s design sketches from her room without her noticing.


    Though Mona had been sidetracked for two years because of Teddy, Barbara feared that Mona''s design talent might still be


    intact.


    "Well, best of luck, Mona!" Barbara said with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes.


    She had no intention of giving Mona a chance to surpass her.


    3


    The day to submit the design drafts arrived quickly. Mona and ra handed their designs to the manager''s assistant, Missy.


    After collecting everyone''s designs, Missy intended to deliver them to the manager. However, she was suddenly struck by a severe stomachache, and sweat began to bead on her forehead. Seeing Missy in distress, Barbara hurried over, feigning concern. "Missy, are you okay?" Though Barbara was


    rtively new to the design department, her polite demeanor had earned her goodwill from many, including Missy. Missy struggled to speak. "I don''t know why, but my stomach hurts a lot."


    Barbara gently! don''t know.


    "I


    patted Missy''s back. "Do you want some hot water or need to use the restroom? Maybe you ate something bad."


    I ate the same breakfast as usual," Missy replied, feeling the urge to use the restroom growing stronger. But with only five minutes left to submit the designs, she hesitated.


    Barbara seemed to ponder something silently.


    it any longer.


    Eventually, Missy couldn''t bear it aConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Barbara eagerly


    "Could you please take the designs to the manager for me? I need to use the restroom."


    Missy nodded gratGo ahead. I''ll deliver them for you. If you still feel unwell, I''ll apany you to the hospitalter."


    and rushed to the restroom.


    Watching Missy hurry away, Barbara couldn''t help but smile.


    Holding the stack of design drafts, Barbara headed to the elevator, intending to go to the manager''s floor. However, she first detoured to the restroom.


    At this time, everyone was busy, so the restroom was empty.


    Barbara found Mona''s design among the drafts, and her eyes darkened. She clenched her fist, her nails digging into her palm.


    Her suspicions were confirmed-Mona''s design was as inspired as ever, perhaps even more so than two years ago.


    With a quick nce around to ensure she was alone, Barbara tossed the crumpled draft into the trash. She then carefully ced her own design into the stack, a smug sense of satisfaction washing over her. ''Mona could only design something like this,'' Barbara thought smugly, convincing herself that she had secured her path to


    sess.


    Afterposing herself, Barbara looked in the mirror, smoothing her features back into the innocent facade she wore so well. With a practiced smile, she left the restroom.


    When she reached the manager''s office, Barbara knocked. Seeing the manager''s displeased expression, she quickly apologized, "I''m sorry I''mte! I identally dropped the designs on the way up." Leander checked the time and saw Barbara''s apologetic face. He didn''t say much, just instructed her to ce the designs on the desk.

 Chapter 29

    Artemis Rain''s team worked swiftly, and soon the news came in: Barbara''s design had been selected. Just like in her past life, Barbara was suddenly surrounded by colleagues, their eyes filled with envy and admiration.


    It was a rare honor to have a celebrity choose one''s design so soon after joining thepany, and many began to tter Barbara, seeing her as a rising star with great potential.


    When Mona heard the news, she wasn''t particrly surprised-it mirrored what had happened before. However, thinking about the effort she had put into her design, thete nights spent perfecting it, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of injustice. Yet, there was nothing she could do; Artemis simply didn''t favor her design.


    The unselected design drafts were returned, and when Mona received hers, she nced at it with a sigh. Her brows furrowed, and disbelief filled her eyes as she examined it repeatedly. Seeing her name, Mona was immediately unsettled. This design wasn''t the one she had submitted. Someone had swapped her original design with this one.


    The gown in the draft was poorly designed, with shing colors red and green-that she found distasteful. If she couldn''t appreciate it, how could a celebrity like Artemis Rain?


    If her original design hadn''t been chosen, Mona would have epted it. But this wasn''t her work, which meant her original design hadn''t even been considered. Someone had deliberately sabotaged her. This left her without a fair chance of being selected.


    The manager was still present, and Mona stood up immediately, dering, "This isn''t my design. Someone switched my submission for Artemis Rain."


    Mona wasn''t one to ept injustice quietly. She was determined to get to the bottom of this and wouldn''t allow herself to be wronged.


    Her deration drew the attention of her colleagues, most of whom seemed more interested in the drama than in supporting her. Only ra''s gaze showed genuine concern.


    As a design assistant, Mona''s skills were often underestimated. Many nced at the draft in her hand and assumed it was indeed her work.


    To the onlookers, Mona''s protest seemed like an excuse for not being chosen by Artemis Rain, appearing as nothing more than a baselessint. Yet, no one openly expressed this sentiment. Barbara watched Mona''s frustration with a sense of satisfaction. She didn''t know if Artemis would have chosen her design over Mona''s, but she wasn''t willing to take that risk.


    The potential loss was too great for her to bear, and she couldn''t stand the thought of Mona stealing her spotlight. Swapping the designs was her insurance.


    Seeing no one speaking up, Mona continued, "My design was a long red gown, but what I''m holding now is a short ck one. Clearly, it''s not mine. If my original design wasn''t chosen, I''d ept it. "But this isn''t my work, and I can''t ept that. Put yourself in my shoes-how would you feel if your design was swapped? Wouldn''t you be upset?"


    She added, "I''m giving whoever swapped my design a chance. If they admit it now, I won''t pursue it further. Otherwise they''ll face the consequences." Mona''s firm tone and conviction began to sway some of her colleagues. Even those who were skeptical started to believe her.


    08:24 Mon,


    Barbara, however, remained unfazed. She had nned everything meticulously. Even if people believed Mona, it wouldn''t change the fact that her design was chosen for Artemis Rain. As she casually sipped her water, Barbara thought, "This time, I''ve won''Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The manager, Leander, asked, "So what do you suggest we do now? When Missy brought the designs, this was the one with your name on it. Only I and Artemis''s assistant handled them." Then he paused, realizing something. "Wait, it wasn''t Missy who delivered the designs. It was Barbara."


    He recalled clearly that Barbara had been a few minuteste.


    All eyes turned to Barbara, some curious, others eager to see the drama unfold. The design department knew the history between the cousins, especially the scandal involving Barbara and Mona''s former fianc¨¦. Barbara had managed to win people over with her behavior at work, making them almost forget the past scandal.


    Now, everyone was curious: was Mona using this as an excuse, or had Barbara really swapped the designs?


    Missy confirmed, "Yes, I suddenly had a stomachache and asked Barbara to deliver them for me."


    She didn''t want any misunderstandings or to offend Mona, who was the Clem Group''s heiress. Since the manager had brought up Barbara''s involvement first, Missy felt it wouldn''t backfire on her.


    The focus shifted back to Barbara, with everyone wondering if she had indeed swapped the designs.


    Under the scrutiny, Barbara stood up calmly. "Yes, I delivered the designs, but I didn''t swap Mona''s work. If you don''t believe me, you can check the security footage."


    Barbara''s confident and poised demeanor suggested she had nothing to hide, showing no fear of being used of swapping the design drafts.


    Initially, many colleagues suspected Barbara of switching Mona''s design, but her calm andposed manner began to sway their opinions. Gradually, most people started to change their initial assumptions. The suggestion to check the security footage seemed like a reasonable course of action to rify the situation.


    Mona looked at Barbara, her eyes filled with disbelief. How could Barbara maintain suchposure under these circumstances?


    The manager promptly contacted security to review the footage.


    The footage showed interactions between Barbara and Missy, including Barbara''s trip to the restroom. Afterward, there was a chaqtic moment where Barbara appeared to trip, scattering the designs.


    Many people helped her pick them up, and the surveince couldn''t capture everyone''s faces or actions clearly. This left people wondering if Mona''s design had been swapped during themotion, but identifying the culprit among so many was a challenge. With the footage inconclusive, suspicion shifted away from Barbara.


    It was a clever diversion tactic.

 Chapter 30

    Mona''s gaze swept over Barbara, and she definitely Barbara.


    narrowed her eyes. If anyone in the world couldn''t stand to see her seed, it was


    As Mona pondered the situation, ra, standing beside her, suddenly remarked, "It was because Missy needed to use the restroom that Barbara took the designs. But then why did Barbara go to the restroom herself?"


    Her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear, sparking a wave of murmurs among the onlookers.


    Indeed, Barbara had only been asked to deliver the designs because Missy needed to use the restroom. So why did Barbara need to go as well?


    The murmurs reached Barbara''s ears, prompting her to stand up, and speak in a quiet, seemingly wronged tone. "I just got coffee on my hands and didn''t want to stain anyone''s designs, so I went to wash them. Is that really something to be suspicious about?" After a pause, she added, "If everyone truly doubts me, I''m willing to withdraw from thepetition and let Artemis Rain choose another design to prove my innocence."


    Her words were sincere, her gaze steady, projecting an image of someone with nothing to hide. By offering to step down, she seemed to demonstrate hermitment to clearing her name.


    Artemis had chosen Barbara''s design, and the design department had seen it. The gown was beautifully crafted, particrly the embroidered neckline, which was unique and appealing. Such a design was universally admired, not just by Artemis but by everyone who saw it.


    Even if Mona''s im about her design being swapped was true, and she presented her original work, many believed it wouldn''t surpass Barbara''s. Whether or not Mona''s design was swapped seemed irrelevant, as Barbara''s gown was already well-received. Leander quickly interjected after hearing Barbara''s offer to withdraw. "Barbara, we all believe you''re not the type to swap Mona''s design. You can''t withdraw from thispetition!"


    Artemis had already selected Barbara''s design. If she withdrew, it would be difficult to exin to Artemis, and there was no guarantee anyone else''s design could surpass Barbara''s. Ultimately, the design department would face the consequences.


    "Yeah, yeah, you were chosen by a celebrity because of your talent. There''s no need to jeopardize your future over this," someone chimed in.


    "Exactly. Even if someone swapped Mona''s design, it wasn''t Barbara. She just went to wash her hands. The person who swapped the design must be among the crowd."


    "That''s right. Barbara has no reason to switch Mona''s design. Her own work is excellent."


    As Mona listened to the chatter around her, she maintained a calm expression. The truth was, she realized herck of a strong reputation was part of the problem. If she had a few standout designs to her name, people might have been more inclined to suspect Barbara. With a light tap of her fingers on the table, she said, "It seems we can''t identify who swapped the designs right now. I won''t. pursue it further for the moment, but I want to know if there''s a way to remedy this situation."


    Mona had put a lot of effort into her design, and it was her first significant project in a long while. It held special meaning for her, and she couldn''t let it go without a fair chance.


    Leander frowned slightly. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn''t mind making another attempt for the heiress, but Artemis Rain had already left the country, leaving him with no options. 75%1


    5


    "Artemis Rain has gone abroad. Unless you go find her, there''s no way to show her your design. But even if you do, there''s no guarantee she''ll choose it," Leander said honestly.


    His words implied that Mona might be wasting her effort. Even if she met Artemis in person, the likelihood of her design being chosen was slim. It might be better to let it go.


    Everyone turned their eyes to Mona, curious about her decision. If she had the courage to seek out Artemis and her design was chosen, her reputation would soar. But if Artemis rejected it, she risked damaging her reputation. Most people would have epted the situation, but Mona wasn''t one to take things lying down.


    Even if Artemis didn''t like her design after seeing it, Mona could ept that. What she couldn''t ept was her design being dismissed without even being considered.


    Without hesitation, Mona dered, "I''m going to find Artemis Rain."


    Her voice wasn''t loud, but it was firm. After speaking, she paused and asked, "May I ask you for Artemis'' contact information?"


    She quickly shook her head, realizing that sending a photo wouldn''t convey sincerity. Artemis might not even look at it, and her assistant could easily dismiss it. It was better to go in person to show genuine intent. The design department was taken aback by Mona''s decision. Most hadn''t expected her to take such a bold step.


    Mona''s determination convinced many that her design had indeed been swapped. Otherwise, why would anyone make such a choice?


    Barbara watched Mona with surprise, not having anticipated that Mona would make such a bold decision.


    But what difference would it make if Mona went to find Artemis Rain? There was no guarantee that Artemis would even agree to meet her.


    As the Clem family''s heiress, Mona wasn''t concerned about her monthly sry. She promptly took leave from work and left thepany.


    After leaving, Mona took a taxi home, where her original gown design was kept. On the way, she called Maxwell. He answered after just two rings.


    In the Carter Group''s boardroom, the directors were taken aback to see Maxwell, seated at the head of the table, answering a call with a hint of a smile on his face. "Hello?"


    Maxwell''s deep, resonant voice came through, and Mona felt a sense of relief, as if she had found someone to lean on. "Maxwell, I need to talk to you."


    L


    "Sure, go ahead. I''m listening," he replied, standing up and gazing out the window, his thoughts lingering on Mona''s beautiful face.


    For some reason, hearing Maxwell''s reassurance made Mona''s feelings of frustration and injustice well up inside her. She poured out her heart, telling him about her design being swapped and her n to go abroad.


    1N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

 Chapter 31

    PRACH


    31


    Maxwell asked, "Which country are you heading to?" absentmindedly rubbing his fingers together as he pondered something.


    "Arkenvale," Mona replied honestly. She had asked the manager before leaving and had also obtained Artemis Rain''s assistant''s contact information.


    "Wait for me at home. I''ll go with you. I have a contract to sign in Arkenvale in a couple of days," Maxwell said.


    Hearing that Maxwell would apany her, Mona felt a wave of happiness. "Great, I''ll wait for you at home. There''s no rush."


    The manager had mentioned that Artemis would be in Arkenvale for a week to shoot amercial. If things went well, Mona hoped to spend some time exploring the country with Maxwell, which might strengthen their bond. After ending the call, Mona felt much better. She also called her grandparents to let them know she and Maxwell were going abroad, omitting the part about her design being swapped to avoid worrying them.


    In her heart, Mona suspected Barbara of switching her design, though she had no proof. She kept this in mind, nning to settle scores from both her past and present lives in due time.


    Meanwhile, after ending the call, Maxwell told the board members the meeting was adjourned. The directors were surprised by his uncharacteristic behavior, which deviated from his usual businesslike demeanor. Maxwell left the meeting room and returned to his office, with his assistant, Nigel, following behind.


    "I''ll handle the negotiations in Arkenvale myself. Youe with me and have Bud manage thepany," Maxwell said, eager to return home.


    "But, sir, wasn''t Bud supposed to handle the trip to Arkenvale?" Nigel asked, puzzled. The deal in Arkenvale wasn''t particrly critical, so it seemed unusual for Maxwell to go personally. Maxwell didn''t answer Nigel''s question, instead reiterating, "I''ll go. Inform Bud, and we''ll meet at the airportter."


    With that, Maxwell left the office and drove home.


    When he arrived, Mona was already there, busy packing. Watching her, Maxwell felt a surge of warmth. Since their marriage, the house increasingly felt like a home.


    Mona sensed a strong gaze on her and turned to see Maxwell watching her intently with his alluring eyes.


    She shed him a sweet smile. "You''re back. I packed a few clothes and your essentials. Check if I''ve missed anything."


    Maxwell stepped closer, looking at her with affection. "It''s fine. We can buy anything we needter. Let''s go; I''ve had Nigel book the tickets."


    Mona nodded. It was a fortunate coincidence that her design being swapped meant she could apany Maxwell on his trip. Otherwise, she would have been left alone in Nathontown.


    At the airport, which was bustling with people, Maxwell hesitated for a moment before taking Mona''s hand. "It''s crowded. I don''t want us to get separated, so I''ll hold your hand for safety." Maxwell spoke earnestly, using the crowded airport as an excuse to hold Mona''s hand, though his real intention was simplyN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    to be close to her.


    Mona felt a bit shy but nodded, sensing that Maxwell was starting to develop feelings for her. It seemed her efforts were beginning to pay off, and she felt encouraged to keep trying. 08:24 Mon,


    Maxwell''s hand wasrge, with long, well-defined fingers, and the warmth from his grasp gave Mona a profound sense of security.


    Walking alongside Maxwell, Mona couldn''t help but


    design being swapped seemed to fade away, leavimile, feeling as if she were floating. The earlier distress about her


    her thoughts focused solely on Maxwell.


    When they reached Nigel, he was momentarily taken aback, rubbing his eyes to ensure he wasn''t seeing things. Maxwell, known for his reserved demeanor, was holding someone''s hand. Nigel wondered to himself about their marriage, initially thinking it was a strategic alliance. Why were they holding hands


    now?


    Soon, Nigel realized they might be putting on a show for others. If someone took a photo and posted it online, it could affect both their reputations.


    Feeling clever for figuring it out, Nigel eagerly approached them and took their luggage.


    "Boss, the tickets are all set," Nigel informed Maxwell.


    Maxwell nodded slightly and followed them through check-in and onto the ne.


    The ne quickly taxied down the runway, soaring into the sky and leaving a white contrail against the blue.


    In first ss, Mona gazed out at the sky and clouds. Maxwell handed her a paper cup. "Have some water. We have a few hours ahead. You should rest."


    1


    Mona epted the cup with a smile, her mind drifting to all Maxwell had done for her. Even now, she found it hard to believe that someone so seemingly aloof would go to such lengths for her. Yet, he had avenged her and ensured justice was served. Maxwell noticed Mona''s lingering gaze, filled with gratitude, and was curious about its cause. Meeting her eyes, he felt an inexplicable pang deep within.


    Instinctively, he held her hand and asked, "What''s on your mind? You can tell me anything. We''re a team."


    Mona realized she''d been lost in thought and looked at their intertwined hands. Shaking her head, she replied, "It''s nothing. I was just wondering if Artemis Rain will choose my design."


    "Don''t worry," Maxwell reassured her, instinctively tightening his grip on her hand. "No matter what happens, as long as you''ve done your best, you won''t have any regrets."


    He had great confidence in Mona''s design abilities and had already set things in motion to investigate who had dared to swap her design. Whoever was behind it would soon be uncovered. who

 Chapter 32

    Throughout the flight, Maxwell and Mona never let go of each other''s hands. They remained connected until the ne touched down.


    At some point, Mona drifted off to sleep, her


    brushing a


    a stray lock of hair from her forehe resting on Maxwell''s shoulder. He nced at her with a gentle smile, I stand still, he thought.


    If only time could


    Nigel, watching from behind, couldn''t help but find the sight of his boss smiling a bit unusual. The rtionship between Maxwell and Mona seemed to be quite good. The nended at Arkenvale''s airport, and Maxwell gently woke Mona. Together with Nigel, they exited the airport.


    The night sky was as dark as ink, with stars twinkling like diamonds, creating a serene atmosphere. Maxwell never released Mona''s hand.


    Neither spoke, but the silence seemed to bring them closer. Mona wore a constant smile, feeling that the day when Maxwell might fall for her wasn''t far off.


    As


    the car drove toward the hotel, it passed through a quiet, eeriene in this foreignnd.


    "Just around the corner, and we''ll be on the main road where it''s busier,"I Nigel said, his voice betraying a slight tremor, revealing his own unease.


    Maxwell ha


    Maxwell hadn''t brought many people on this on this trip, just a small . it''s a bit creepy here," Mona remarked, eveing the real team that hadn''t yet disembarked from the ne. If anything went wrong, it would be his responsibility.


    §Þ§Ñ§ç stared


    road ahead and hoping they would reach the main road soon. into the distance, his expression calm, though he felt a strange unease.


    As they reached the corner, Nigel breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that once they turned, they''d be in a safer area.


    Just as he rxed, a car approached with its high beams on, blinding them momentarily. Instinctively, Nigel closed his eyes, and suddenly, the car window shattered with a loud crash, scattering ss everywhere, even onto Nigel. In an instant, Maxwell shielded Mona, determined to protect her from harm.


    "Hey, get out of the car!" a burly man shouted at them, waving a metal rod menacingly.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Nigel hesitated, ncing at Maxwell, who nodded slightly, prompting Nigel to quietly open the door and step out.


    to Mona''s ear and whispered, "No matter what happens, stay in the car."


    Maxwell leaned close to


    Mona clutched Maxwell''s hand tightly, shaking her head, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at him.


    She wasn''t sure if Max if Maxwell had faced such dangers in her past life or if something else had subtly altered the course of events, such as their marriage. Had this changed Maxwell''s fate as well?


    I''ll be fine," Maxwell reassured her, his voice steady as he gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.


    "Trust me, I''ll


    Before Mona could respond, Maxwell stepped out of the car, locking the door behind him to keep her safe.


    As soon as he and Nigel exited, a group of men brandishing metal rods approached them menacingly.


    "Who sent you?" Maxwell demanded coldly.


    He wasn''t naive about the enemies he''d made over the years. In his quest to advance the Carter Group, he''d stepped on


    many toes and earned his share of grudges.


    "No more talking. We''re here for Maxwell Carter''s head!"


    ??


    Inside the car, Mona''s heart raced. She gripped the door handle, torn between the urge to help and Maxwell''s instructions to stay put. She knew she might onlyplicate things if she intervened, so she quickly called the police. The sounds of the scuffle outside continued, and Mona watched anxiously as Maxwell deftly dodged the attacks. Each swing of the metal rods made her heart skip a beat, fearing for his safety.


    All she could do was hope the police would arrive soon.


    Her eyes were glued to the scene outside, her hand poised to open the door if Maxwell needed her.


    In the dim light of the car''s headlights, Mona noticed someone stealthily approaching Maxwell from behind.


    Maxwell remained unaware of the person sneaking up behind him. His focus was on therge man in front of him, who was about the same height but more heavily built. Despite the size difference, Maxwell showed no difficulty as he delivered a powerful kick, sending the man crashing into the wall.


    Mona watched from the car, her heart pounding as the man spat a curse at Maxwell. He flexed his wrists and approached the man with a determined stride, ready to confront him further. Meanwhile, the person behind Maxwell continued to close in, unnoticed.


    Seeing the man


    behind Maxwell raise a metal rod, Mona acted without hesitation. She pushed open the car door and shouted, "Watch out!"


    Maxwell turned at the sound of her voice, just in time to see the man poised to strike. But instead of hitting him, the rodnded on someone who had thrown themselves in front of him-Mona. Mona felt the impact as the metal rod struck her back. She gritted her teeth, unable to copsed into Maxwell''s arms. Dack a pained groan, and


    The blow felt as if it had torn her insides apart, the pain reminiscent of her fall from the high-rise.


    But this time was different. Instead of the cold, hard ground, she fell into the warmth of Maxwell''s embrace. It was a stark contrast to her previous experience, offering a sense offort amidst the pain. "Mona!" Maxwell shouted, his voice trembling with fear as his heart clenched painfully. His hands shook as he held her.


    With a fierce kick, Maxwell sent the attacker sprawling, his eyes shing a deadly warning. If the man dared to move closer, Maxwell seemed ready to do whatever it took to protect her.


    Nigel, alerted by Maxwell''s shout, quickly dealt with his own opponent and rushed over. Seeing Mona unconscious, he said, "Boss, take her and get out of here. I''ll cover you. Reinforcements are on their way." "Alright, be careful," Maxwell replied. He was no stranger to such threats, but he hadn''t expected this situation to endanger Mona.


    If anything happened to her, he knew he would never forgive himself.


    The image of her slender figure stepping in to shield him, taking the blow meant for him, filled him with a deep fear he couldn''t shake.

 Chapter 33

    Maxwell hurriedly carried Mona, his happening to her.


    stepsC0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    quick and urgent, fearing that any dy might lead to something terrible


    Mo. Mick


    As he moved, he called out, "Mona, Mona,


    His voice wasced with anxiety, fear, and a hi), eyes


    and look at me. Don''t fall asleep."


    locked in a dark room by his mother.


    of helplesmes as a feling he hadn''t experienced even as a child, helplessness. It was a feeling he hadn''t experienced even as a child, His palm felt sticky with Mona''s blood, the warmth of it making his heart race with dread.


    "Mona, Mona, you can''t be hurt!" Maxwell''s voice was filled with urgency and desperation as he carried her, his heart pounding with fear. "What would I do without you?" he murmured, the thought of losing her sending a chill through his entire being.


    As dawn''s light gently touched the white sheets of the bed, Mona''s eyshes fluttered like delicate butterflies against her pale skin.


    She tried to turn over but was met with a sharp pain in her back, as if something had broken.


    The dangerous events of the previous night shed through her mind. She couldn''t quite understand where she found the courage to shield Maxwell. In that moment, her body had acted faster than her mind.


    Slowly opening her eyes, she saw


    someone sitting by her bed, holding her hand tightly. His brow was furrowed as if he were caught in a bad dream.


    It was none other than Maxwell Carter, the man she had protected from the iron rod the night before.


    Suddenly, his grip on her hand tightened, as if he were using all his strength, nearly crushing her fingers.


    Mona winced, letting out a soft hiss of pain. Maxwell''s eyes snapped open, and their gazes locked unexpectedly.


    She noticed fear and anxiety in his eyes.


    Was he afraid she wouldn''t wake up?


    "Mona, who told you to block that rod for mest night? Didn''t I tell you to stay in the car?" Maxwell''s voice was stern, his eyes filled with questions.


    If


    anything had happened to Mona, he didn''t know how he could continue living in this world.


    No one knew how terrified he had been waiting outside the operating room, his hands slick with sweat mixed with Mona''s blood, pushing him to the brink of losing control. Mona, just waking up, felt a wave of emotion at Maxwell''s questioning tone. She had acted for his sake; she wouldn''t have done it for anyone else. -Having been given a second chance at life, she cherished it more than anything.


    If she had to do it all over again, Mona wasn''t sure she''d have the courage to step in front of Maxwell. But the fact had done it, and despite the pain, she had no regrets.


    Seeing Mona''s silence, Maxwell softened his tone. "Mona, promise me that in this world, no one''s life is more important than your own. If you ever find yourself in a simr situation, protect yourself first and don''t worry about anything else." she


    ¨¹D 3, 75%2


    He worried that if such a situation arose again, Mona might not prioritize her own safety. He wanted her to understand that her well-being was paramount


    Mona met Maxwell''s determined gaze and nodded. She knew what choice she would make if faced with such a situation again.


    It seemed that Maxwell''s life was more important to her than her own.


    "What happened afterward? Who were those people?" Mona asked. She remembered the blow from the rod and losing consciousness, but not how she ended up in the hospital. She vaguely recalled someone calling her name. "I took you to the hospital. Nigel said that shortly after we left, the police arrived and arrested those men," Maxwell replied.


    Of course, Maxwell''s own team had arrived before the police, but he didn''t mention this to Mona.


    nodded. "That''s good. But why would they want to harm you?"


    Mona nodded.


    She clearly remembered someone saying they were there for Maxwell''s life, which was not typical of a robbery. "I''m not sure yet. It could be someone I''ve


    I''ve crossed, seeking g revenge," Maxwell said.


    Before the police arrived, Nigel had captured two of the attackers to see if they could get any information


    As Mona was about to speak,


    there was a knock on the hospital room door, and Nigel entered.


    "Boss, ma''am, I''ve brought breakfast," Nigel announced, cing the food on the table.


    to help care e for her," Maxwell instructed.


    "Thank you. Please find a nurse to


    After Nigel left, Maxwell carefully helped Mona freshen up, his every movement gentle to avoid causing her pain.


    Mona had two broken ribs, leaving her upper body stiff and unable to move much. Maxwell even fed her breakfast, which made Mona feel both surprised and touched. Despite the pain, there was a sweetness in her heart, making the injury seem more bearable.


    Though Maxwell''s earlier tone had been stern, it was clear he cared deeply for her.


    She felt that their rtionship had grown


    After breakfast, the nurse Nigel had a stronger over the past few days.


    Nigel opened the door, and Maxwell entered arrived to care for Mona. Maxwell and Nigel then headed to a secluded vi on the outskirts of Arkenvale, surrounded by an eerie silence.


    sitting


    casually on the sofa. Two of his men brought in the captives from the previous night-one who had injured Mona and another who had threatened Maxwell''s life. Maxwell''s voice cut through the room like a chill winter wind, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present.


    "Have they said anything yet?" Maxwell asked


    "Who sent you? I don''t have as much patience as Nigel," he said, his tone icy and unyielding.


    The two captives exchanged a nce, their resolve hardening as they made a grim decision. Without hesitation, they swallowed the pills hidden in their mouths.


    "Boss, they''ve taken poison," Nigel eximed, stepping forward to check on them. It was toote; both men had co...psed, blood trickling from their mouths, and they were no longer breathing. Maxwell nced at the lifeless bodies and said, "Dispose of them."


    With their deaths, the chance to discover who had sent them vanished. The incident would be dismissed as a simple robbery, with no one left to reveal the true motive. Meanwhile, Monay in her hospital bed, feeling as though her bones had turned to jelly. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her, but she was grateful to be safe and alive.

 Chapter 34

    Mona realized that in her current condition, meeting Artemis Rain was impossible. Her design wouldn''t be seen, making her trip to Arkenvale seem pointless. She sighed, feeling a sense of frustration. As she idly scrolled through her phone, a message suddenly appeared, causing her eyes to widen in disbelief. The surprise jolted her upright, despite the pain in her back. [Dear Miss Clem, Artemis has seen your gown design and likes it very much. It''s a style she hasn''t tried before. Although she has already chosen another gown, if you''re willing, you could create yours as well. At the awards ceremony, she will wear whichever gown suits her best.] The message was from Artemis Rain''s assistant, using the contact information Mona had provided. This unexpected news filled Mona with joy.


    After the


    the initial excitement, Mona pondered how Artemis had seen her design and why she had considered it. She suspected Maxwell Carter''s involvement. Since the previous night, Maxwell had been in charge of her belongings, which included her design for Artemis. It seemed likely that Maxwell had helped her. "How did you know I was in the hospital?" Mona asked. Only Maxwell and Nigel knew about her hospitalization, and neither would have shared the information. T


    Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by Teddy entering the room with flowers and a fruit basket. He looked at Mona with feigned concern. "Mona, how did you get so badly hurt? It pains me to see you like this"


    "Of course, I''m concerned about you. What kind of marriage do you have with Maxwell if he lets you get hurt? If I were there, I''d protect you with my life," Teddy said, cing the items on the table with a concerned tone. Mona responded with a roll of


    Don''t dodge the question. How did you know I was in the hospital? If you don''t want to say, thene situation arose, Teddy would push her aside to save himself. to say, then leave. You''re not wee here," Mona replied coldly. couldn''t t muster any kindness toward Teddy, the man who had betrayed her. His presence only fuele fueled I her anger.


    She


    "Mona, I told you, it''s because I care. I''m also in Arkenvale for business. I saw the local newsst night. Although your face wasn''t clear, I recognized you from your silhouette. Today, I saw Maxwell leaving here, so I knew you were inside," Teddy exined. Taking advantage of Mona''s situation, Teddy hoped to win her forgiveness for his infidelity. Without the Clem Group''s support, the Powers Group''s operations had suffered.


    Teddy, seeing Mona''s silence, continued, "Mona, look how much I care about you. It''s been so long since our engagement. Surely you''re not still upset? Don''t be with Maxwell just to spite me. I''ll treat you well from now on."


    Mona lifted her gaze to meet Teddy''s earnest eyes. Previously, she might have fallen for his sweet talk and forgiven him.


    But she was no longer the same Mona. She had seen Teddy''s true colors and now found his words amusing, a reminder of her past naivety.


    "Teddy, let me say this onest time: we''re truly over. Leave and don''te looking for me again," Mona said calmly. Just as she finished speaking, Maxwell entered the room, catching the tail end of her deration. A smile tugged at. "Mr. Powers, it''s been a while. I didn''t expect you to visit my wife. That''s very thoughtful of you," Maxwell said lightly as he lips.


    ter 34


    look a a seat beside MonContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He turned to Mona and asked, "Are you still feeling ufortable? What would you like for lunch?"


    His fingers brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, a gesture full of affection.


    Mona shook her head, gazing at Maxwell with eyes full of warmth. "I''m fine now. Anything you prepare, I''ll love."


    Teddy, still processing the situation, muttered, "Your wife? You two got married?"


    His disbelief was evident. He remembered the girl who once followed him around, talking about bing his bride, and now she was someone else''s wife.


    ¦°¦©¦¯


    Maxwell and I are officially married. That''s why I said we''re impossible," Mona replied, having no intention of hiding the truth from Teddy.


    Married? Mona, how could you marry Maxwell?" Teddy questioned.


    Ma


    45


    45


    Though he didn''t love Mona, he had always assumed they would marry and that she would be his. The news of her marriage to someone else was hard to ept.


    Monaughed coldly. Marrying Maxwell meant Teddy wouldn''t gain any shares in the Clem Group, and his frustration was showing. "Do I need my ex-boyfriend''s permission to marry someone? You have some nerve."


    "Mona you''re such a fickle woman. Just wait, you''ll regret this, and then you''lle begging to me," Teddy spat before storming out, mming the door behind him, leaving the room in silence.


    Maxwell, about to move to a nearby chair, was stopped by Mona''s hand. "Maxwell, did you help me by showing my design to Artemis Rain?" she asked, looking up at him.


    Maxwell nodded without hesitation. He knew that Mona hade to Arkenvale specifically for this opportunity, and he didn''t want her trip to be in vain. So, he had Nigel deliver her design. "Was it because of you that Artemis Rain chose my design?" Mona asked softly, uncertain if Maxwell''s influence had swayed the decision.


    Maxwell looked at Mona, his eyes brightening as he replied, "No, it wasn''t because of me. Nigel just delivered it, and Artemis made her own choice."


    He spoke the truth. Nigel had simply exined the situation to Artemis, and upon seeing Mona''s design, Artemis liked it and instructed her assistant to send Mona the positive response.


    0


    00000


    08:24 Mon, Oc

 Chapter 35

    @ 75%


    35


    "Really? Maxwell, you''re not lying to me, are you?" Mona asked incredulously. The realization that something she had longed for was actually happening felt almost unbelievable. Under Mona''s intense gaze, Maxwell nodded. "It''s true. Besides, I don''t know any big celebrities, so I wouldn''t have that kind of influence." If Maxwell had truly intended to help Mona in that way, he would have ensured that Artemis Rain chose her design outright, without anypetition. Hearing Maxwell''s


    Il


    I''s words, Mona felt like she was about to burst with happiness. Knowing that Artemis chose her design for its own merit, rather than through Maxwell''s influence, was incredibly gratifying. In her excitement, she forgot about her injuries and threw her arms around Maxwell''s neck. Maxwell quickly embraced her, worried she might hurt herself further.


    The pain hit her, reminding Mona of her condition, but the thought of being in Maxwell''s arms made the difort bearable.


    "Take it easy, you''re still recovering," Maxwell said I said gently, carefullyying her back on the bed and tucking her in.


    "The doctor said you''ll need to stay in the hospital for about two more weeks to heal properly."


    "Two weeks? That''s half a month," Mona murmured, feeling an eagerness to return to her normal life.


    With a clear goal in mind, Mona was impatient to get back to work and see her designe to life. She was determined to make the most of this opportunity.


    Mona was


    Mor


    was determined not to be just a supportive wife behind the scenes. She wanted her own career, something that would give her life meaning.


    "If you recover well, the doctor said you could be discharged in a week," Maxwell repeated the doctor''s words to Mona.


    Jan saids wing


    ????


    "Alright,


    I be good and focus on getting better so I can leave the hospital soon," Mona replied.


    Maxwell nodded. "I''ll take care of somepany matters during this time, and then we can head back together."


    Though he mentioned handling business, Maxwell only stepped out a couple of times. The rest of the time, he stayed by Mona''s side, helping her with everything from peeling apples to fetching water. Mona felt that Maxwell had practically taken over the nurse''s duties, even sending the nurse home to rest unless needed.


    Originally, Mona had hoped to explore Arkenvale with Maxwell, but given her condition, that n was now J pipedream, something to look forward to next time.


    d


    a


    After a week in the hospital, Mona persuaded Maxwell to arrange for her discharge. The doctor advised her to continue resting well at home.


    Due to the unresolved threat and Mona''s iplete recovery, Maxwell arranged for a private jet to take them back.


    As they left the hospital, Maxwell noticed Mona struggling to walk. Without hesitation, he scooped her up, saying, "Let me carry you. You''re still recovering."


    In Maxwell''s arms, Mona nodded. Their time together over the past week had brought them closer, and Mona felt they were truly like a loving couple.


    Chamar 35C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    The journey on the private jet was smooth and uneventful, and before Mona knew it, they had arrived.


    When the car stopped, Mona realized that Maxwell had brought her not to their small apartment but to the vi where he had lived in her past life.


    The ce felt familiar, bringing back memories of their time together. "Are we moving here?" she asked.


    "Thepany keeps me busy, so I can''t always be here to care for you. I''ve hired a housekeeper, and the apartment is too small for us. This ce is closer to the office," Maxwell exined


    Just as he had done when they left the hospital, Maxwell carried Mona inside.


    As Maxwell lifted Mona effortlessly into his arms, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, a smile ying on her lips.


    "Maxwell, thank you for everything these past few days," Mona said, resting her cheek against his shoulder, her breathing slowing in contentment. The steady beat of his heart and his subtle, clean scent made her cheeks flush with warmth. "There''s no need to thank me. You got hurt because of me," Maxwell replied.


    Inside the vi, everything had been meticulously prepared. Their belongings were neatly arranged, just like in their apartment.


    As they entered, the housekeeper Maxwell had hired greeted them and helped with their luggage. Maxwell carried Mona up to the bedroom on the second floor, gentlyying her on the bed.


    Seeing Maxwell''s careful demeanor, Mona felt a yful urge. As he set her down, she kept her arms wrapped around his neck.


    Caught off guard, Maxwell lowered his head, and his warm lips brushed against Mona''s forehead.


    Neither spoke afterward, and the room was filled with a slightly awkward silence.


    After a moment, Maxwell cleared his throat and said, "Rest for a while. Let me know if you need anything. I''ll go unpack our things."


    Mona nodded obediently, feeling pleased with the progress in their rtionship that day.


    Maxwell seemed to handle household tasks with ease, and watching him busily move about filled Mona with a sense of sweetness.


    That night, they naturally shared the same bedroom, neither mentioning the extra rooms in the vi.


    The next morning, golden sunlight streamed into the vi. After breakfast, Maxwell left for work, telling Mona he had arranged for her to have two more days of medical leave before returning to the office. Mona nodded, understanding that although she was discharged, she still needed to prioritize rest.


    After Maxwell left, Mona finished breakfast and returned to her room to think about the gown she was designing for Artemis Rain.


    Later in the morning, the housekeeper, Old Mrs. Hattie, knocked on Mona''s door. "Madam, your cousin is here and waiting in the living room."


    Mona paused, her paintbrush hovering in mid-air, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Cousin!"


    It was none other than Barbara, and she had certainly received the news quickly.


    3


    Maxwell found Mona surprisingly light, almost like a child, which made him feel protective.

 Chapter 36

    "Then let''s go. Help me downstairs," Mona said as she stood up.


    Old Mrs. Hattic assisted Mona down the stairs and then quietly went to prepare tea. Mona took a seat opposite Barbara, exuding the air of a hostess.


    "What brings you here, cousin?" Mona asked casually.


    Barbara''s lips curled into a slight smile as she looked at Mona with feigned concern. "I heard you were robbed abroad and had to stay in the hospital for a long time. It scared me! Are you alright?" Mona truly had a stroke of luck; encountering a robbery abroad yet emerging without serious harm was remarkable.


    ''If something had happened to her-like a scar on her face-Maxwell would surely divorce her. After all, how could the CEO of Carter Group want someone with a w in their appearance? Barbara thought. Facing Barbara Burton''s insincere concern, Mona felt a wave of nausea. She didn''t even want to continue the charade. "Your sources are quite up-to-date, cousin," she replied coolly.


    Aside from Teddy, who knew about the incident, Mona hadn''t even informed her grandparents.


    Barbaraughed awkwardly. "I was just worried about you. I heard you took a couple more days off after returning, so I kept an eye on the news from Arkenvale."


    After Old Mrs. Hattie served the tea, she quietly left the room.


    Mona picked up her tea and took a delicate sip. "Thank you for your concern, Barbara, but as you can see, I''m perfectly fine."


    The two exchanged a few more pleasantries. When Mona didn''t mention anything about designing for Artemis Rain, Barbara couldn''t resist asking, "By the way, did you get to meet the celebrity Artemis Rain?" Mona shook her head honestly. "No, I didn''t."


    Hearing this, Barbara felt a surge of satisfaction. If Mona hadn''t met Artemis, it meant her design hadn''t been seen, suggesting that Mona''s trip to Arkenvale was in vain.


    Though pleased internally, Barbara maintained a facade of sympathy. "I see. Well, no worries, Mona. I should get going; I have work to do at thepany," she said with a smile, standing to leave.


    Mona realized that Barbara misunderstood, thinking she hadn''t been chosen by Artemis Rain. Mona decided not to correct her, nning to surprise her back at thepany.


    She knew Barbara''s visit was purely to gather information, and now that Barbara had gotten what she wanted, Mona was content to let her believe what she wished.


    Mona also anticipated that once Barbara returned, her colleagues at thepany would hear about her supposed failure. However, Mona wasn''t concerned about rifying things immediately. She felt there was no rush to set the record straight and thought it would be more impactful to address it when she returned to the office.


    As Barbara left, she couldn''t help but smile, feeling as if even the summer sun was shining more warmly on her.


    As Maxwell returned home, he noticed someone leaving the house from a distance. Initially, he thought he might have mistaken the ce, but as he got closer, he recognized it was Mona''s cousin, Barbara. Without acknowledging her, he quickly averted his gaze and walked past her.


    Barbara was about to greet him, but seeing him ignore her, she stomped her foot in frustration.


    She believed Maxwell married Mona only because of her shares in the Clem Group and her status as the Clem family''s heiress. Without those, how could Monapare to her?


    Barbara was determined to prove her superiority over Mona through the gown design for Artemis Rain. She wanted everyone to see that she was better, with Mona left in her shadow.


    She envisioned a future where, after acquiring Mona''s shares through Teddy, Maxwell would be eager to marry her. Anything Mona valued, whether possessions or people, Barbara wanted for herself, including Maxwell.


    When Maxwell entered the house, he found Mona sitting alone on the sofa, lost in thought. He sat down beside her and asked, "How are you feeling?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Mona replied, "Pretty good. I feel much better today than yesterday. I should be able to go back to work the day after tomorrow."


    Seeing Mona''s eagerness, Maxwell considered suggesting she rest for a couple more days but decided against it. "Alright, I''ll take you to the office then." Mona nodded, a smile ying on her lips.


    Two morningster, Maxwell ensured Mona arrived safely at thepany. He watched her walk confidently before leaving.


    Upon entering, Mona felt the eyes of many colleagues on her, their gazes filled with mockery and amusement, as if they were watching a spectacle.


    The colleagues at thepany hesitated to speak directly to Mona, wary of provoking her wrath. Instead, they observed her from a distance, their curiosity piqued as they exchanged whispers and nces. Mona noticed their stares and smirked slightly. They were expecting her to fail, but she was ready to surprise them. Ignoring the whispers and nces, Mona walked confidently to her desk and sat down.


    end you ra, one of the few genuine friends Mona had at thepany, looked at her with concern. "How did ident? It seems like traveling abroad isn''t as safe as staying here. But you look alright now, so I''m relieved." Mona appreciated ra''s sincerity. "Yes, Nathontown is definitely better. I hurt my back, but I''m recovering well."


    ra nodded. "I''m d to hear that. Don''t worry about the gown; there will be other opportunities."


    up


    in a car


    ?


    Mona realized that Barbara had spread the rumor that she hadn''t even met Artemis Rain. "Well, despite the bad luck with the ident, Artemis gave me an opportunity. The trip wasn''t for nothing." ra''s eyes lit up with curiosity. "What opportunity?"


    Mona put a finger to her lips, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "You''ll find out soon enough."


    With that, Mona stood up and headed to the manager''s office, leaving ra to stew in her anticipation.


    As soon as Mona left, the design department buzzed with hushed conversations. ra listened, feeling frustrated by the gossip.


    "Maybe she staged the ident to have an excuse for being rejected by Artemis."


    "Exactly! Where does she get the confidence? She''s just a recent graduate with no portfolio. Why would a big star choose her, design? It''s a risk to their reputation!"


    3

 Chapter 37

    "Exactly! And she seems so confident. Who''s giving her that confidence?"


    "Confidence? More like arrogance!"


    ra listened to the gossip and wanted to defend Mona, but she struggled to find the right words. "Mona isn''t like that," she said, though her voice was quickly drowned out by theughter around her. Only Vespera, standing nearby, heard her. Vespera frowned in disapproval but chose to remain silent,


    Meanwhile, Mona confidently walked into the manager''s office. She exined the situation to Leander and showed him the message from Artemis Rain''s assistant.


    Leander was initially skeptical, but as he read the message, his disbelief turned to surprise. It was indeed from Artemis''s


    assistant.


    Over the past few days, Leander had heard the rumors about Mona and had unconsciously formed an opinion. Now, faced with this unexpected turn of events, he didn''t quite know how to feel.


    If the information Mona showed him was true, it meant her design had genuinely been swapped.


    For the first time, Leander looked at Mona in a new light. He saw a spark of confidence in her eyes, realizing that the chairman''s granddaughter had more talent than he had given her credit for.


    Examining the gown design Mona presented, he noted the meticulous attention to detail. With his years of experience in the design department, he was confident that this dress would make Artemis Rain shine.


    Without hesitation, Leander contacted Artemis''s assistant to verify Mona''s ims. Once confirmed, he looked at Mona with newfound respect.


    "Mona, take the next few days to prepare, just like Barbara. Find a couple of people from the design department to assist you," Leander suggested.


    Thepetition between Mona and Barbara to have their gown chosen by Artemis was unprecedented. The winner would gain significant recognition in the industry.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona nodded, understanding the stakes. If she seeded in having Artemis wear her design at the awards ceremony, it would boost her reputation in the design world. She might even be promoted from design assistant to designer next month, earning her grandfather''s approval.


    As Mona left the manager''s office, she felt the curious eyes of her colleagues upon her. She responded with a confident smile knowing that soon their skepticism would turn to surprise.


    "Hey, Mona, what did you discuss with the manager? And what was that opportunity you mentioned?" ra asked eagerly as soon as Mona sat down.


    Mona nced at Leander, who had just entered the design department, and smiled. "You''ll find out soon enough."


    Almost as soon as she spoke, Leander''s voice rang out, "Everyone, quiet down. I have an announcement. There''s been a development regarding Mona''s design being swapped. It turns out her design was indeed switched. However, her trip to Arkenvale wasn''t in vain. Artemis Rain has given both Barbara and Mona the chance to create gowns. After seeing them, Artemis will make her final choice."


    The room fell silent, the news leaving everyone


    stunned.


    Leander continued, "Barbara already has two assistants helping her. Mona will need the same support. If you''re interested in assisting and improving your design skills, speak directly with Mona."


    ra immediately turned to Mona, excitement in her voice. "Mona, can I help you? This opportunity is incredible!"


    Mona nodded, having already considered ra as a potential assistant.


    "And what about Vespera? She''d be great too, right?" ra suggested, turning to Vespera.


    Vespera smiled and nodded, surprised to learn that Mona''s design had genuinely been swapped and it wasn''t just an excuse.


    She couldn''t help but wonder if Barbara''s design would have been chosen by Artemis if Mona''s hadn''t been tampered with. The fact that Artemis was giving Mona another chance suggested otherwise.


    After Leander left, the design department was abuzz with shock. Many realized that it was Barbara who had spread the rumor about Mona''s wasted trip to Arkenvale.


    Feeling the weight of their stares, Barbara wished she could disappear. She had never been under such scrutiny and felt embarrassed.


    Trying to save face, Barbara approached Mona. "Mona, didn''t you say you didn''t meet Artemis Rain?"


    Mona met Barbara''s gaze and nodded. "That''s right, I didn''t meet her."


    "Then how did Artemis give you a chance?" Barbara asked loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around them.


    tento vidn''t Are


    "Barbara, you''re being shortsighted," Mona replied with a cold smile. "Even though I didn''t meet Artemis in person, I had someone show her my design and exin the situation. That''s how I got the opportunity. Are you hoping I wouldn''t get this chance?" Barbara''s confidence faltered under Mona''s piercing gaze.


    Just as Barbara was about to respond, Mona pressed on, "If I hadn''t received this opportunity, Artemis would have simply chosen your design, right? There would be no need for apetition. It''s quite peculiar how my design was mysteriously swapped. I wonder who could have orchestrated that."


    Feeling cornered, Barbara managed a strained smile. "You''re joking, Mona. I genuinely hope Artemis chooses your gown. If I weren''t already working on my own, I''d dly step aside and let you take the lead. Please, don''t misunderstand my intentions!" Mona''s clever retort caught the attention of their colleagues, who began to question Barbara''s credibility. Whispers circted, with some specting whether Barbara might have been involved in the design swap, especially since she had the opportunity while she was away.

 Chapter 38

    Mona smiled and said. "Even if it were possible, I wouldn''t let you do that, cousin. I want topete with you fairly!"


    Her words were confident yet humble, earning her the goodwill of those around her.


    Barbara looked at Mona, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity. The Mona she once knew would never have spoken this way.


    In the past, Mona had always been trailing behind Teddy, constantly calling him "Teddy Baby."ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Ever since Mona discovered Barbara''s affair with Teddy, it was as if she had be a different person. She was no longer obsessed with romance but focused her energy on design.


    Barbara forced a smile and said, "You''re right, Mona. Let''spete fairly. I hope you''ll give it your all!"


    "Of course!"


    Barbara, preupied with thoughts of Teddy, arranged to meet him at a hotel even before the workday ended. Teddy assumed that Barbara, whom he considered his little enchantress, was eager to see him. As soon as he received her message, he booked a hotel room.


    After work, Barbara drove straight to the address Teddy had sent her and walked right in.


    The moment she entered the room, Teddy embraced her, covering her face with kisses. Barbara looked at him with disdain.


    Without theparison to Maxwell, Teddy seemed fine in Barbara''s eyes. But after meeting Maxwell, she realized that only a man with his charisma was worthy of her. Now, she saw Teddy merely as a tool. Feigning affection, Barbara wrapped her arms around Teddy''s neck and said softly, "Teddy, wait a moment. I have something to discuss with you."


    Teddy held Barbara close, his hands wandering over her skin.


    "Teddy, I have something to ask you," Barbara said, resting her head on his arm with a coy expression.


    The recent intimacy had drained much of her energy.


    "Sure, what is it?"


    Barbara turned in Teddy''s arms and asked, "Teddy, have you made up with my cousin yet?"


    The mention of this topic angered Teddy, who was already considering giving up on Mona. "No, I''m thinking of letting her go," he replied coldly.


    During theirst argument, he had humbled himself to reconcile with Mona, only to find out she had married Maxwell. For someone he didn''t truly care about, he wasn''t willing to invest much effort.


    As for the pressure from the Clem and Carter Groups on the Powers Group, he was contemting forming an alliance with another family.


    Hearing Teddy''s words, Barbara tightened her grip on his arm. "Why, Teddy? Don''t you want the shares my cousin holds?" If Teddy were to give up on Mona, it would mean she could live happily with Maxwell. This left Barbara wondering how she could win Maxwell over. The thought of this angered Teddy. "Why? Because Mona has already married Maxwell. How could I marry someone who''s been divorced? Mona and Maxwell are legally married-didn''t you know?"


    Logically, Barbara, being Mana''s cousin, should have known about something as significant as Mona getting married. It seemed unlikely that such news would have escaped her notice.


    Barbara feigned surprise. "They''re married?"


    "You didn''t know?" Teddy asked in disbelief.


    "No," Barbara replied, looking at Teddy with a face full of feigned innocence. "You might not know, but my mother and I were kicked out of the Clem family because my biological father is Jeremy. So I know nothing about my cousin''s affairs." Barbara''s voice was filled with feigned sadness, and her eyes glistened with tears, which tugged at Teddy''s heartstrings.


    Teddy kissed her cheek reassuringly. "Don''t be upset, Barbara. It''s my fault for misunderstanding. It''s the Clem family''s loss for not valuing you. They''ll regret it one day."


    Barbara sniffed and said, "I don''t me you, Teddy. I think my cousin married Maxwell to get back at you. She still likes you. Remember how she treated you during college? She designed suits for you and brought you meals every day. Feelings don''t change that easily. She just wants you to pay more attention to her."


    Seeing Teddy remain silent, Barbara continued, "And if we want to get the Clem Group shares, Mona is key. Once we have them, you can divorce her anytime, and I''ll be waiting for you."


    "You''re right, Barbara. We''ve wanted those shares for so long; there''s no reason to give up now."


    This was the oue Barbara desired. After aligning their goals, the two had dinner together before heading home.


    Meanwhile, after work, Mona went with Maxwell to the Clem family home to pick up a design book containing her college


    notes.


    Since Mona and Maxwell traveled abroad, they hadn''t returned home. Mona knew her grandparents were particrly worried after hearing about her ident from thepany.


    If Maxwell hadn''t reassured them that it was just a minor ident, they likely would havee to see her immediately.


    Upon arriving at the Clem family home, the household staff greeted them warmly. Jane took a good look at Mona and concluded that she had lost weight during her time abroad.


    "Mona, have you not been eating well overseas? Your face looks thinner," Jane said affectionately, holding Mona''s hand. Hearing this, Maxwell also nced at Mona, realizing that, having been with her constantly, he hadn''t noticed any changes. But now, he saw that she had indeed lost weight.

 Chapter 39

    39


    "I''m sorry, Grandpa, Grandma. It''s my fault for not taking better care of Mona," Maxwell said, his voice filled with guilt. "I''ll make sure to be more attentive when we return." He hadn''t realized Mona had lost weight. She was already light, and now the thought of her getting thinner filled him with


    remorse.


    Mona, however, didn''t feel she had lost weight. Hearing Maxwell''s words warmed her heart.


    "Come on, let''s s go inside


    and talk!" Bernard said, smiling. He could see the affection in Maxwell''s eyes when he looked at Mona, much like the way he looked at his own wife, Jane. Words could deceive, but the eyes could not. When someone was in love, their gaze was filled with warmth. Maxwell''s gaze at Mona was full of love, something Bernard had never seen in Teddy.


    Mona and Maxwell followed her grandparents into the living room. Mona linked arms with Jane, while Maxwell walked behind them.


    The four of them sat in the living room, chatting about Mona and Maxwell''s life abroad. Before they knew it, Albert had returned home. He acknowledged Mona''s presence with a slight nod. "Grandpa, Grandma, is Albert upset?" Mona asked.


    Mona wasn''t sure how to feel about her half-brother; Albert. She remembered his tragic life in her past and felt a pang of sympathy. Yet she knew that in Albert''s eyes, she could neverpare to Barbara. She also wondered if


    if Barbara had yed a role in Albert''s past struggles with addiction, given her interest in his shares of the Clem Group. Mona resolved to expose Barbara''s true intentions and make Albert see her for who she really was. In Barbara''s eyes, there was no family, only self-interest. Albert''s distance from Mona


    om Mona was partly due to Barbara''s meddling and partly due to Mona''s ownck of initiative in building their rtionship.


    Jane sighed and said, "Let''s not talk about that. Albert is still upset with us for expelling Beatrice and her daughter from our family."


    The Clem family dynamics were indeedplicated. Beatrice had been with them for so long, and now Barbara was revealed to be Albert''s half-sibling. It was a tangled web.


    "Let''s focus on happier things," Bernard said, trying to lighten the mood. "I heard my granddaughter got the opportunity to design a gown for Artemis Rain. That''s quite impressive!" Compared to his grandson, Bernard had a special fondness for Mona.


    Mona smiled and said, "Well, being your granddaughter, I''m thrilled to have this opportunity."


    "Good, good. After this, I''ll promote you. I hope you understand why I wanted you to start as a design assistant. I wanted you to take things slowly, so you''d have credibility with the team," Bernard exined. When Mona first joined thepany, Bernard had considered starting her as a designer. However, at that time, Mona was focused on Teddy and paid little attention to design.


    Starting her as a designer might have sparked gossip, so he decided she should begin as an assistant.


    "That makes sense, Grandpa. I understand," Mona replied with a smile.


    08:2


    As she spoke, Maxwell watched her with a smile. Sitting with her family felt like a dream to him, something he had never imagined before.


    After chatting in the living room, Jane decided to cook, wanting Mona to enjoy her homemade meal. Maxwell offered to help in the kitchen. This delighted Mona''s grandparents, and she secretly told them that Maxwell often cooked for her at home. Once again, her grandparents felt that Mona had made the right choice at her engagement.


    After sitting in the living room for a while, Mona went to Albert''s room on the second floor. She knocked and said, "Albert, it''s me. I''ming in." Albert, now a high school freshman, was in his rebellious phase. As his sister, Mona wanted to show more concern for him.


    "The door''s open. Come in," Albert replied.


    Hearing this, Mona opened the door and walked in. Albert was at hisputer, gaming with headphones on, embodying the rebellious teen image. Mona pulled up a up a chair and sat beside him, silently watching him y. His fingers were long and agile, and with a few quick taps, he skillfully maneuvered his character. Soon, she saw the virtual opponents around Albert''s character fall to the ground. "You y pretty well!" Mona well!" Mona remarked with admiration.


    Albert looked up at her and replied, "Not bad, I guess. But you didn''te here just to watch me game, did you?"


    Mona nodded. "Why not? I just wanted to see how my brother games."


    Albert gave


    her a skeptical look, as if questioning why she had the time to watch him y today.


    "Why not believe it? Maybe you could teach me. I might be pretty good at it too!" Mona said casually.


    She had never yed games before and wasn''t sure how she''d do, but watching Albert made it seem easy, so she figured she might do well.


    Albert studied


    died her, frowning slightly, as if weighing the truth of her words. "Are you sure?"


    Mona nodded confidently.


    Mona


    Albert gave up his seat for Mona and sat beside her, exining the basics of the game. It seemed simple enough: use skills to knock down the opponents around you.


    Mona listened carefully, thinking it sounded easy and that she''d surely seed.


    However, reality didn''t match her expectations. After three consecutive losses, she realized the game wasn''t as simple as it seemed. Albert''s moves had looked just like hers, so why did he win while she kept losing? She sighed in frustration.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    They switched ces, and Albert quickly defeated the surrounding opponents. He turned to Mona and said, "Sis, I always thought Barbara was a bit clumsy, but you''re even worse. She doesn''t go down with just one hit." His teasing tone was light, but the implication was unmistakable: Mona was having a hard time keeping up in the gne.

 Chapter 40

    Mona blushed at her brother''s teasing and said, "It''s my first time ying! I''ll get better next time."


    Albert looked at her, not saying much more.


    Afterward, Mona yed a couple more rounds. She improved slightly, managing to dodge a punch before being knocked out by a kick, but the game still ended quickly.


    Albert shook his head with a hint of amusement.


    Mona sighed as she looked at the fallen character on the screen. I''m done for now. You go ahead and y. I''ll call you when it''s time to eat."


    She decided she would practice the game more before trying again, as she felt a bit embarrassed by her performance.


    Returning to her room, Mona focused on her real task. She sat at her desk and began-flipping through her college design book.


    She couldn''t help but admire her past dedication; the pages were filled with detailed notes, some of which she had forgotten writing. As she reviewed her notes, she aimed to refine her design sketches, striving for perfection.


    When Maxwell came upstairs to call Mona for dinner, he found her deeply engrossed in her work. She was seated at her desk, pencil in hand, sketching carefully. asionally, she would erase a line and redraw it, repeating the process with focused determination. Maxwell watched her for a moment before approaching. When he saw the book she was using, his heart skipped a beat. He remembered discreetly discarding a photo from that book in the past.


    He wondered if he should confess to throwing it away if Mona asked, or pretend ignorance. He felt conflicted.


    "Hey, Maxwell, you''re here! Look at the dress I just redesigned. Doesn''t it look better now?" Mona asked with a smile, showing him hertest sketch.


    Maxwell nced at the design and nodded instinctively. "It''s much more refined. Have you noticed anything missing?"


    He was referring to the photo of Mona and Teddy that he had secretly discarded.


    "What do you mean?" Mona asked, her attention still on her design. She hadn''t noticed anything missing.


    Seeing her indifferent reaction, Maxwell felt relieved. "Nothing, just asking. Let''s go have dinner."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Monanodded, tidying up her desk before leaving the room with Maxwell. They stopped by Albert''s room to call him, and the three of them headed downstairs together.


    Dinner was a lively affair, with the family gathered around the table. In front of Mona''s grandparents, Maxwell openly served her food, adding to the warm atmosphere.


    Mona felt a moment of surprise as she looked at the food piled on her te. Maxwell had never served her food at home before. Was he doing this just to impress her grandparents?


    Despite her curiosity, Mona thanked Maxwell and began eating. After all, it was a gesture from him, and she appreciated it. The taste was familiar, and with just one bite, Mona realized it was Maxwell''s cooking. It was delicious.


    After dinner, instead of heading home, they decided to stay at the Clem family residence. Once they finished eating....ey returned to their room.


    As usual, Mona took a shower first, followed by Maxwell.


    When Maxwell emerged from the bathroom, Mona was already sitting on the bed, her skin glowing from her skincare routine, looking fresh and dewy.


    Under Maxwell''s gaze, Mona tossed her phone onto the bed in frustration, letting out a sigh as she stared at it with exasperation.


    "What happened? Who''s upset you?" Maxwell asked, ncing at her phone, which disyed a game over screen.


    Mona pointed at the phone and said, "This infuriating game! I''m trying so hard, but I keep losing!"


    Since Maxwell had already seen her frustration, she wasn''t worried about him teasing her. She looked at him with a pleading expression.


    If they weren''t in a marriage of convenience, she might have soughtfort in Maxwell''s arms.


    But given their arrangement, Mona was unsure when-or if-Maxwell might develop feelings for her. She hesitated to act too familiarly, fearing it might annoy him.


    "Let me try," Maxwell offered, his long fingers already reaching for her phone as he sat beside her.


    Mona scooted closer to Maxwell, leaving just a hand''s breadth between them. Any slight movement would bring their skin into contact.


    "Maxwell, have you yed this game before?" Mona asked instinctively.


    Maxwell shook his head honestly. "No, I haven''t."


    With that, he pressed the start button and began a new game.


    Mona watched his gamey with a mix of concern and curiosity, worried that he might meet the same quick defeat she had and feel embarrassed.


    To her surprise, Maxwell''s character remained unscathed, with the health bar untouched.


    Seeing the victory screen at the end, Mona felt a bit disheartened. How could they both be ying for the first time, yet have such different oues? "You''re amazing! I got knocked out right away. Is there a trick to this game?" Mona asked, looking at Maxwell with admiration.


    Maxwell handed the phone back to Mona. "No special tricks. Why don''t you try again, and I''ll watch?"


    Holding her phone, Mona felt a bit hesitant. She knew she wasn''t good at the game and often got defeated quickly.


    "Okay, I''ll start."


    Maxwell nodded.


    Mona began ying, randomly pressing the skill buttons, but failed to hit any opponents and was quickly defeated by a single move.


    After the game ended, Mona felt too embarrassed to meet Maxwell''s gaze.


    "Another loss. I guess I''m just not cut out for gaming," Mona sighed.


    "It''s okay, you''ll get better with practice. Let me show you," Maxwell offered.


    Mona nodded, looking at Maxwell with admiration.


    10.75%


    Maxwell leaned closer to Mona to see the screen better. Mona adjusted her position, almost ending up in Maxwell''sp, with his arm resting behind her. Their closeness made the moment feel undeniably intimate.

 Chapter 41

    45


    "So I''ll start the game?" Mona asked Maxwell. It gave her a small thrill that he was next to her guiding her.


    Maxwell nodded while adjusting his seat to position himself closer to her. He could already smell the fresh scent of her body soap. It was light but refreshing, just like her personality.


    Mona rapidly pressed the skill buttons on the screen, shooting at the enemies around her. In no time at all, she had used up all the special skills of her character, but her enemies still surrounded her. She sighed inwardly, resigned to the fact that it was game over for her again.


    Just then, she felt a warm hand over hers. Some calluses on the Hand made the back of Mona''s palm itch a little, but it also sent a jolt to her heart. She looked up and stared adoringly at Maxwell. "Keep your eyes on the screen." Maxwell''s low voice brought Mona back to reality.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "Yes, I''m looking at it." Mona looked back at her character.


    The characters on the screen moved


    In the next instant, she observed her quickly, and very soon, in a flurry of action, the precarious situation that Mona had been in was defused. The other characters that surrounded her moved on from her. Her character''s special skills had also been restored.


    This time,


    hand being guided I by Maxwell. His thumb pushed against hers, nimbly controlling their character in battle and outmaneuvering opponents. I still as she watched her character on her phone screen begin to unleash its special skills at one enemy after another.


    Mona stayed blowsnded quickly and precisely, and soon enough, the only one left standing was herself while the bodies of her fallen enemies littered the ground.


    Mona shrieked as the word ''Victory'' shed on her screen and she excitedly jumped up from her seat. In her excitement, she identally fell backwards into the arms of Maxwell. She looked at him, starstruck, and eximed, "Maxwell you''re amazing! I won, I won!" Mona had always been a loser at video games, and it was exhrating for her to finally win. Maxwell met Mona''s doe eyes and replied, "Yeah, congrattions, you won!" Then, as if he couldn''t control himself, Maxwell ran his hand over Mona''s hair twice. Her hair was soft and smooth, but it seemed to have a strong hold on Maxwell''s hand and he found himself unwilling to stop caressing it. It seemed like Mona''s hair had bound itself to his hand as well as his heart. don''t She only


    Why


    t we y another round?" Mona asked. She knew how intimate they were being in that moment, and it made her heart flutter but she wasn''t quite sure how to deal with it. that it mad made her feel an indescribable joy in her heart.


    knew


    Maxwell wasn''t about to pass up on a chance to be in close contact with Mona again, so he readily agreed. They continued ying and won game after game, and when it was close to midnight, Maxwell took the phone and plugged in a charging cable. He said to Mona, o to sleep, we''ve got work tomorrow."


    Let''s go t


    Mona had scratched her gaming itch the whole night, so she nodded in agreement and moved to the side.


    Maxwell turned off the light andy down next to Mona.


    There was still some distance between the two of them then.


    Mona found herself in darkness suddenly, and she could feel the bed sink a little under her as Maxwelly down.


    "Maxwell, have you ever yed games like this with others?" Mona asked. She thought the earlier atmosphere had been easy and rxing, and especially when they won a game, she saw that Maxwell had a faint smile at the corner of his lips too. "No, you''re the first," he replied. Maxwell rarely had any free time of his own, so he almost never yed this kind of game.


    Maxwell''s answer brought a smile to Mona''s face. She wanted to be a little more demanding, so she told him, "Well, then don''t y games like this with other people in the future too, okay?"


    "Okay."


    smile on her face.


    Satisfied with his


    "Maxwell ayomise, Mona fell asleep with a


    I a long time, but it didn''t seem like Mona would roll over to his side of the bed that night, and after a while, he could hear her steady, even breathing.


    Maxwell waen that he called out to her in a whisper, but there was no answer.


    It was s only then


    Maxwell quickly moved closer to Mona and put her arm around her. He couldn''t hold back from nting a kiss on the top of her forehead, saying softly, "Sweet dreams, my wife."


    The next day when Mona woke up, the bed was empty. She rolle rolled a little to the side and could feel a residual warmth.


    And it was closer to


    and found that it was cool, which meant that the both of them had slept quite close to each other.


    She reached a hand further across the bed a Maxwell had taken the initiative to get closer to her. Mona also recalled Maxwell''s promise to herst night, and she began to feel very pleased with herself. And was closer to her side, So in other words,


    Even if those weren''t a definitive indication that he liked her, it was safe to say that he thought fondly of her.


    After she washed up, she went to Albert''s room to show him her game results from the night before.


    Albert looked at Mona in disbelief and used her of cheating. "Come on, this is your score? You''re bluffing."


    It was a dozen or so consecutive victories. He himself never achieved that in his years of ying the game, not to mention Mona, who sucked at video games.


    Mona coughed awkwardly in response. She knew the limits of her abilities but she defended herself and said, "I did y those games, but I had a coach!"


    "Was it Maxwell?" Albert asked.


    Mona nodded, saying, "That''s right! I just came over to rub this in your face. Don''t look down on me anymore because I have someone helping me now. Anyway, go get ready for breakfast." When Mona and Albert made their way downstairs, their grandparents were surprised to see them together. It wasn''t usual for them to get along so well.


    After breakfast, there was still a bit of time, so Mona offered to send Albert off to school, and Albert didn''t decline.


    The moment Albert got into the car, he poked his head towards the front of the car and said excitedly, "Mona, Maxwell, since you guys are so good at the game, let''s have a battle soon!" "Your sister doesn''t want me to y games with anyone else," Maxwell replied tly as he started driving.


    Hearing Maxwell''s reply, Mona started grumbling in her heart. She had meant that Maxwell shouldn''t y games with other girls so intimately, not that he couldn''t y at all with others.


    "Mona, you''re way too bossy!" Albert said, silently adding in his mind that no wonder Teddy cheated on her. No man would be able to tolerate Mona''s temperament.


    "You..." Mona started a retort but then gritted her teeth angrily. Since Albert thought she was bossy, she''d show him just how bossy she could be.


    0

 Chapter 42

    "What''s wrong if I''m a little bossy? Maxwell doesn''t mind getting bossed by me," Mona said to Albert as she looked at Maxwell with a pleased expression. "Aren''t you afraid he won''t be able to take it anymore one day?" Albert asked. He meant it as a friendly reminder. Mona was his sister after all. Even if he didn''t particrly like her, he still had her best interests at heart. "That''s not going to happen," Matthew answered decisively on Mona''s behalf.


    The siblings looked at Maxwell in unison. Maxwell was still driving, and he continued to exin, "No matter how domineering your sister is, I can live with it."


    Mona''s eyes were filled with surprise that she couldn''t conceal. She thought this might be the confirmation she was waiting for, that Maxwell already had feelings for her.


    She wanted to


    I to find a chance to test her theory.


    just spoil her then," Albert replied.


    well (ached softly, and with a full smile on his face, answered, "Yeah, I''ll do that."


    As long as Mona stayed by his side, no matter what she did in Nathontown, he wouldn''t object.


    Albert knew for sure then that Maxwell waspletely smitten with Mona. If he wanted to y video he''d have to go through her.


    games with Maxwell,


    He looked at Mona in the passenger seat with eyes full of hope. "Hey sis, why don''t you let Maxwell y a round with me? You''re the best!"


    Albert''s words reminded Mona of a time long ago when he used to say that, except that it wasn''t to her, but to Barbara. Thinking of her teenage brother''s tragic past, her heart ached for him.


    Right now, Albert was a freshman in high school, and he hadn''t fallen into the cycle of drug abuse, getting into fights, or skipping sses to y games. She thought if she somehow helped him to focus on his studies, he might not have to go through that. "Tell you what, it''s going to be Friday in a couple of days, if you write your weekly report by yourself, and don''t skip any sses for the rest of the week, I''ll let Maxwell y video games with you on Friday. What say you?" Mona offered.


    She knew she had


    to coax Albert step by step into listening to her. If she could get him to attend sses dutifully first, she''d have a shot of getting him to improve his grades at ater time.


    "What do you think, Maxwell?" Albert asked reluctantly.


    The whole studying and preparing for exams thing was a real pain to Albert.


    "I second your sister," Maxwell said eagerly. It was rare that Mona needed him for something.


    Seeing the hesitant look on Albert''s face, Mona added, "There isn''t anyone who can give you a proper challenge at school when ites to video games, right? You must be bored of winning all the time. Maxwell is probably the only one who can give you a run for your money, so think carefully."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Mona was speaking the truth. The people in school sucked. They were no match for Albert at all.


    Albert''s heart seemed to have decided for him. He clenched his fists as he tried to convince himself. It was just two days of attending sses and studying. He can handle that.


    With gritted teeth, he said, "Deal. I''ll go to ss and study hard these two days, so don''t go back on your word."


    "Of course," Mona replied with a smile.


    After they dropped Albert off at school, Maxwell began the drive towards Clem Group.


    2 $ €, 74%%


    Mona gazed at Maxwell''s side profile. The more she looked at him, the more handsome she felt he was. She didn''t understand why she had ever been afraid of him.


    "Thanks for agreeing to y video games with Albert," Mona said to him.


    "What''s there to thank? It''s no bother for me. Anyway, I''ll pick you up from the office tonight after you get off work," Maxwell replied.


    Mona nodded, but then asked, "Isn''t it troublesome for you to chauffeur me back and forth every day?"


    She had I been considering buying a car, but couldn''t find the chance to do sotely.


    She


    "Not at all," Maxwell replied easily. He was happy to do anything for Mona.


    "Well, I might have to trouble you for a few more days. I''m going car shopping this weekend, but I''m not very good at driving, so might have to rope you in to teach me." Mona sped her hands together with t***ng eyes, as if she were pleading with him... The timing of Mona''s decision seemed right to Maxwell. After all, Mona had started working and needed to get her own ride/Sure, I can teach you. I''ll also go with you to look at the cars."


    Mona smiled at Maxwell as she gestured okay to him. She hadn''t asked Maxwell to apany her, but he wanted to do so of his own ord. Mona felt like he really cared about her.


    When Mona arrived at the office, she went straight to her desk and sat down.


    As soon as ra saw that Mona had arrived, she immediately jogged over and opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.


    Sensing ra''s hesitation, Mona said, "Just spit it out!"


    ra let out a breath and replied, "Well here''s the thing. Our design department prepared a ce for clothes production, right? When I went there this morning, it was already taken over by Barbara''s group. What should we do?" ra had sounded matter-of-fact and calm, but in reality when she had gone over, Barbara''s team members had said some awful things to her, like Mona''s group had been allowed to participate only because Artemis had taken pity on her, and in the end, Barbara''s group would be the one to win anyway.


    &


    ra had been p***d off, but her rebuttals fell on deaf ears, and they refused to remove their things or vacate the space. "It''s okay, I''ll figure it out. At the worst, we''ll just have to rent a space somewhere for about a month." Mona replied.


    That might be the only solution, actually. Clem Group was a hugepany with many employees so there wasn''t much room to spare. Barbara probably had her eyes on the space that Mona prepared from the get-go, so there was no way she would give up even half of it so easily. Even if Barbara was willing to share the space, Mona wouldn''t dare to ept. God knew how much trouble there would be again if there were any problems with the gowns. Mona would never hurt anyone on purpose, but she''d learned to protect herself well, especially against someone like Barbara who had harmed her before.


    "Alright then, I''ll go ahead and make the necessary preparations. ra answered.


    0


    After ra walked away, Mona stared nkly at the building outside the window, spacing out. If they were going to rent a space, it should be a location that was near the office, and it''d have to be an open space with plenty of room. As she thought about it, she suddenly felt she''d been quite busytely.


    At noon, Mona took a walk around the vicinity, looking for potential rental spaces. It was proving to be quite a challenge. Some of the offices were still under construction, or they were too expensive, or too small, or they had a minimum lease of a year.


    It looked like she''d have to find another time to continue searching. If there were really no other options, she''d have to rent that space for a year even though she''d only need it for a month. It was a terrible deal, but she''d just have to suck it up. O

 Chapter 43

    In the evening, when Maxwell came to pick Mona up, he sensed Mona was a little down and asked, "What''s the matter? Did something happen in the office today?" Mona fastened her seatbelt as she replied, "It''s just that I have to rent a workspace, but I haven''t found any suitable locations."


    The Clem Group office was located in the busy city center. Not only were rental prices exorbitant, there weren''t many vacancies to boot.


    "What kind of location are you looking for?" Maxwell asked.


    "Somewhere close to the office, and sizeable." "Mona replied.


    Maxwell started the car and I said, "It t just so happens that there''s a property in my name that might fit those conditions. Let''s go take a look at it now."


    Mona couldn''t t contain


    her surprise and asked excitedly, "For real?"


    Maxwell nodded as he headed towards the said location.


    The space in question was not too far from the office. It was literally around the corner by car. The two of them got out of the parked car and Maxwell led Mona toward the fifteenth floor of the building. When they arrived at the door of the unit, Maxwell opened it and gestured at Mona to enter.


    As Mona looked around the space, she took note of the surroundings and ticked off her mental checklist. The space was newly renovated to the effect that she wanted, and it was bigger than she expected. There was even a pantry area and a separate office space. Mona was extremely pleased. "How is it? Does it fit what you''re looking for?" Maxwell asked.


    it


    Mona nodded and gushed, "Yes, it''s perfect."


    Maxwell then ced the key into Mona''s palm and said, "Here you go then. Let''s head home."


    Mona looked at the key in her hand and her heart swelled with happiness. As Maxwell was walking out, she caught up to him and boldly reached out to hold his hand.


    Maxwe s almost out the door then, and he nced back at Mona''s hand in his before tightening his grip.


    Maxwell was


    Not a single word was spoken but the both of them could feel their rtionship had progressed to the next level then.


    Mona felt Maxwell''s firm grip around her hand and felt her excitement surge. It seemed that if she took the initiative, Maxwell would reciprocate.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    On their way home, Maxwell received a call from his grandfather, Richard. Mona could hear their exchange on the phone. It seemed like the old man was asking them to make a trip to the Carter family home that night.


    Unable to argue or decline, Maxwell grunted in agreement and proceeded to end the call.


    He then said to Mona, "I''ll have to trouble you to apany me back to my family home tonight."


    Mona nodded. "Yeah, of course, it''s only right." Maxwell had already visited the Clem residence several times, while she had only been to the Carters'' once.


    Maxwell never went back to his family home by himself either. Mona had a hunch that he didn''t get along with his family, especially since Maxwell was the illegitimate son from Donald''s affair.


    45


    Maxwell was only a small boy when he had been brought to the Carter family home, and it caused quite a stir in Nathontown. Mona was also little then and she hadn''t paid much attention to the tabloids, but she had also heard the rumors going around about how Maxwell''s mother had shamelessly seduced Donald. It had only been a one night stand, but as luck would have it, she got pregnant andter gave birth to Maxwell.


    It was also said that when Maxwell''s mother brought him to the Carter home, she had already gone a little bananas and simply abandoned him at the front gate.


    Being leftpletely alone in a strange, foreign ce, Mona couldn''t imagine the kind of loneliness, fear and despair that Maxwell had felt then.


    Not to mention the kind of life he led after he was taken in by the Carters, being constantly bulled by his older brother, Gordon. Then when Maxwell was in his senior year of high school, he was sent out of the country. When he returned, he had turned into an impressive young man who managed to save the Carter Group from the clutches of ruin, making a name for himself in Nathontown.


    As soon as Mona and Maxwell arrived at the Carter family, the housekeeper was there to greet them. Maxwell naturally held Mona''s hand.


    The housekeeper informed them that Maxwell''s older brother was present as well.


    Maxwell nodded in acknowledgement and led Mona in.


    Mona, on the other hand, found the housekeeper''s remark strangely familiar. She seemed to remember that he had said the same thing to them when they''d visited thest time. Mona didn''t have the luxury of time to think deeper though. Maxwell had already led them through the courtyard and they soon walked inside to the living room.


    The people in the living room were sat on the sofa, seemingly in wait for the both of them.


    Mona looked over and happened to see Gordon winking at her. She made no reaction except to look away. Maxwell had seen Go Gordon''s wink too, and his face turned hostile as he instinctively tightened his grip on Mona''s hand. "Oh, Mona''s here,e here, have a seat." Gordon smiled as he patted the seat next to him.


    Gordon''s greeting was grating on Mona''s ears. She was here with Maxwell, after all, and Gordon had chosen topletely ignore him. It also gave off the impression that she and Gordon were close.


    Maxwell ignored Gordon as well, and led Mona away so that he and Mona were sat across from Gordon instead. Maxwell also ced their inteced hands on his thigh, so they looked very much the loving couple. Maxwell made his round of greetings to everyone present, which included his grandparents, father, stepmother, and older brother.


    Mona did the same.


    "You guys are finally here. If I didn''t ask you toe back, when were you nning to visit your old grandfather?" Richard asked Maxwell with a voice full of displeasure.


    "It''s been hectic at the office recently and well, I''m here now." Maxwell replied.


    "Alright alright. In future even if there isn''t a special asion, you guys shoulde over more and keep mepany. Besides, both of you have already gotten your marriage license right? Don''t you think it''s time for our families to meet and discuss the wedding ceremony? What do you think, Mona?" Richard directed thatst part at Mona. Richard had been eagerly waiting for Maxwell to find a significant other and have a fulfilling marriage, and he wanted to see


    08:16


    it through.


    Hearing her name, Mona looked up and answered obediently, "Yes of course Richard, you''re right."


    "That settles it then. Both of you arrange a time and then let us know. Don''t keep us waiting." Richard concluded.


    Maxwell nodded, but he wasn''t sure himself wh


    that time would be.


    that


    "Alright, since we''ve reached an agreement, I''m going to head back to my room." Maxwell''s grandmother, Stephanie, said.


    As soon as she got up, Maxwell''s stepmother quickly stepped forward to support her, holding on to Stephanie''s elbow and escorting her back to her room. "Maxwell,e with me to the study. I have something

 Chapter 44

    "Oh I wouldn''t dare to trouble you." Maxwell said in reply to Gordon''s offer of hospitality. It was precisely because of Gordon that Maxwell felt uneasy about leaving Mona in the living room with him. He also couldn''t stand the way Gordon was ogling Mona with his ** eyes. Mona reassured Maxwell and said, "Don''t worry, I can take care of myself. I''ll head to the kitchen and see if I can help out with anything." Maxwell then reluctantly released Mona''s hand and got up to go to the study.


    As soon as Maxwell left, Donald also excused himself. Mona then disregarded Gordon and headed into the kitchen area.


    The Carter family had plenty of kitchen staff who obviously didn''t need any help, but Mona didn''t want to stay in the same room as Gordon and feel obliged to exchange niceties. It wouldn''t seem nice to return directly to her room either, so she had opted to go to the kitchen. Mona helped to prep some of the ingredients, chopping up vegetables and whatnot at a rxing pace.


    It didn''t take Gordon long to show up in the kitchen as well, on the grounds that he was hungry.


    He saw Mona cutting up tomatoes and when she sampled a piece, he said in a euphemistic way, "Wow, Mona, that tomato looks really tasty in your mouth."


    Mona sneered and said, "If you want, there are plenty more tomatoes in the refrigerator." She didn''t want Gordon to eat the tomatoes that she''d prepared.


    "Oh, the ones in the fridge won''t taste the same as those in your hands." Gordon replied as he made his way over to her and picked up a tomato next to her hand. Then he whispered to her, "It''s been a while since you and Maxwell got your marriage license, you can''t still be a virgin, right?" Mona shed Gordon an angry look. She was getting real tired of this annoying man.


    He let out an amused chuckle. "Oh no, are you upset? Don''t worry, if you need, I can help you out and f*****k you real nice." He dragged out thest couple of words to emphasize his point.


    Mona wasn''t one to take things lying down. If not for the fact that she was in the Carter family home and wanted to leave a good impression on Maxwell''s family, she would have pped Gordon square across the face. Instead, Mona smiled contemptuously at him and said, "I''m afraid you''re thinking too much. Besides, even if was still a virgin, I wouldn''t dare to enlist your help.''


    She blinked her eyes slowly and deliberately then. Her long eyshes fluttered downwards as she lowered her eyelids and continued, "After all, I''m afraid you might have some kind of sexually transmitted disease." Gordon had been admiring Mona''s side profile and came to the sudden realization that she was more beautiful and alluring than


    Gold


    any


    of his exes, but the words she said were full of disdain for him.


    Mona stopped paying attention to Gordon after she said her piece, and quickly finished cutting up her tomatoes before leaving the kitchen. Gordon trailed after her.


    He caught up with her and startedining. "Come on, Mona, you''re my sister-inw, how could you think I have some kind of STD?" Mona snapped back coldly, "Since you''re calling me your sister-inw, don''t overstep your boundaries." Tue, Oct


    She pulled out her phone then and yed a recording of their earlier conversation, including Gordon''s lewd offer.


    +3Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The blood drained from Gordon''s face then and Mona said, "If you continue to talk shit like this, I wouldn''t mind sharing this recording with Richard." It was a tant threat.


    "Ugh,


    I didn''t realize you were recording." Gordon replied and left for the second floor, grumbling to himself.


    Mona let out a soft sigh after that. She was terrified of getting harassed by slimy types like Gordon.


    After dinner, Maxwell and Mona went up to the second floor together, hand in hand.


    Gordon was still seated on his dining chair, watching the both of them leave. He was determined to have his way with that seductive young woman one day.


    After the couple returned to their room, Mona let out the breath she''d been holding. She had been afraid that Gordon might run his mouth off during dinner and ruin Maxwell''s mood, and she wasn''t even sure if his grandparents knew about Maxwell''s impotence. "What''s wrong? Are you ufortable here? We I leave first thing in in the morning." Maxwell said. He wasn''t in


    t in the best mood either. When he had been ced in charge of the Carter Group, Richard had agreed to kick Donald and Gordon out of thepany. The both of them did nothing except squander thepany''s yearly dividends, so it was only right to leave Richard''s name as the sole owner. But earlier in the study, Richard had told him he''d changed his mind and wanted to let Gordon back in.


    Maxwell had tried to protest, but Richard had shut him down. He didn''t want to p***off the old man, so he had no choice but to agree. Maxwell would just have to find another reason to kick Gordon out again when the time came. Mona replied, "I''m fine, I just don''t have a good opinion of your brother. I can''t stand him." In fact, the Carters seemed distant from each other, even Richard and Stephanie. It was in stark contrast to her own family. Even if each person in the/ Clem had their differences, they still had a a strong bond.


    "You''re not wrong. Gordon is not a good guy, so stay away from him as much as possible." Maxwell looked Mona in the eyes and said seriously. Maxwell didn''t have an ounce of affection for his brother. When he was brought to the Carter home, Gordon had refused to stop calling him a ba***rd child and even locked him up in the storage room. No one hade to help him no matter how much he screamed. It wasn''t until the third day that Richard let him out.


    He had his fair share of bullies at school too. Maxwell often found his homework and assignments torn up frequent target of practical jokes. and was and the


    Maxwell eventually learned that staying passive only brought out the worst in Gordon, so he learned to fight back. When he got bullied, he''d find a way to return the favor tenfold.


    That made Gordon start to feel a little afraid of any retaliation he might get, and the bullying became less frequent.


    Mona nodded in understanding. Her curiosity about his impotence got the better of her, and she opened her mouth to ask, "Maxwell... Are you really..."


    She''d immediately regretted her decision to ask so she let her voice trail off. They had just made some progress in their rtionship, and she didn''t want to undo that or make things awkward. It wasn''t worth it just to satisfy her curiosity.


    "Am I what?" Maxwell asked.


    Mona shook her head and said, "It''s nothing. I''m going to take a shower."


    3


    Mona quickly collected herself and scampered off. She was afraid that she wouldn''t be able to stop herself from asking if she stayed any longer.


    After her shower, Mona looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her velvet lips, set against her white teeth, and her big doe eyes and slim waist. The bright red straps of her lingerie made her skin look even fairer than usual.


    She thought she looked pretty good, and her body was in great shape too. But even though they''d been married for a while, Maxwell had never expressed himself in that way towards her.


    Mona decided to test Maxwell out. Even though she knew that he wasn''t able to perform in bed, she couldn''t really ept it until she''d proven it to herself.


    After she finished her skincare routine, she adjusted the straps of her lingerie, pulling it down slightly to show off her s**y corbone and her ample bosom.

 Chapter 45

    It


    was


    Mona''s first time ever trying to seduce someone into bed.


    Mona was tall, and in her short lingerie, her long, beautiful legs were on full disy. They looked pale and pristine, like forbidden fruit, which made them all the more mesmerizing. Satisfied with her reflection, Mona headed toward the bedroom.


    She found Maxwell seated at his desk, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed sses. He looked almost like a university professor, except that he also had a clear and collected gaze in his eyes. Her heart fluttered at the thought of what she was trying to do, even looking at Maxwell then made her feel shy. She


    She avoided looking directly at him as she made her way to him with light steps.


    When she was half an arm''s length away from him, she had been so focused on her game n that she identally slipped and fell forward,nding directly onto Maxwell''sp and into his arms.


    To her credit, Mona a smoothly wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck and locked eyes with him, but she was so shy that she hastily averted his gaze.


    Mona was willing to swear that she hadn''t done it deliberately. When she was formting her n in the bathroom, she did consider falling on purpose next to Maxwell, but decided against it because it seemed so clich¨¦d.


    Instead, she had nned to walk up to him, strike up a conversation and then go with the flow and let one thing lead to another. But now that she was in this literal position, she couldn''t do anything but bite the bullet and roll with it. "M... Maxwell." Mona said in a bashful voice. She couldn''t stand the sound of her own voice and she didn''t know if it would stir any emotions in him. Maxwell swallowed hard.


    His hand was on Mona''s waist now, supporting her, and he could feel the heat of her body through the silky material. It was just that thin, flimsy piece of fabric that separated their skin now.


    Suddenly presented with a soft and supple woman against him, Maxwell felt his breathing slow down as he tried to calm himself. He really wanted to take Mona at that exact moment, but he knew that it wasn''t the right time yet. He forced down his urges and helped Mona up and away from him before making a beeline to the bathroom.


    Mona watched Maxwell flee from her and sighed in resignation. She had been so obvious about her intentions, but he was indifferent.


    Although she knew that Maxwell couldn''t perform, she still felt disappointed now that she had personally verified


    it


    11


    Maxwell took an exceptionally long time in the bathroom, and by the time he quietly emerged, Mona had already fallen asleep from boredom.


    Looking at Mona on the king sized bed, her breathing steady and undisturbed, Maxwell muttered something about how heartless she was to have made things so hard for him while she''d simply gone off to sleep.


    He turned off the lights andy down next to Mona. He didn''t dare to hug her that night in case he was unable to control


    himself.


    The next day, just after dawn, Maxwell roused Mona from her sleep.


    Mona opened her eyes and looked at Maxwell, a little confused. Wasn''t it still early?


    Maxwell exined without being prompted, "It''s time to get up, we''re leaving." He didn''t want to deal with Gordon and the others in the morning, and wanted to leave before anyone noticed. Mona nodded groggily and yawned before getting up to wash up


    It was indeed an unusually early start for the both of them. When they went downstairs, the living room was empty except for a couple of servants who were cleaning.


    The housekeeper saw them though, and asked if they would like to have breakfast then. Maxwell outright declined and held Mona''s hand as he led them outside.


    Mona wasn''t used to getting up this early in the day, and she let herself get dragged along by Maxwell. It was only until they''d walked out to the garden area when she really took in the situation and their surroundings. She looked up at the sky, about to be illuminated by the brilliant rays of sunlight with hues of red and orange, and then looked at her and Maxwell''s inteced fingers. She took out her phone and without giving it much thought, took a picture of their tightly sped hands.


    The sound of the shutter going off rang out extraordinarily clearly in the silence of the morning.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell turned his head back then and their eyes met. Mona was a little embarrassed because she''d forgotten to turn off the sh, but she brushed it off and said, "Don''t you think our hands look good together like this?"


    She showed the picture she took to Maxwell.


    Both of them had slim, slender fingers, and in the orange glow of the morning sun, the diamonds on their wedding rings shone with radiance. It was indeed a gorgeous picture.


    Maxwell agreed without hesitation and answered, "Yeah, it really does. Send me the phototer."


    There was no reason for Mona to decline his request and she sent it to Maxwell


    on the spot.


    After it was done, she showed her phone to Maxwell and shook it side to side, saying, "Sent."


    After a good night''s sleep, Mona had thoroughly thought it through. When the two of them were closer, she''d pluck up the courage to talk to Maxwell about his sexual ability. If there was some kind of treatment for it then great, but if not, she could just as well consider adoption. Mona felt that she owed Maxwell, and she was determined to repay her debt and take good care of him.


    Maxwell brought Mona to a cafe for breakfast before dropping her off at her office.


    When he was alone in the car, he made a rare post on his social media. He didn''t write a caption, and let the picture of the sped hands speak for itself.


    He was in an outstandingly good mood that day.


    It was a around I noon when Teddy saw that photo. He''d immediately recognized Mona''s hand and threw his phone angrily on the ground, cursing. He had a feeling that Mona was nning to give him up, but of course, this had already been a given, and Teddy was just figuring it out now.


    Like Maxwell, Mona was also remarkably happy as she''d entered her office. She was headed to the design department when she was osted by Barbara. Barbara said to her, "Mona, I''d like to apologize on behalf of my team member. She shouldn''t have spoken out of turn. As for the workspace, let''s split it equally. If that doesn''t appease your anger, I''d also be willing to give it up entirely."


    She hadn''t spoken very loudly, but she''d said it clearly and sincerely enough that the people who were already present had heard it.


    Mona guessed that the team member in question was the one who was rude to ra, and was the very same person who was helping Barbara to make her gown.


    "Thank you for the generous offer, but I''ve already found an alternative studio, so you can go ahead and use that workspace for yourself."


    With that, Mona took a step to the side and walked past Barbara


    Mona was well aware that if she''d epted the offer, she would havee off as a bully. Now, since Mona had declined, it looked like Barbara was the one who was overthinking the whole situation and making a big deal out of nothing.

 Chapter 46

    46


    When Mona arrived at her desk, she called ra and Vespera over to update them about their workspace situation. As she talked about the studio


    ed found for them, a smile broke out on Mona''s face, and her heart was full of pride.


    After their discussion, Mona made her way to Leander''s office and repeated the same story about the workspace, as well as that she''d need ra and Vespera to be all hands on deck to work on making the gown, so they wouldn''t have any time toe to the office. Leander agreed eagerly. He''d originally been worried about theck of space for the design department, but now that Mona had helped to resolve the matter for him, he was more than happy to oblige. So it came to be that morning thatContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    When the three of them left, the remaining coworkers in the design department looked on at ra and Vespera with envy and jealousy.


    They had every reason to be upset. It was an amazing opportunity that had been bestowed on ra. Compared to them, racked the experience and the qualifications, but as they recalled the things they had said to Mona before, none of them could bring themselves to fight for the opportunity to be given to them instead. They could only stand down and suck it up.


    When ra and Vespera arrived at the studio, their eyes almost popped out. The ce was too good to be true, and had way more facilities and amenities than they''d needed to design and make a dress. The space could easily amodate a decently-sizedpany, actually. Not only was there a full sized pantry and break room, there was even a lounge where you could rest if you needed. "Wow, this ce is


    is amazing." ra couldn''t help but marvel. On her way over, she had imagined a studio about half the size of this one. Vespera wasn''t as stunned as ra, but she was surprised by the space too.


    And so, for the next two days, the trio busied themselves working on the dresses. ra even gave "The Designscape. the ce a name, calling it


    Mona and Vespera didn''t have any objections, but they were amused by how much ra gushed about it every day, saying, "The Designscape has this?", or "Did you know The Designscape has that?" It was certainly entertaining. On Friday afternoon, Maxwell went to The Designscape to pick Mona up. She said goodbye to her team members and went back to her family home with Maxwell.


    That day was the day for Maxwell to fulfil his promise to Albert to have a video


    game


    showdown.


    When Mona returned with Maxwell, Albert made a rare appearance at the door to wee them home. He then grabbed hold of Maxwell and pulled him back to his room, leaving Mona behind them.


    As Mona stood there and watched the scene unfold, she thought to herself, ''See, this kid hasn''t grown up one bit.


    It made sense, since Albert had been just a small boy when Emily died. Although their grandparents never made them want for anything, Albert sorelycked motherly love, as well as a figure of authority in his life. Mona didn''te out of her own thoughts until Maxwell''s eyes.


    000


    oped itself around hers. She lifted her head and met


    "Why are you spacing out? Come on." Maxwell said softly as he lifted his other hand and tapped the tip of Mona''s nose. He


    had an easy smile on his face as he pulled Mona to Albert''s room.


    3


    Maxwell was incredibly satisfied with the current state of his life Mona was by his side every day, and every morning when he opened his eyes, he could see her sleeping face. It never failed to put him in a good mood. Albert watched the both of them as they walked towards his room. From the devoted gaze with which Maxwell looked at Mona, he could tell that the random man Mona had found to be a stand-in for her fianc¨¦ turned out to be the right choice. Soon, all three of them were in Albert''s room.


    As soon as Albert had entered, he walked directly to hisputer to turn it on. But then he realized that there was only oneputer in his room, so he took his phone out and loaded the game on it. Looking at his brother-inw, Albert said, "Come on, Maxwell. Don''t spare any mercy and show me what you''ve got." Before Maxwell could ask what game and fished out the test from his bag. Handing it to Mona, he said, "Look all you want they were ying, Mona cut in and said, "Show me the results of your weekly test."


    Albert shot Mona a look of


    ¨¤ a look of annoyance and


    up the Even if the score sucks, I wrote all the answers myself and I skipped zero sses these past two days. You can call teacher and check if you don''t believe me."


    the past two days, the only thing on Albert''s mind was ying games with Maxwell. Even when his ssmates asked him to join in on their gaming sessions, he found it meaningless because he knew he''d just win anyway.


    Mona looked at the test. There was arge empty space on it with missing answers, and the score was less than 20%. She rubbed her forehead and let out a sigh. This result was way too bad.


    But at least Albert did it himself, and his attitude had indeed improved. Thisforted Mona a little and she decided it would be better to take things step by step.


    After letting t


    the mattere to a close to a close for now, Mona took out her own phone, unlocked and loaded the game they''d be ying, since she knew that Maxwell wouldn''t have it on his phone. After the game loaded, she passed her phone to him. §Õ§à§Ô§Ñ For a moment, Maxwell looked at Mona in surprise. Phones were such a private


    and


    Albert couldn''t care less and he personal possession for people since it could potentially hold many secrets. That Mona would hand her phone over to Maxwell so casually was a show of how much she trusted him. With that in mind, he resolved to focus all his atten annoyed by their exchange. It seemed clear to him that Maxwell wasn''t taking their battle seriously at all.


    was starting to


    to feel


    on ying extra well so that he could show Maxwell who was boss.


    Mona saw Albert straightening up his posture and getting his game face on, and started to feel a little worried. If Maxwell lost the game, there was no way Albert would ever listen to her about going to school and taking his studies seriously anymore. I''s eyes and mustered all the emotion she could gather, saying, "Maxwell, do your best, I''m rooting for you!" Maxwell met Mona''s hopeful doe eyes and surprisingly began to feel a little pressured. He replied softly, "I''ll do my best." Albert frowned and bristled. "Come on, Mona, aren''t you being biased? You''re not cheering for me?" "Well... Then... You do your best too!" Mona said reluctantly. In her heart, of course she hoped Maxwell would win.


    Even though Mona hadn''t meant it, her encouragement fired Albert up and fueled an even stronger desire to win. "That''s what I''m talking about!" he eximed.


    Both Maxwell and Albert joined a yer versus yer game, and as the game began, Mona also started feeling stressed.

 Chapter 47

    47


    When Albert saw Maxwell moving his character back a little, he thought it was a good opportunity for him to make his move and win the game. He increased his character''s speed and dashed directly to the front of Maxwell''s character. Seeing this, Mona felt her heart jump in her throat. She sped her hands together as if in prayer and her eyes stayed glued


    to the screen.


    Maxwell could see Mona''s expression in his peripheral vision and said calmly to her, "Don''t be nervous. We''re not gonna lose."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Maxwell made a sudden turn and dodged Albert''s attack. At the same moment, hended a counterattack on Albert, and the health bar on Albert''s character shortened.


    Faced with this unprecedented situation, Albert felt his nerves on edge. It was something he''d never felt before, and it distracted him enough that he even pressed the wrong buttons twice in a row.


    The more flustered Albert became, the more calm Maxwell and Mona were.


    In the end, as to be expected, the game finished with Albert losing.


    Mona looked at the word ''Victory'' on her screen and literally jumped up in excitement towards Maxwell, throwing her arms around his neck and shouting, "We won, we won, you''re so amazing Maxwell!"


    A desire to win was every human''s basic instinct, and Maxwell''s victory plus Mona''s reaction to it stirred determination for revenge.


    up Albert''s


    Maxwell looked up to see Mona''s happy face. He gently held on to her arm, afraid she''d fall over in her excitement. "Wait, let''s have another round, I wasn''t in my best form." Albert looked between the two of them and then back at the word ''Defeat'' on his screen. He didn''t want to admit that he had actually lost.


    Mona shook her head at Albert and said, "No way, a loss is a loss, you


    Farn week esn''t


    can''t say it doesn''t count."


    "Come on, Mona. Let Maxwell y another round with me. I promise I won''t skip sses next week either." He was really itching to have a go at Maxwell again. He was the best yer he''d ever seen.


    As Mona pretended to think it over, she gave a look to Maxwell to see if he would be willing to y Albert again. Only after Maxwell nodded did she reply, saying, "That can be arranged, as long as you pay attention in ss andplete all your assignments."


    Albert raised his hand and made an ''okay'' gesture. Nothing was as big of a deal as going up against Matthew again. Going to school, listening to the teacher, doing his homework? All that was child''s y.


    Still, Albert couldn''t wait another week to y the game with Matthew again, he wanted the chance to redeem himself right there and then, so this time he promised to get better scores on his next weekly test.


    After ying and losing to Maxwell three times in a row, it was difficult for Albert to make anymore excuses. He knew without a doubt that he was no match for Maxwell.


    "Wow, Maxwell, you really are amazing at this game." Albert said, impressed. Maxwell hadn''t yed the game much before, whereas Albert had been ying it for years. Albert had to chalk it up to Maxwell''s natural talent.


    "It''s all thanks to your sister." Maxwell said matter-of-factly. He wouldn''t even be ying this game if it wasn''t for Mona.


    "Yeah. Alright, you guys can leave now, I have some practicing to do." Albert said. Then looking at Mona, he added, "Don''t worry, I''m a man of my word."


    Mona was satisfied with that and pulled Maxwell along with her to leave Albert alone in his room.


    $.74%¡ã


    As Mona was about to step out, Albert suddenly thought of something and blurted out, "Actually, Mona, when Barbara was kicked out of the family, she hadn''t done anything wrong, right?


    Yesterday, Barbara had gone to Albert''s school to look for him. He could tell that Barbara hadn''t had it easy since leaving the Clems. He was afraid to talk to his grandparents about it directly so he could only talk through it with Mona. After all, Mona and Barbara were pretty close before.


    Mona came to a sudden standstill at the abrupt topic. The smile on her face had vanished and after thinking a beat, she replied, "Well, yeah, she didn''t do anything wrong, but her presence only reminded our grandparents about losing our mother, their daughter. So it was too upsetting and too difficult for them to let her stay."


    What Mona really wanted to say was that Barbara shouldn''t have been born in the first ce, but she couldn''t say that to Albert. Especially since Mona had put in all this effort to improve her own rtionship with him over the past couple of days.


    "I... I see." Albert answered as he lowered his head and looked down at his phone.


    He did understand, of course. But Barbara was his half-sister after all. He can''t just cut off rtions with her for the sake of anyone else.


    By the time they left Albert''s room, Maxwell had noticed an obvious and dramatic change in Mona''s mood.


    Was it because Albert had asked Mona about Barbara, so it reminded her that Teddy had cheated on her? Maxwell thought that made sense. Mona had suggested getting married precisely because she wanted to get back at the shameless pair. Albert asking about Barbara must have put her in a foul mood.


    The grey cloud hanging above Mona soon cleared up though, and it was reced with a calmness. Having been through so much in her life, she understood a simple truth. Life was short, she should live in the moment and try to be happy.


    She turned to Maxwell and said, "Maxwell, thank you for helping me out today. You always rescue me when I''m in a pinch, and I''ve never once returned the favor."


    "No worries. We''re husband and wife, after all." Maxwell held Mona''s hand firmly. The fact that Mona was willing to stay by his side was his greatest wishe true.


    The next day, with the morning sunlight peeking through the clouds, Mona was making preparations to go car shopping. Of course, Maxwell apanied her.


    On the way, Maxwell received a call from Nigel, who informed him that there was an important document that needed his signature. Maxwell shot a nce at Mona, who was sitting beside him in the passenger seat, and she nodded at him. Car shopping was simply an errand on her to-do list. Maxwell''s work andpany affairs naturally took the highest priority. She didn''t want to cause any trouble for Maxwell.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing Mona nod her head, Maxwell told Nigel he''d head over to the office right away and then hung up.


    In actuality, the two of them were already near the car dealership, so Maxwell asked, "Mona, would you rather apany me to my office or wait for me at the dealership?"


    Mona thought for a moment and said, "Let''s head to the dealership then. It looks really close by on the GPS. Or you can just drop me off along the street and I''ll walk over myself. You can pick me up after you''ve settled things in the office." She thought this was the best way to save them both some time.


    "Alright, I''ll drop you off at the dealership first." Maxwell replied.


    Obviously Maxwell wouldn''t drop her off by the street. On foot, it would still be a considerable distance after all, and he


    Tue,


    C


    couldn''t bear to let Mona walk under the hot sun.


    car anyway. "Cool." Mona smiled lightly. It would just be another couple of minutes by


    After Maxwell dropped her off at the entrance of the dealership, he reminded Mona to wait for him there and not to go anywhere else without him. He waited for Mona to agree before driving off towards his office.


    As soon as she entered the dealership office, Mona was greeted by the sales director, who was smiling from ear to ear.


    Even though Maxwell hadn''t gotten off the car, the staff in the dealership office had recognized his car, and they all saw Mona get off from the passenger side.


    0

 Chapter 48

    48


    As Mona approached, the sales director got a good look at her face and recognized her. Maxwell and Mona''s marriage hadn''t been publicized yet at that time, so the sales director was under the impression that Mona was still Maxwell''s fianc¨¦e. Still, Mona was an esteemed customer and she hurriedly walked over to receive her. The sales director was a little puzzled about why Maxwell had simply dropped his fianc¨¦e off and then driven away though. She thought maybe there was some truth to the rumor that their engagement was merely a power move for the sake of advancing the Clem and Carter businesses. She wasn''t about to be distracted by this though and focused up on making a sale.


    "How may I assist you, Ms. Clem?" she asked politely.


    "Could I trouble you to show me some models that are beginner-friendly? I''d like to have a look at the options avable." Mona replied.


    "Of course. Pleasee with me." she led Mona further inside where the cars were on disy.


    One of the other salespeople had taken the initiative to prepare some refreshments in the lounge for when Mona would go over.


    The sales director enthusiastically showed Mona around a couple of cars. Mona seemed to take a fancy to a particr Audi model, and she informed the sales director that there''d be someone who woulde over to take a closer look for herter. Mona then headed to the lounge area to enjoy her coffee and pastries, intending to wait for Maxwell''s arrival.


    When Teddy came in to the dealership office, he caught sight of Mona looking bored on the sofa. She was in a ck dress that showed off the fairness of her skin, and the sunlight she was basking in made her look even more radiant. Her hair was also tied up to reveal her slender neck, and her pearl earrings entuated her petite face.


    Teddy''s jaw hung agape. He kept his gaze on Mona for a long time, drinking her in. He found himself unable to look away.


    It wasn''t until the sales manager called out to him twice that he snapped back to reality. Teddy couldn''t help but admit that Mona was getting more and more beautiful.


    By the time Maxwell arrived, Mona had started bothering Ava out of boredom. A shadow suddenly blocked the sunlight next to her, and when Mona looked up, she met Maxwell''s eyes. There was a fineyer of perspiration on his forehead so it seemed like he had tried to hurry over as soon as he could.


    "Mona, sorry. It took longer than I''d expected. Were you bored?" Maxwell asked apologetically.


    He''d


    e''d thought he just needed to sign some documents, but unfortunately Gordon was there as well and they got into it for a bit. He didn''t have time to update Mona so he just had to let her wait for a long time.


    Maxwell saw that Mona had already finished most of her coffee, and the pastries as well, which made him feel even guiltier.


    "That''s okay, don''t worry about it. I was just taking a break here. Why don''t you take a seat too and catch your breath?" Mona replied.


    As soon as Maxwell sat down, more coffee was brought out, and Mona requested for a bottle of water for him as well.


    After a quick break, Mona brought Maxwell around to the see the Audi she had wanted. It was red, shiny and a bright pop color, much like Mona''s personality.


    "What do you think? Does it look good? There were a few other models, but this one caught my attention at first nce." Mona smiled and said.


    of


    Maxwell nodded and said, "Yeah, it looks great, and it suits you too. That settles it then, let''s get this one."


    He handed his credit card to the sales director.


    Mona had intended to pay for it herself, but after Maxwell beat her to it, she thought since they were married, it would be okay for them to share their finances. She smiled and epted his offer, relishing the feeling of having someone foot the bill for her.


    The sales director, on the other hand, hesitated to take the card presented to her. She exined, stammering, "Uh. Ms. Clem, well. It''s just that this car has already been paid for for you


    "Paid for?" Mona asked in surprise. She had wanted Maxwell to see the car before she bought it, how could it already be paid


    for?


    lor?


    Seeing Mona''s surprised expression, the sales director became even more flustered. "Yes, that''s right... Mr. Powers had paid for it, saying it was a gift for you."


    Mona''s first instinct was that the sales director was referring to Teddy, but she couldn''t understand why he would do that. When they were together, Teddy hadn''t even paid for their dates. She couldn''t believe that now she was married, he would actually buy her a car. The old Mona would have been over the moon, but now, she didn''t feel anything in particr about his generous gesture except that it was slightly off-putting. "The Mr. Powers you''re referring to, was it Teddy Powers?" Mona asked the sales director.


    The sales director nodded. Teddy had made it clear earlier that Mona was just upset with him, and he wanted to buy the car for her to beg for her forgiveness. The sales director felt Teddy''s spiel waspelling and perhaps out of sympathy, had agreed to let him pay. Evidently, that was the wrong call.


    "Give that man his**n money back and re-open the bill. And throw in a car coating as well. We''ll be back in a week to collect it." Maxwell said with finality.


    If his wife wanted to buy a car, Maxwell was d***n well going to pay for it. There was no need for Teddy to show him up like that, or was he trying to mock Maxwell for being poor?


    That may have been the case before, but Maxwell had nock of money now.


    Maxwell had basically issued an order, and when the sales director saw that Mona hadn''t disagreed, she gingerly received the credit card. Her heart was about to leap out from her throat. If she offended Maxwell in any way, she knew her career would be over.


    "Yes, Mr. Carter. I''ll do that right away." the sales director replied obediently.


    After the payment was settled again, Maxwell, as if asserting his dominance, took the initiative to hold Mona''s hand and lead them towards the door. His legs were longer but he didn''t take big strides so as to amodate Mona''s steps. Even after they got into Maxwell''s car, he still seemed to be in a p***y mood. Even though he tried to hide it, Mona was able to tell from the slight downward turn of his mouth. It was Maxwell''s telltale sign that he was unhappy. "Maxwell, do you have anything on after this?" Mona asked.


    Maxwell shook his head, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. He suddenly had a dark thought form in the back of his mind that he didn''t want to wait any longer, that he should consummate their marriage as soon as possible. It would be best if they even had a baby.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "It''s still kind of early so why don''t you apany me clothes shopping? The fall season is almost upon us so I''ll have to buy some long-sleeved outfits." Mona suggested. Truthfully, she wanted to buy some clothes for Maxwell, so that he would wear the clothes she bought him to work. She really wanted to design a few pieces for him too, but was afraid he wouldn''t take a Tue


    08:17


    it.


    Oct 22


    Maxwell agreed and said, "Sounds good. We can go shopping and eat out before going home." Mona nodded and Maxwell started the engine, driving them to the biggest mall nearby.


    As soon as they got out the car, Maxwell brought Mona to the women''s section on the second floor.


    Mona picked out two long-sleeved dresses and ced them over her current outfit and asked, "Which one is better?"


    Maxwell looked between the two dresses. They were the same design, just in different colors. He answered, "They both look great though. Let''s just get them both. Then he turned to the clerk and said, "Please wrap those up for us."


    000

 Chapter 49

    Mona smiled at Maxwell''smanding tone, feeling particrly cheerful. Every time her gaze lingered on a piece of clothing for just a few seconds, he would wave his hand and buy it without a second thought. It seemed like he didn''t care at all about the money!


    Later, seeing Maxwellden with bags, Mona felt a twinge of guilt. When he suggested going into another store, she took his hand and led him to the third floor, where they sold men''s clothing. "This store looks pretty cool. Let''s check it out!" Mona said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    Maxwell caught on to what she was nning, and his earlier frustration melted away. He followed her inside, a small smile ying on his lips. Once inside, Mona scanned the racks, searching for something that would suit Maxwell. Her eyesnded on a red and white set of sportswear." "Could you take down that set for me?" Mona asked the salesperson without hesitation.


    She held it up in front of Maxwell. "Wanna try this on? I think it''d look amazing on you."


    Mona had never seen Maxwell in such vibrant colors before. His wardrobe was mostly a sea of ck, with a few silver-gray pieces she''d picked out for him.


    But she knew he''d look


    Maxwell''s heart melted at her enthusiasm. For years, he''d make anything look good with his striking features. As she held up the sportswear, Mona''s eyes sparkled with excitement.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "Alright,


    ????


    amazing in this outfit. Maxwell could


    e''d just grabbed


    I took the sportswear from Mona, heading to the fitting room.


    I try it on," Maxwell said. He set down the shopping bags and whatever clothes were convenient. This was the first time anyone had ever put so much thought into choosing something for him.


    While Maxwell was changing, Mona busied herself browsing the racks, picking out more clothes she thought would suit him. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn''t notice the new arrivals until it was toote. Teddy and Quinn walked into the store, with Quinn spotting Mona first. She quickly nudged Teddy, whispering urgently.


    Teddy''s eyes widened as he saw Mona alone in the men''s section. His mind raced back to the times when she used to shop for him. A smug smile spread across his face as he remembered the car he''d just bought her. Surely, this meant she was ready to forgive him and make up!


    His chest swelled with pride. Mona still had feelings for him-all it took was one expensive car to win her back. Even though the million-dor price tag had made him wince, he figured it was worth it if it meant getting Mona back.


    Once they were married, he''d convince Mona to transfer her family''s shares to him. It would all be worth it then. "Teddy, aren''t you going to say hi to Mona?" Quinn whispered. "She''s buying men''s clothes. I wonder who they''re for."


    Lately, it seemed like Mona had really decided to break things off with Teddy. She''d been ignoring Quinn''s WhatsApp messages and had even blocked her.


    Quinn was furious. When Mona was with Teddy, she''d always been so considerate, taking Quinn shopping and paying for everything. But since getting engaged to Maxwell, Mona had changedpletely. No one was footing Quinn''s bills anymore. I''m going in. You head back!" Teddy said, already striding towards the store.


    Quinn watched him leave, sighing. She''d finally managed to get Teddy to take her out, hoping to sweet-talk him into buying her some clothes. Instead, she''d driven him away.


    Still, Quinn reasoned, once Teddy smoothed things over with Mona, she''d probably start listening to Quinn again. Then it would be back to shopping sprees and designer bags. Mona was way more generous than Teddy, after all.


    As soon as Teddy entered the store, he snatched the tie from Mona''s hand-the one she''d picked out for Maxwell.


    "What


    What do you think you''re doing?" Mona demanded, exasperated by Teddy''s constant presence in her life.


    I the tie. "I don''t like this color. Let''s get a different one."


    Ignoring her question, Teddy examined the tie.


    He was about to hand it to a nearby salesperson when Mona grabbed it back. "Are you crazy? I picked this out first."


    Teddy looked at her with a smug smile. "Oh, you picked it out? So it must be for me, right?" He turned to the salesperson. "Get me a blue one instead."


    The salesperson nced between them, unsure whose instructions to follow, and offered an awkward smile.


    Mona''s lips curved into a mocking smile. "Teddy, did you hit your head or something? Who said this tie was for you?" "Who else would you be buying it for?" Teddy shot back, his confidence wavering. He''d given her a car, for crying out loud. Surely she''d seen it by now. Women were soplicated,'' he thought, feeling a twinge of annoyance.


    Mona tightened her grip on the tie and nced at the fitting room. "It''s for my husband, obviously. Why would I buy anything for you? We''re nothing to each other."


    For a moment, Teddy got lost in his own fantasy, almost forgetting that Mona was married to Maxwell. "Nothing? After everything we''ve been through, you think you can just move on like that? Besides¡ª"


    "Besides wha what?" A deep, authoritative voice cut through the air. In one swift motion, Maxwell appeared and took the tie from Mona''s hand.


    Mona''s eyes widened in surprise. Maxwell looked amazing in the red and white sportswear, as if it had been tailored just for him. His long legs seemed even more powerful in the outfit.


    The


    casual wear gave him a youthful, energetic vibe that was different from his usual suits. But his face was unusually serious.


    Teddy faltered under Maxwell''s cold stare but quickly recovered, not wanting to show weakness in front of Mona. "Besides, I just bought Mona a car!" he announced, a hint of pride in his voice. After all, Maxwell hadn''t bought her a car. This would show who really cared about Mona.


    "You mean that Audi" Maxwell asked coolly.


    Teddy''s chest swelled with pride. Maxwell knew about the car! Maybe Mona had confessed her true feelings, telling Maxwell she still loved Teddy. He nodded smugly. Maxwell''s voice was calm but firm. "I''m sorry, Mr. Powers, but you''re mistaken. My wife would never use your money to buy


    a car."

 Chapter 50

    Maxwell chuckled lightly at Teddy''s words. "You call her your wife so intimately, but I was her boyfriend for four years. Do you really think she could forget me that easily? And by the way, personally paid for that car-over a million dors. How could I not know about it?" Maxwell frowned, his expression shifting as he said, "If that''s the case, why don''t you just call and ask who actually paid for my wife''s Audi?" He tugged Mona toward the counter, pulling out his sleek ck card to hand to the cashier.


    But Mona quickly pushed Maxwell''s card back into his hand and pulled out her own. "No way! I want to buy this for you," she insisted, her eyes sparkling with determination.


    The cashier took Mona''s card, ncing at Maxwell''s athletic wear, which fit him like a model on a magazine cover. She couldn''t help butment, "This sportswear set alsoes in women''s sizes. I bet it would look amazing on you, ma''am!" Mona''s height and figure were perfect for the outfit. If she and Maxwell wore matching clothes in public, they''d be a walking advertisement for the store, turning heads everywhere they went.


    Maxwell''s heart raced at the cashier''s words. The thought of Mona wearing a matching outfit with him was something he had never dared to imagine. Would she actually agree to it?


    To his surprise and delight, Mona nodded decisively, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I''d love to try it on," she said, her voice warm. She quickly asked the sales assistant for her size and dashed to the fitting room, eager to see how she''d look in the same outfit as Maxwell.


    Meanwhile, Teddy stood to the side, his jaw ck with shock. He''d just checked his phone to find a notification for a bank card refund. Confused and suspicious, he quickly called the car dealership, his stomach sinking as he learned the truth about the situation. As he watched Maxwell and Mona''s easy interaction, a sense of crisis gnawed at him. Maxwell was being so good to Mona, but was it just because she held the title of Mrs. Carter, or did Maxwell genuinely like her?


    If it was the former, would he really spend so much on someone he didn''t love?


    As the couple walked past him in their matching outfits, Teddy caught a glimpse of Maxwell''s indifferent expression. It struck him then-Maxwell must have real feelings for Mona.


    Mona and Maxwell were a striking pair, their good looks amplified by their matching outfits. They became the center of attention in the mall, with Mona''s slender frame and long legsplemented Maxwell''s tall, athletic build perfectly. They looked like they''d stepped right out of a fashion magazine spread.


    Maxwell nced at Mona, who was beaming in her new outfit. The frustration he had felt earlier melted away. In its ce was a look of contentment, even sweetness, that seemed to radiate from within. It was the look of a man falling in love, whether he realized it or not.


    On Monday morning, the sun cast a soft, golden glow over the city, making everything feel fresh and new. As usual, Maxwell dropped Mona off at The Designscape, their favorite design studio.


    Inside, Mona found her two friends already there, and the three of them dove into their work, designing gowns with a passion that filled the room. Each stitch was a promise of their hard work, and they were determined to make it perfect.


    After nearly two weeks of intense effort, Mona finally saw their coborative designs taking shape. It was exhrating to witness their visione to life.


    That afternoon, Mona received a frantic message that Ava had been in a car ident. Her heart dropped as panic surged through her. Without a second thought, she abandoned everything she was working on. Grabbing her keys, she sprinted out the door.


    uN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Anxiety twisted in her stomach. In her previous life, Ava had never been in an ident. Was this new reality a result of her second chance? Had it altered the fates of those she cared about?


    With her heart pounding, Mona sped down the highway, her mind solely focused on Ava. The world around her blurred as she pushed the car faster, desperate to reach her friend.


    As Mona sped towards the hospital, guilt gnawed at her. These past few weeks, she''d been so wrapped up in her work that she''d neglected her friendship with Ava. Sure, they''d kept in touch through WhatsApp, but it wasn''t the same as their usual heart-to-heart talks. Ava promised to tell Mona the moment she met someone special. But there had been radio silence on that front. Now, Mona couldn''t help but wonder if she''d missed something important in her friend''s life.


    Mona''s mind raced, her thoughts torn between her friend in the hospital and the road ahead. In a split second of distraction, her foot pressed harder on the elerator. A loud crash jolted her back to reality as her car mmed into the vehicle in front.


    Thanks to her seatbelt, Mona''s body only lurched forward briefly before snapping back. But her forehead smacked against the windshield, leaving a dull ache throbbing through her skull.


    Wincing, she touched her forehead gingerly and stumbled out of the car. Her heart sank as she saw the crumpled front of her car and the dented rear of the one she''d hit.


    Before she could fully process what had happened, the driver''s door of the other car flew open. An angry voice filled the air, followed by the sharp m of the car door.


    As the other driver approached, Mona''s stomach dropped. It was Gordon, Maxwell''s half-brother. Of all the people in the city, she had to rear-end him.


    "I''m so sorry," Mona blurted out, knowing full well it was her fault.


    Gordon''s anger vanished as he recognized her, reced by a sly grin. "Well, if it isn''t my dear sister-inw," he drawled. "How careless of you. You''ve put quite a dent in my car. What do you suggest we do about this?" Swallowing her dislike for Gordon, Mona offered, "I''ll pay for the repairs, of course."


    "Repairs?" Gordon''s eyebrows shot up. "But what about my wasted time? No, I''m afraid that''s not enough."


    "Then what do you want?" Mona asked, trying to hide her growing anxiety. She still didn''t know how Ava was doing.


    "How about this," he said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Just one little kiss from my dear sister-inw, and we''ll forget this whole ident ever happened. What do you say? You''d be getting quite the deal."


    Gordon stepped closer to Mona, his intentions clear in his smirk. Even from a distance, the overpowering scent of his cologne made Mona''s stomach churn.


    She instinctively took a step back, pushing Gordon away to maintain some space


    between them.


    "Very funny, Gordon," Mona said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "If we can''t settle this civilly, we should just call the police. They''ll handle it fairly, and I can afford whateverpensation you''re owed." Her finger hovered over the emergency number on her phone, ready to dial.


    Gordon''s eyes shed with panic as he realized Mona was serious about calling the police. In a desperate move, he lunged for her phone, his long arms reaching out to snatch it away.


    Despite Gordon''s imposing height of six feet, Mona''s own tall frame, enhanced by her high heels, made her nearly his equal. Just as his fingers brushed her wrist, she pressed the call button.


    Before the police arrived, Maxwell''s car screeched to a halt nearby. He jumped out, quickly assessing the situation. "Get in the car," Maxwell said firmly. "I''ll handle this."


    Mona hesitated, her eyes darting between Maxwell and Gordon. A knot of worry tightened in her chest. She knew all too well how maniptive Gordon could be, and the thought of leaving Maxwell to face him alone made her stomach churn.


    softened. "Go on," he urged gently. "Your friend needs you at the hospital. Trust


    Sensing her concern, Maxwell''s express


    me, I''ve got this under control."


    Forum

 Chapter 51

    51


    Mona''s eyes locked with Maxwell''s, a silent understanding passing between them. With urgency propelling her, she slipped into his car, Nigel at the wheel, ready to rush her to the hospital. As Mona disappeared from view, Maxwell turned to his brother, Gordon. His voice dropped to a menacing whisper, "Gordon, Mona is off-limits. Cross that line, and you might not live to regret it."


    The threat hung in the air, Maxwell''s hands casually in his pockets, exuding an aura of power that made Gordon''s blood run cold. This wasn''t the little brother he used to bully; this was someone dangerous.


    "You wouldn''t dare kill me, would you? Grandfather would never let you get away with it. I''m the eldest son of the Carter family. And you? You''re nothing but a bastard." Gordon sputtered, trying to mask his fear with bravado. But as Maxwell''s icy stare bore into him, Gordon felt sweat beading on his palms. The realization that this ''bastard'' might be capable of anything sent a shiver down his spine. "Kill you? I I wouldn''t t dirty my hands," Maxwell


    As if on cue, police sirens wailed in the distance, drawing ay in line, and you''ll livefortably. Step out of line... well, you''re wee to find out what happens."


    in the


    closer to deal with the ident scene.


    Nigel''s driving was steady and and smooth, maintaining a a constant speed. It wasn''t long before Mona reached the hospital, where she quickly made her way to Ava''s room.


    Meanwhile, Nigel''s steady driving soon brought Mona to the hospital. As she hurried towards Ava''s room, a familiar silhouette caught her eye-Soren Sterling, the man who had stolen Ava''s heart in her past life. Anxiety gripped Mona. Had Ava already met him in this life too?


    Before she could dwell on it, Mona reached Ava''s room. Through the open door, she saw Ava''s smile-innocent and naive, eerily reminiscent of how Mona herself once looked at Teddy in her previous life.


    Mona stood frozen in the doorway of Ava''s hospital room, a wave of fear and helplessness washing over her. Despite her second chance at life, was she still powerless to prevent Ava''s fate on the operating table? Mona


    sat by Ava''s hospital bed, her heart heavy with the weight of her knowledge. Ava''s pale face bore a smile, but Mona could only see the shadow of what mighte to pass. She gripped Ava''s hand tightly, as if she could anchor her friend to this safer present. "Ava, are you alright? How did this ident happen?" Mona asked, her voiceced with concern.


    Ava''s response was surprisingly cheerful. "It''s nothing serious, just a minor ident. I lost my phone after calling you, so I couldn''t reach out again."


    As Ava recounted the incident, Mona''s dread grew. The story was all too familiar-a kind stranger, apologetic and caring. When Ava mentioned Soren Sterling''s name, Mona''s worst fears were confirmed.


    "Ava,"


    Mona asked, her voice barely above a whisper, "who was the person who hit you?" Deep down, she already knew the answer, but she needed to hear it from Ava''s lips.


    A soft blush crept across Ava''s cheeks, her eyes sparkling with a girlish shyness that made Mona''s heart ache. "The man who hit me was actually very kind. His name is Soren Sterling."


    Soren Sterling. The name echoed in Mona''s mind, each repetition like a hammer blow. Her grip on Ava''s hand tightened unconsciously as memories of a future she desperately wanted to prevent flooded her thoughts. Soren Sterling-the man with the gentle facade and a heart of darkness.


    Uo. 18 Tue, Oct 24


    "Mona, what''s wrong? You''re hurting me!" Ava''s voice cut through Mona''s spiraling thoughts.


    3


    Instead of loosening her grip, Mona raised their sped hands, bringing them eye-level between them. Her gaze locked onto Ava''s, intense and unwavering. "Ava, do you trust me?" /4%1


    Ava nodded, her trust in Mona unwavering. They had been friends since childhood; if she couldn''t trust Mona, who could she trust?


    Mona swallowed hard, her voice urgent and tinged with fear. "Ava, if you trust me, stay away from Soren. He''s not a good man. If you get involved with him... you''ll end up dead."


    Ava''s initial reaction wasughter, the warning so unexpected and extreme. But as she met Mona''s intense gaze, theughter died in her throat. "Mona... are you serious?"


    "Do you think I''d joke about something like this?" Mona''s eyes never left Ava''s, conveying the gravity of her words.


    In that moment, ¨¢va understood. This wasn''t a joke. She nodded slowly, "Okay."


    Mona gripped Ava''s hand tighter. "I mean it, Ava. Soren may seem nice now, but he''s dangerous. He will hurt you. Badly."


    Ava felt torn. Mona''s words had shaken her, but it was hard to reconcile them with the kind man she had just met. Still, she trusted Mona implicitly.


    Seeing that her warning had take


    taken root, Mona felt a small measure of relief. She was about to inquire further when her phone rang shrilly.


    It was ra, her voice panicked and tearful. "Mona, something terrible has happened our studio is on fire!"ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Mona''s hand trembled as: as she


    I her phone, ra''s panicked voice still ringing in her ears. The studio was on fire. Her mind raced to the dress she had poured her heart and soul into, the one that was nearlyplete after days of tireless work. Press? Mona asked, her voice quavering. "The dress- s-what happened to the to the dress ra''s response hit her like a punch to the gut. "Arge part of it burned, along with the fabric we bought. What are we going to do, Mona? Artemis is supposed toe in and pick her dress any day now."


    Mona nced at Ava, torn between her friend''s


    wellbeing and and the


    crisis at her studio. Ava, sensing Mona''s dilemma, urged her to go. "I''m okay. This is your chance-don''t let it slip away." With a heavy sigh, Mona made her decision. "Are you at the studio, ra? I''m on my way."


    "Yes,


    After


    I''m here. I''ll be waiting for you, Mona," ra replied, her voice trembling.


    exchanging a few hurried words with Ava, reassuring her friend that she''d be back soon, Mona rushed out of the hospital room. In the elevator, her fingers flew across her phone screen as she messaged Maxwell about the fire at The Designscape. She informed him that she was about to take a taxi to the studio.


    Maxwell''s response came almost instantly, lighting up her phone screen: [I''m right downstairs at the hospital. I''lle with you.]


    What Mona didn''t know was that Maxwell had already been on his way to the hospital. After dealing with the aftermath of Ava''s car ident, he had instructed Nigel to drive him there.

 Chapter 52

    As she stepped through the doors, she immediately spotted Maxwell waiting for her.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The ride to The Designscape was tense, with worry clouding Mona''s eyes. The old saying "when it rains, it pours" echoed in her mind, feeling painfully true in that moment.


    Watching the city blur past the window, Mona found herself grappling with a growing suspicion. The more she thought about it, the less she believed that the fire at The Designscape was a mere ident. Maxwell gently ced his hand over Mona''s. "Don''t worry," he said softly. "Whatever happens, we''ll get through it."


    Feeling the warmth of his touch, Mona instinctively leaned her Head on Maxwell''s shoulder. She needed support now more than ever.


    Maxwell''s hand moved to her back, offeringforting pats. From the front seat, Nigel observed the couple, realizing their rtionship was far from the loveless arrangement others believed it to be.


    When they arrived, The Designscape was still smoldering, the scene chaotic with police presence. Mona''s heart sank. It felt like everything was lost.


    ra rushed to Mona, desperation in her voice, "Mona, you''re finally here. Our dresses are gone. What are we going to do?"


    Mona knew she couldn''t afford to panic. She needed to stay calm, especially with Maxwell by her side, lending her strength. Taking a deep breath, she said with forcedposure, "Let''s not jump to conclusions. We should hear what the police have to say first." As she surveyed the damage, a strange sense of relief washed over her. It could have been so much worse. The fire had been contained to their floor; the entire building could have gone up in mes. And most importantly, no one had been hurt. Before long, the police had determined the cause of the fire. A burning candle had tipped over onto some fabric, igniting the ze.


    Upon hearing the police report, ra felt a wave of crushing guilt wash over her. The candle that had caused the fire was hers, brought to create a soft, ambient light she loved working in. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine it would lead to such devastation. ra turned to Mona and Vespera, her voice trembling with remorse. "I''m so sorry. It''s all my fault. I never imagined the candle could cause a fire."


    On the way to the studio, Mona had suspected foul y. But seeing ra''s genuine distress changed her mind. Over the past few weeks, she hade to know ra as a sincere, if somewhat naive, person. There was no way she could have done this intentionally. As Mona and Vespera remained silent, ra''s guilt intensified. She wished she had never brought the candle, though she couldn''t fathom how it had ignited the dresses. "I know it''s my fault," she said, her fingers intertwined tightly. "I''ll do anything to make it right." Vespera''s cold voice cut through the air. "What''s the use of saying this now? It''s toote. We have to admit defeat."


    "I''m sorry," ra repeated, at a loss for words. Her hands were sped so tightly her knuckles had turned white.


    Mona noticed ra''s anguish and felt a pang in her own heart. Looking into ra''s tear-filled eyes, she said, "Don''t be sad. Dry your tears. We still have a week, right? We can make a new dress. How will we know if we can seed if we don''t try?"


    She knew a week was barely enough time, but it was the only solution she could think of at the moment.


    "Mona, you''re right-human potential is limitless, and we can definitely seed!" ra dered with determination,


    secretly resolving to work tirelessly for the next seven days, even if it meant sacrificing sleep and meals to finish the dress.


    With both Mona and ra on board, Vespera nodded her agreement as well.


    Surveying the scene, Mona felt a glimmer of hope. The fire damage wasn''t as severe as she''d feared. Most of the fabric was still usable. They were only missing the white floral fabric for the waist of the dress.


    As they stood amidst the ashes of their previous work, a new sense of purpose began to emerge. This setback, while devastating, had ignited a fire of determination in each of them. They had one week to turn this disaster into triumph, and they were ready to pour every ounce of their creativity and energy into the challenge.


    For reasons unknown, the lotus silk Mona desperately needed was suddenly out of stock everywhere. Just days ago, it had been plentiful, but now she had scoured several stores without sess.


    A kind-hearted shop owner, seeing Mona''s urgency, suggested she try her luck at a factory on the outskirts of Nathontown''s northern district.


    Grateful for the lead, Mona immediately hailed a taxi. Time was of the essence; even after acquiring the fabric, crafting the flowers would take precious hours.


    Arriving at the industrialplex, Mona approached the factory without hesitation. An elderly man answered her knock, informing her that while they did have lotus silk, the person in charge was en route and he couldn''t authorize a sale.


    "I can wait," Mona replied with a forced smile. As she settled in, she messaged Maxwell about her dyed return and her current location.


    After about fifteen minutes, a figure appeared at the door. To Mona''s dismay, it was Gordon.


    She immediately regretted not checking her horoscope that morning; the day had been nothing but bad luck.


    "Well, well. If it isn''t my dear sister-inw, looking to buy my lotus silk," Gordon smirked, emphasizing his ownership.


    "Yes, would you be willing to sell me some, brother?" Mona asked, swallowing her pride.


    Gordon''s eyes roamed over Mona''s face, lingering on her swan-like neck. His gaze made her skin crawl, and she had to resist the urge to p him.


    Mona felt exposed under Gordon''s tant scrutiny, her skin crawling with difort. The words bubbled up inside her,


    out?'' ''What are you staring at? Do you want me to gouge your eyes


    But the threat remained unspoken, trapped behind gritted teeth. As much as she longed to unleash her fury, to p that smug look off Gordon''s face, Mona knew she couldn''t. The lotus silk he possessed was too valuable, too crucial to her ns. Gordon finally finished his thorough examination of Mona, his eyes gleaming with a satisfaction that made her skin crawl. "I could be persuaded to sell," he said, rubbing his fingers together suggestively. "But the price..."


    Mona steeled herself. "Name your price," she said, prepared for the worst. She knew of no other source for lotus silk in Nathontown, and no other fabric could achieve the effect she needed. Even if it meant taking a loss, she was willing to pay. Gordon chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Mona''s spine. "Money? Do I look like I''m in need of money, dear sister-inw?"


    His eyes bore into Mona, so intense she felt he might drill holes right through her. The tension in the room was palpable.


    Swallowing her revulsion, Mona forced herself to ask, "What do you want then?" She clenched her fists, fighting the urge tosh out. One more word from Gordon, and she feared she might lose control and bash his head in.

 Chapter 53

    Gordon''s eyes bore into Mona''s, a sinister glint reflecting his anger at Maxwell''s earlier threats. "You," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I want you to spend the night with me." Disgust welled up in Mona as she met his mocking gaze. "Get lo she spat.


    "Then you won''t get the lotus silk," Gordon sneered. "I control all of it in Nathontown. He knew the silk''s importance to Mona and had deliberately cornered the market to leverage this moment. Seeing Mona unmoved, he pressed on. "If youe with me, Tilgive you everything Maxwell has and more. Even things he can''t give you, like real passion. Think about it" Mona''s revulsion grew as Gondon inched closer. She shoved him away forcefully. "You''re nothingpared to Maxwell. Keep your damn silk!"


    As she turned to leave, Mona found the door locked. Panic rose in her throat as she realized they were alone in the factory.


    "What are you doing?" she demanded, barely containing her rage.


    Gordon''s smile was predatory. "What do you think? We''re alone, in the middle of nowhere. Use your imagination, dear sister-inw."


    chill


    As Mona nced over her shoulder, she realized that it was just ber and Gordon in the factory. The istion sent a down her spine; it was impossible to deny the fear creeping in. After all, he was a man, and she was a woman-there was an undeniable difference in their physical strength.. "What are you doing, Gordon?" Mona asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface.


    "What do you think I''m doing? Out here in the middle of nowhere, just the two of us,te at night-surely you can guess my intentions, dear sister-inw, Gordon said, stepping closer, his gaze fixed on her with unsettling intensity. Mona''s heart raced as she processed his words. She knew exactly what he meant, and hearing it spoken aloud made her stomach twist with revulsion


    "If you really think you can get away with that, don''t you fear Maxwell wille after you?" she shot back, her voice dripping with disdain. I''m not just any woman; I''m a Clem. If you touch me, my family will make you regret it." Mona knew that if Gordon truly wanted to use force, she would be no match for him. It was better to y her eards carefully and threaten him first.


    Gordon''s gaze locked onto Mona''s eyes. He casually twirled a strand of her hair around his finger, but she subtly pulled away, refusing to show her difort. A sly smile crept across Gordon''s face. "I can only imagine how stunning your lewd photos must be, Ms. Clem. I wouldn''t mind sharing them with everyone if you decide to call for help.


    Mona''s heart raced as she grasped the implication behind his words. If she dared to report him, he would ruin her reputation by leaking her lewd photos. In Nathontown, how could she ever show her face again?


    Gordon didn''t seem bothered by her retreat. He brought his hand to his nose, inhaling the scent of her hair. "So fragrant. If you''re willing to cooperate, I promise you''ll have a memorable experience."


    Mona felt a wave of nausea at his perverted behavior. She could hardly bear to be in his presence, and the thought of reaching for her phone made her hesitate. She needed to buy time, to distract him and soften his approach.


    Suppressing her disgust, she ced a hand lightly on Cordon''s chest, forcing a charming smile. "Is what you just said true? If 1 agree to be with you, you''ll treat me better than Maxwell does and even give me those beautiful silk garments, right?"


    wed,


    Perhaps it was Mona''s delicate hands that captivated Gordon, lifting his spirits considerably. "Women were often like this: with a little threat and a touch of sweetness, they could be persuaded toply: Gordon smiled, confidence radiating from him as he dered, "Of course it''s true," he boasted. "I, Gordon Carter, am a man of integrity. And Maxwell? He''s merely an employee. Thispany will be mine for generations toe!


    Mona listened to his words, feeling a wave of nausen wash over ler. She forced a smile, replying, "Of course, you''re so impressive!"


    Gordon''s mood brightened even more at herpliment. He teased, "Not only am I good at this, but I''m also exceptional in other areas. Just wait, I''ll make you feel like you''re in paradise!"


    As he spoke, he reached out to wrap his arms around her waist. Mona suppressed her difort and said softly, "Gordon, let''s take it slow. I want to be the one to initiate, but I''m a bit scared since it''s my first time."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Gordon inhaled deeply, taking in the subtle fragrance of Mona''s hair. It was different from any woman he had known before -soft, enticing, and not overpowering. Hearing her desire to take the lead made him even more excited. "Alright then, little sister, you can take the lead."


    With that, he pulled her into a hidden room. As the door swung open, Mona was taken aback. The room was fully furnished with a bed and a bathroom, everything one might need for an intimate encounter. As they entered, a sense of dread crept over Mona, What if she couldn''t get her phone to call for help? Would she end up spending the night with this repulsive man? Before she could think further, Gordon leaned in closer, greedily inhaling the scent of her hair, his fingers wandering.


    She instinctively pushed him away, but in Gordon''s eyes, this only signaled yful resistance. "Gordon, let''s shower first!


    heen running around all day and smell like sweat," she suggested, trying to maintain some control over the situation. Gordon smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, little temptress, just wait until I''m done showering. You''ll see how I can make you feel" However, a nagging thought crept into his mind. What if Mona thed to escape while he was in the shower or, worse, called for help? All his ns would be in vain. "You know what? Let''s make this more interesting. Why don''t you join me in the shower? We can have some fun together."


    Mona recoiled at the suggestion, her instincts screaming to keep her distance. "Gordon, no way! I''m too shy for that. Let''s just wash up one at a time."


    "Either you join me in the shower, or we get started right now. What if I''m in the shower and you try to escape?" Gordon tightened his grip around Mona''s wrist, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race.


    Mona winced slightly at the pressure, struggling to pull away just enough to regain herposure. The door is locked; where could I possibly go? Besides, I''m here willingly, aren''t I?"


    Gordon met her serious gaze with a steely determination. "That''s not the point. You need to choose-either one or the other."


    #


    0

 Chapter 54

    Gordon grew impatient as Mona hesitated to make a choice. Finally, he decided to take matters into his own hands. With a swift motion, he pushed her onto the bed. Caught off guard, Moha stumbled and fell onto the soft surface, and before she could react, Gordon leaned over her. In that moment, fear gripped her heart.


    All she could think about was Maxwell.


    Gordon''s eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and dominance. "It''s still me taking the lead this time. Next time, you''ll be the one in charge."


    As his words hung in the air, he focused on her enticing lips, leaning in for a kiss. Mona instinctively turned her head away. trying to avoid his advance.


    Her rejection ignited a spark of anger in Gordon. Just moments ago, she had seemed eager, but now she was avoiding his touch. Realizing that everything she had said was a lie, his frustration boiled over.


    In a sudden outburst, he pped her across the face, then grabbed a handful of her hair, growling. You ungrateful little brat! You should consider it a privilege that I even look at you. How dare you deceive me? I''ll make sure you learn your lesson today!"


    Mona felt a sharp pain and tears streamed down her cheeks, a mix of hurt and indignation. Just as Gordon''s lips were about to descend on her neck, she seized her phone and swung it hard against the back of his head. With all her strength, she aimed for a decisive blow, fearing that if she didn''t incapacitate him, she would be the one in trouble.


    The impact caught Gordon off guard; he copsed onto her, stunned.


    Mona took several deep breaths, panic rising within her. She hadn''t wanted to resort to violence, but if she identally caused him serious harm, what would she do then?


    But there was no choice-he had threatened her, and she was only defending herself.


    As she attempted to push Gordon off her, her hand brushed against his head, feeling the warm, sticky blood trickling down his neck and onto her palm.


    In that moment, true fear washed over her. It reminded her of the time Barbara had pushed her off the rooftop, leaving her bleeding and lifeless.


    Shaking, she finally managed to shove Gordon away and sat up quickly. The sight of blood streaming from his head sent her heart racing. What if she had really killed him? Just then, her phone rang, breaking the tense silence.


    Mona nced at her phone and saw that Maxwell was calling. Her hands trembled as she answered, his familiar voice reaching her ears. Mona, where are you? What''s going on?"


    "I... I think I might have killed him. He''s bleeding a lot, she stammered, her voice thick with panic.


    "Calm down, Mona. I''m already at the factory, Are you inside?" Maxwell''s tone was steady, trying to soothe her.


    "Yes, I''m here. I''m waiting for you,'' she replied, her heart racing


    In her mind, Maxwell was invincible. With him around, she felt a sense of security that she desperately needed right now.


    Mona instinctively scooted away from the bed, as if putting distance between herself and Gordon''s injury would somehow lessen the weight of her actions.


    As time passed slowly, she could hear the sound of a door creaking open. Relief washed over her; Maxwell had arrived. When he stepped into the room, he didn''t see her at first. He moved deeper inside until he found her huddled in the corner 08-20 Wed, Oct 23 G?


    BK 76%


    §±


    of the bed. Her usually smooth hair was tangled, and tears stained her cheeks. The sight struck him deeply. Without hesitation, he rushed to her side and enveloped her in his arms. It''s okay, Mona. I''m here. I''m here"


    His voice was gentle, soothing, like a parentforting a frightened child.


    In his embrace, Mona felt as if she had found a lifeline in a turbulent sea. She clung tightly to his suit, tears streaming down her face. "Maxwell, please check if he''s dead."


    She had been given a second chance at life, with revenge still to be had and debts yet to be repaid. The thought of ending up in prison now felt like the cruelest twist of fate.


    Seeing the genuine fear in her eyes, Maxwell''s expression hardened as he nced at Gordon, whoy motionless on the bed. A surge of anger coursed through him. He had no intention of harming Mona, yet here was Gordon, threatening her safety. It seemed that all his earlier threats had been in vain. He gestured to Nigel, who had followed him in. "Check if he''s still breathing"


    Nigel approached Gordon and carefully checked for a pulse. He turned back to Maxwell and nodded.


    "Get him out of here. Maxwell instructed. "Take him to my private hospital and don''t let anyone know until he wakes up." Even if he wanted Gordon to suffer, he could not allow Mona to be implicated in any way.


    With that, Maxwell scooped Mona into his arms, carrying her effortlessly as he made his way out of the factory. Startled, she instinctively clunched his suit, burying her face in his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.


    "It''s okay, Mona. You don''t have to be afraid. It''s all over now, you''re safe." he reassured her softly.


    Hearing his reassuring words, Mona nodded slightly against his chest. As long as Gordon wasn''t dead, she could breathe easier. Thest thing she wanted was blood on her hands.


    As Maxwell carried her along the quiet path, he nced up at the star-studded sky. The surrounding farnds lent a peaceful atmosphere to the night, a stark contrast to the turmoil they''d just experienced.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    After some time, Mona realized they hadn''t reached any vehicle yet. Concerned about tiring Maxwell, she said, ''Are we walking all the way back? Maybe you should put me down. I must be heavy."


    "A car ising to pick us up." Maxwell replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And you''re not heavy at all." His words carried a hidden meaning-he wanted to keep holding her. Mona nodded, relieved. She couldn''t imagine Maxwell carrying her all the way home; his legs would have been exhausted.


    True to his word, a car soon pulled up beside them. An attendant respectfully opened the door, and Maxwell gently ced Mona inside before joining her.


    Once settled. Maxwall naturally drew Mona onto hisp. Close your eyes and rest for a bit. I''m right here with you," he murmured.


    At first, Mona felt a bit awkward in this intimate position. But hearing Maxwell''sforting words, she rxed and found afortable spot in his embrace, slowly closing her eyes. Perhaps it was the fear and exhaustion from the night''s events, or maybe it was the sense of security Maxwell''s presence provided, but before long, Mona had drifted off to sleep.


    When they arrived home, Maxwell signaled to the driver, who promptly departed. In the soft glow of the vi''s exterior lights, Maxwell looked down at Mona''s sleeping form, his eyes filled with tenderness. He ced a gentle kiss on her forehead and whispered, "I''m sorry. I should have protected you better."

 Chapter 55

    Maxwell studied Mona under the dim light outside the car as if he wanted to count every eysh and memorize every feature of her face. The red marks on her face pierced his heart, causing sharp pain.


    After what felt like an eternity, Maxwell gently opened the car door and carefully lifted Mona out, heading straight to their bedroom. He ced her on therge bed.


    Looking at her soft features, Maxwell brushed her hair with his fingers, then decided to get some water to clean the blood off her hands and apply some medicine to her cheek.


    As the warm towel touched Mona''s palm, she instinctively tightened her grip around it, fearfully muttering, "Blood Blood.


    So much blood."


    Maxwell understood that what happened tonight had terrified her. He whispered in her ear, "It''s gone. It''s all cleaned up."


    At that moment, Mona was trapped in a nightmare, dreaming of her fall from a building in her past, and imagining the blood flowing from Gordon''s head when she hit him with her phone. No matter how these images intertwined, her dreams were filled with blood. After much effort, Maxwell finally cleaned the blood off Mona, but when he looked at her disheveled clothes, he hesitated about changing her into pajamas. Since Hattie had already gone home, it would have to be him doing it. Maxwell thought, But what if Mona woke up tomorrow and got angry about it?"


    He decided not to take that risk and thought it best to leave her as she was. After all, he didn''t mind her appearance.


    That night, both Mona and Maxwell struggled to sleep. However, he kept her in his arms, and around five or six in the morning, he received a message from Nigel saying that Gordon had woken up.


    Looking at the sleeping Mona beside him, her hand still gripping his shirt tightly, Maxwell furrowed his brows. He gently rubbed her back a few times and then carefully removed her hand from his shirt. He ced a light kiss on her forehead and said, "Keep sleeping. By the time you wake up, everything will be settled."


    After quietly tidying up the room, Maxwell tiptoed out and drove straight to the private hospital.


    When Maxwell arrived outside Gordon''s ward, he heard the sound of a cup smashing against the door. The guards on duty recognized Maxwell and obediently opened the door for him.


    With a loud bang, a cupnded at Maxwell''s feet. He shot Gordon an unfriendly re, picked up the cup, and hurled it back


    at hirm


    Gordon stared wide-eyed as the cup flew toward him, instinctively bracing for impact.


    Sure enough, the cup hit Gordon squarely in the face. Pain surged through him, and he shouted, "Damn it. Maxwell, are you Crazy?"


    Maxwell grabbed Gordon by the cor, his eyes glinting with cold fury as he stared Gordon down. "Gordon, you bastard How dare youy a finger on Mona? Was that hand the one you used?"


    Gordon met Maxwell''s fierce gaze and couldn''t help but shiver inwardly, but he forced himself to act tough. He said, "So what if I took advantage of her? If it weren''t for that bitch throwing something at me, she would have been mine already. What''s wrong. Maxwell? Jealous?"


    The memory of what had happened filled Gordon with rage. At the moment he fell, he never expected Mona to dare to hit him with her phone, and she had surprisingly strong arms. She knocked him out cold. When he regained consciousness, Cordon found himself in this shabby hospital room, locked away, unable to escape, and talking to the guards felt like talking


    to a wall.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell''s eyes bore into Gordon''s as he addressed the guards. "Since he is so tough, let''s not bother keeping his arms intact!TM


    Upon hearing Maxwell''s words, the guards approached and seized Gordon''s arms.


    Fear flooded Gordon''s mind. His head was already injured. If they hurt his arms too, he would bepletely incapacitated. He shouted at Maxwell, ''Make them stop! How dare you break my arms? Aren''t you afraid that I''ll tell Grandpa? Let''s see how you''ll exin yourself then!"


    Gordon shouted to the guards, "Let go of me! I''m the heir of the Carter family! If anything happens to me, you''ll regret it!"


    Maxwell nodded at the guards and said, "Go ahead. Don''t hold back."


    With a series of piercing screams, Gordon''s arms were brutally broken.


    Maxwell watched as Gordon''s face turned pale, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "Gordon, how does it feel? This is the price you pay for hurting Mona. You should be thankful you didn''t do anything worse, or it wouldn''t just be your arms at stake."


    Meeting Gordon''s furious gaze, Maxwell showed no fear. "Oh, by the way, Gordon, if you dare tell Grandpa about this, you know what the consequences will be. And if he finds out about your thoughts on my wife, do you think he''ll care about how you got hurt?" With that, Maxwell sneered and left Gordon''s room.


    Gordon clenched his teeth in pain, trembling Cold sweat dripped from his forehead. Maxwell was right. Gordon was in the wrong. If Richard found out, he might even punish Gordon.


    ring at his broken arms, Gordon felt a deep hatred but could only swallow his grievances.


    Inwardly, he thought, ''Maxwell, Mona, we won''t end here.


    After leaving the hospital, Maxwell rushed home, worried that Mona would be scared if she woke up and didn''t see him.


    His instincts were correct. When Maxwell arrived home, he found that Mona was awake. Seeing that Maxwell was not beside her, she didn''t want to stay in the room any longer. She went to sit on the living room sofa, staring at the door, waiting for Maxwell to return. Maxwell hurried home to be with Mona, and within five minutes of Mona sitting down, she saw him rush in, looking worn and exhausted.


    In that moment, Mona felt her heart swell with warmth, and the fear that had lingered inside her began to fade.

 Chapter 56

    Without hesitation, Mona rushed into Maxwell''s arms, tightly wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her head in his chest. Im so d you''re back."


    Maxwell instinctively embraced her slender waist, holding her close. "Yeah, I''m back."


    They said nothing, simply holding each other tightly as if they were the only two people in the world. After a long while, Mona released Maxwell and asked, "Maxwell, is that guy Okay!" Though she didn''t mention his name, they both knew she was talking about Gordon.


    "He''s fine. He just passed out, and when I went to see him this morning, he was already awake," Maxwell replied, omitting the fact that he had injured Gordon''s arms. That was something Mona didn''t need to know. As long as Mona was happy, that was enough for him.


    "That''s good to hear, Mona sighed in relief. After hitting Gordon yesterday and seeing him copse with blood on her hands, Mona had been incredibly scared.


    "I''m sorry Itouldn''t protect you," Maxwell said earnestly, gazing into her eyes.


    Mona looked up, meeting his burning eyes, and felt warm. Sniffing, she replied, "It''s not your fault. You don''t need to apologize. Things just happened unexpectedly."


    Having lived another life, Mona understood that one should never have ill intentions, but always be cautious of others. Though Gordon often talked big, she never expected him to try to take advantage of her.


    Maxwell''s eyes returned to Mona''s face. After a night of rest, the red marks on her face had faded significantly, but there were still some remnants.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    He felt distressed, wishing he could take that p for her. He also scolded himself for not going to find her immediately after receiving her messages.


    Noticing the intensity in Maxwell''s gaze, Mona touched her check and forced a smile. "It doesn''t hurt anymore. Thank you for the medicine you gave me yesterday."


    "It''s what I should do," Maxwell replied. Suddenly remembering something, he added, "By the way, I had Nigel send over the roses you wanted. If you need anything else, just let me know."


    He was genuinely worried about her safety.


    As soon as Mona heard Maxwell''s words, her anxiety was reced by urgency. "Yeah, I don''t even know how to thank you enough."


    He nearly blurted out, "Then repay me with yourself!" but managed to swallow it down. "No need to thank me. We re husband and wife. It''s my duty," Maxwell said.


    After breakfast, Mona hurriedly asked Maxwell to drive her to The Designscape.


    Now, when facing Maxwell, Mona had no reservations. After all, it was just asking for a ride, and she could say it outright without any hesitation.


    "Don''t you need to rest at home for a while?" Maxwell asked, concerned. He remembered how she clutched his shirt tightly in fear the night before.


    As Mona walked toward the door, she said, "No need, it''s just seven days. Oh, no, six days now. I really need to hurry. Time is running tight. By the way, you don''t need to pick me up tonight I''ll probably be back reallyte, and if things get busy, I 08:20 Wed, Oct


    might note home at all


    When he heard herst words "might note home", Maxwell''s gaze turned mncholic. Ever since they got their marriage license, they hadn''t spent a night apart. He''d gotten used to holding Mona as he slept, breathing in her light fragrance to help him fall asleep, though she wasn''t aware of it. But now, if she wasn''t with him, Maxwell couldn''t possibly sleep well.


    "What''s wrong?" Mona asked as she settled into the passenger seat, catching the somewhat pitiful look in Maxwell''s eyes. She felt as though she''d done something terribly wrong


    Starting the car, Maxwell said, "Nothing. If possible,e back to sleep tonight. Just send me a message, and I''ll pick your


    1. up.


    Mona nodded. "Okay"


    While on the way, Maxwell thought it over and eventually said to Mona, "Mona, you should keep an eye on Vespera."


    ason. "Why?"


    Mona sensed that Maxwell wouldn''t say something like that without a reason. "W


    "When you suggested making the dress again yesterday, I noticed she hesitated for a moment and looked a bit ufortable. I have a feeling the fire might be rted to her, but I have no proof. I just wanted to mention it to you." Maxwell sari. Mona nodded. "I''ll be cautious."


    When she first heard about the fire, she had thought Barbara was behind it. But upon arriving at the scene and hearing the police, Mona believed it was an ident. Now, with Maxwell warning her about Vespera, she made a mental note. After dropping Mona off at The Designscape, Maxwell watched her walk inside before driving off to the Carter Group.


    Once inside, Mona saw ra and Vespera working on the dresses. Vespera was particrly focused. If Maxwell hadn''t pointed her out, Mona would never have paid attention to her.


    "Mona, there you are! I''ve calcted the time, and if we push ourselves, there''s still a good chance we can finish the gown," ra said excitedly as soon as she saw Mona. But it was clear that the three of them would have to pull a few all-nighters. Thinking about having a chance to make up for their mistakes filled ra with joy and motivation.


    Mona nodded. "Let''s all work hard. Once everything''s settled, I''ll treat everyone to a feast."


    As she spoke, she noticed Vespera''s expression. Vespera''s eyes briefly flickered downward, and her lips almost curled, but she only managed a forced smile when she heard ra cheer.


    Mona, observed this closely. If Maxwell hadn''t mentioned it first, she wouldn''t have noticed such subtle expressions. Now, seeing this, she had a growing suspicion that the fire incident might indeed be connected to Vespera. However, she kept her thoughts to herself.


    The three of them busied themselves throughout the morning By noon, they felt going out would waste time, so they ordered takeout and continued working in the afternoon.


    At eight in the evening, when Maxwell still hadn''t received a message from Mona, he couldn''t help but send a message. [Did you finish your tasks for today?]

 Chapter 57

    Maxwell implied that he wanted to pick Mona up to go home.


    Meanwhile, Mona was embroidering blossoms onto the dress and didn''t check her phone,pletely unaware that Maxwell had messaged her.


    When a knock sounded at the door, it brought Mona back to reality. She opened it to find Maxwell standing there, which filled her with joy. "What are you doing here?" she eximed. She opened the door and pulled him inside.


    Inside, both ra and Vespera were


    surprised to see Mona and Maxwell holding hands so tightly. It seemed that, contrary to the rumors, their marriage wasn''t just a political arrangement. They appeared to share genuine feelings for each other. "Let me introduce you, my husband, Maxwell! Mona said, looking into their eyes.


    "Mona, your... husb husband?" ra asked in shock. The term "husband" implied they were married ra thought, ''But haven''t they just gotten engaged not long ago? Confusion swirled in her mind. Vespera didn''t speak, but Mona could see the astonishment in her eyes as well. "Yes, my husband. We''ve ''ve already tied the knot, Mona confirmed


    She didn''t mind others knowing about her marriage to Maxwell. In fact, the more people who knew, the better.


    Maxwell met Mona''s bright, sparkling eyes and instinctively tightened his grip on her hand. Mona was finally willing to acknowledge him in front of others, and a smile crept onto his face as he introduced himself, "Nice to meet you. I''m Maxwell, Mona''s husband." In that that brief moment of f conversation, ra''s mind I was already spinning with a whirlwind of dramatic scenarios. She imagined that Mona and Maxwell''s marriage was an act of revenge against Teddy, that Maxwell had insisted on getting married because he had secretly loved Mona all along but never showed it. Over time, under Maxwell''s deep affection, their rtionship gradually blossomed. Hey, ra what are you thinking about? You seem so lost in thought that you didn''t hear what I said. Mona waved her hand. in front of ra''s face. ra quickly snapped back to reality, grinning at Mona. "Oh, nothing, I just spaced out. What did you say?"


    Mona repeated herself, "I said it''s gettingte. You two should head back. We''ll pick up where we left off tomorrow, understood, Miss Whitlock?" ra nodded. "Got it!"


    Afterward, she quickly gathered her things and pulled Vespera along as they dashed out. She wanted to create some private time for the couple to let their feelings deepen.


    Once they left, Mona began packing her things, preparing to go home with Maxwell


    "Shall we head back?" Mona asked.


    "Yes." Ma Maxwell replied, taking a step forward to hold her hand.


    While they may not have expressed much verbally, their actions revealed a growing intimacy


    Over the past week, ra and Vespera had been working tirelessly, often staying upte. Mona only returnedte on the first day. After that, she returned on time or even earlier because Maxwell insisted she shouldn''t stay outte. They were too shy 76%)


    to say anything and just kept working hard.


    As time crept into the final day, the dress was almostplete, with just the finishing touch left, the white flowers around the waist. It was already past ten in the evening, and to their surprise, Mona hadn''t left yet, something both ra and Vespera found quite unexpected at thiste hour.


    "Mona, ra, you two should go home and rest. I''ll handle thest part, Vespera said.


    ra shook her head and said, "Mona, you should go rest. I''ll take care of the rest."


    The fire incident with the original dress had partly been her fault, and she felt it was unfair for Mona and Vespera to bear the consequences. She couldn''t just leave and let others do the work


    Mona looked at ra and could see that she was eager to start working. "ra, your eyes are red. You should go get some rest. If you take over now and make a mistake, it won''t be good. Let Vespera handle it instead."


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, ra instantly felt her words made sense. With Artemis scheduled to try on the dress. tomorrow, if she made a mistake, it would mean losing this opportunity altogether. Thinking it over, ra nodded in agreement, deciding to take on other tasks to make it up to themter. Mona,


    why don''t you go rest too? I can manage alone, Vespera asked after ra left.


    Mona feigned a yawn and stretched. "Alright, I''ll just take a quick nap in the back, and we can leave together once you''re done.


    "Okay, go ahead. I''ll finish up soon," Vespera said, forcing a smile


    Mona nodded and settled onto the sofa in the break room, ncing at her phone before closing her eyes. She saw a message from Maxwell and smiled


    After a while, as Vespera admired the finished dress, she realized she had underestimated Mona''s talent. With her design. skills, Mona would surely be a top figure in the industry one day. At that moment, Vespera held a pair of scissors, poised above the vibrant red dress, contemting a drastic cut. Although most of the work was hers, she feltpelled to destroy it. After all, it was a harsh reality that people could sometimes be driven to destroy for the sake of f profit.


    As long as she seeded today, her family would no longer have to worry about food and shelter.


    With resolve, Vespera plunged the scissors into the dress, and ra, returning at that moment, gasped in disbelief. She stared for a long time before shouting, "Vespera, what are you doing? Fuming, she stormped over, snatching the scissors from Vespera''s hands and ring at the ruined half of the dress. She felt like pping Vesper


    Faced with ra''s anger, Vespera replied nonchntly, "It''s nothing. I just didn''t like the dress and wanted to cut it. Then she seized the scissors back and swiftly made a few more cuts.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    As her words echoed, ra pped Vespera across the face. The sound startled Mona, who had been napping in the break


    TOONIL


    Mona groggily stepped out to see the two women facing off, along with the ruined dress on the floor, but she wasn''t particrly surprised.


    ra hade back because Mona had messaged her that she was resting in the break room. Knowing ra valued loyalty, Mona knew she would return.


    This also provided an opportunity for Vespera. Had she not ruined the dress, everything would have gone smoothly after a week of work. But if Vespera had indeed damaged the dress, ra would certainly see it upon her return. This would carry

 Chapter 58

    ra saw Mona walking out and was immediately afraid she didift know what was happening. ra hurriedly said, "Mona, Vespera cut the dress we worked so hard onl


    ra''s tone was filled with anger as she red at Vespera, unable to believe Vespera would actually destroy their dress.


    Monafortingly patted ra on the shoulder and looked at Vespera, asking, "What''s the reason?"


    Vespera met Mona''s gaze, feeling a bit scared but managing to appear calm. "There''s no reason. I''m willing to ept whatever punishment you choose."


    Before deciding to do this, she had mentally prepared herself for any consequences.


    "It''s not about punishment. I just want to know why. What''s going on?" ra shouted thest part.


    Vespera had always been the one who treated her the best in thepany. In ra''s eyes, Vespera was like her sister. So when it came to helping Mona design the dress, Vespera was the first person who came to ra''s mind. But she couldn''t understand why Vespera would ruin the dress they had all worked on together.


    There''s no reason, I just don''t like Mona. Why does she get such an opportunity when she is a green hand? I''ve worked hard for years without any chance. It''s unfair! Is it just because she''s the heiress of the Clem family? Since I can''t have this opportunity, then nobody should have it."


    Vesp¨¦ra looked resentfully at the dress, but there was a hint of regret in her eyes.


    After hearing Vespera''s words, ra felt like she didn''t know Vespera at all. "Vespera, you''ve gone too far."


    "Wasn''t the fire incidentst time also rted to you?" Mona asked, crossing her arms.


    Her tone was calm, but the cold light in her eyes and her oppressive aura made Vespera shiver involuntarily. She nodded. Since she had destroyed the dress, there was no going back now. Her task was done.


    As soon as Vespera nodded, Mona pped her on the other cheek. Mona''s strength wasparable to ra''s, and in an instant. Vespera had handprints on both cheeks.


    "This is what you owe ra and me," Mona said coldly, looking ar Vespera.


    If this had happened before, ra would have felt heartbroken seeing Vespera treated like this. But now, watching the scene, she felt more anger and wanted to go up and p Vespera again Without wasting more time on Vespera, Mona directly called the police to handle the situation.


    As Vespera was taken away, Mona whispered in her ear, "If you reveal who''s been manipting you, your punishment will be much lighter."


    Of course, she knew the mastermind wasn''t Vespera. If Vespera was willing to be a scapegoat, that was her choice.


    Vespera looked at Mona in surprise, as if everything was under her control, including the ruined dress.


    But upon further reflection, Vespera realized that if she hadn''t fallen asleep in the break room, Mona would havee out to stop her from ruining the dressContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Vespera didn''t say anything as the police led her away, giving Mona onest nce.


    After Mona returned inside, she found ra trying to fix the dress, but it was already cut into several pieces by Vespera. It couldn''t be restored.  GT.


    Looking at ra, Mona hesitated but then steeled herself, saying "ra, stop. It''s beyond repair. Just go home and get some Test


    ra looked up, meeting Mona''s gaze, tears welling in her eyes. They had prepared for so long for this dress, only to end up with nothing. "Mona, is there really no way?" ra asked, refusing to give up.


    Mona paused before saying, "Don''t worry. We''ll face whateveres our way. It''ll be fine. Just go home for now


    With a sigh, ra seemed to ept the reality. "Okay, Mona, don''t be sad. Let''s treat this as a lesson. We''ll definitely seed next time."


    broke her heart.


    Mona nodded, looking around to make sure no one was watching. Then she leaned closer to ra and whispered, "Don''t be upset. Get a good night''s sleep. There will be a surprise tomorrow." ra looked up and met Mona''s gaze, wondering if Mona had same ns. Mona nodded in confirmation.


    For some reason, after ra saw Mona nod, the sadness that had just enveloped her faded, reced by a sense of anticipation.


    After ra left, Maxwell arrived to pick up Mona. Seeing the dress on the floor, he didn''t seem too surprised. Instead, he took her hand and silently led her out of The Designscape


    Barbara was, of course, aware of the situation. Sitting on her sofa, she smiled as she read the messages on her phone. Want topete with me, you are still too inexperienced, Barbara thought.


    Vespera''s intentional act of sabotage had already constituted a criminal offense. Although the police hadn''t issued an official statement yet, Vespera''s actions had gained some attention on social media. [It''s shocking! This person''s jealousy is off the charts!]


    And it was Mona who gave her the opportunity. Otherwise, Vespera wouldn''t even have had the chance to work on the dress. How ungrateful she is!]


    [Mona has had her fair share of bad luck. Her design draft was swapped. Otherwise, Artemis might have chosen her design outright. After all the effort she put in to get this opportunity, it''s all slipping away now. It''s heartbroken that her efforts are in vain.] [Agreed! Mona has really had a string of bad luck. She should pray for some blessings!]


    I really hope Artemis can wear the dress designed by Mona. But now it seems like there''s no chance. Artemis will definitely choose Barbara''s dress instead.]


    Mona casually nced through thements, noticing that the situation had garnered quite a bit of attention since it involved the star, Artemis.


    "Still not asleep?" Maxwell asked, seeing Mona ying on her phone in bed. He climbed in beside her.


    Mona set her phone down and smiled at him. "I''m going to sleep now."


    As soon as she spoke, she ced her phone on the bedside table, and Maxwell turned off the light, leaving only a dim glow


    in the room.


    Mona could hear Maxwell''s gentle breathing and quietly said, "Maxwell, thank you for everything this time."


    "No need to thank me, It''s what I should do, Maxwell said.


    Wed, Oct

 Chapter 59

    Early the next morning, the morning sunlight cast a golden hue over Nathontown, bringing a warm glow that lifted everyone''s spirits.


    At the Design Department, Clem Group, a woman with chestnut waves cascading to her lower back, wearing sunsses that highlight her rosy lips and delicate chin, walked in. She wore a white strap top, a red zer over it, and her long legs were elegantly crossed. Her eyes scanned everyone in the Design Department.


    This woman was the big star, Artemis Rain.


    "Artemis, Ms. Clem hasn''t even finished the dress yet. Why not just go with Miss Burton''s design?" Artemis''s assistant, Nicole Sanchez, suggested.


    She had filled Artemis in on the online drarna, and she couldn''t understand why Artemis felt the need toe to the Design Department. It seemed like a wasted trip.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "I know, but I want to see Mona, Artemis replied coolly. She had been particrly fond of the design for the dress Mona created. It felt familiar as if it had been custom-made for her. It was the reason Artemis was willing to give Mona a chance, and with everything that had happened, she was feeling uneasy about it.


    "Fine." Nicole relented. But time was ticking, and Mona still hadn''t shown up. Nicole thought, ''Has she been so affected that she has given up and decided not toe to work?''


    "Artemis, why not take a look at the dress designed by Barbara in the meantime?" Leander suggested, eager to finalize the decision. If there were any issues, they could be fixed since there was still time.


    Artemis nodded casually. She wasn''t particrly impressed with Barbara''s design. It was conventional, and while it wouldn''t, embarrass her, it also didn''t stand out.


    Seeing Artemis nod, Leander signaled for Barbara to bring out the dress.


    The dress was white and short, featuring floral embroidery at the neckline and a skirt adorned with tiny sparkling diamonds that shimmered under the lights. As it came into view, everyone in the Design Department was mesmerized. The design sketches had looked great, but the finished product was even more stunning. Nicole had seen plenty of beautiful dresses with Artemis, but this was her favorite.


    However, neither Artemis nor ra showed any signs of awe. Artemis felt the style was too familiar, having worn simr dresses too many times, while rapared it to Mona''s design, which was simple yet elegant. Barbara''s dress, adorned with too many diamonds, seemed a bit gaudy inparison.


    The people in the Design Department began murmuring among themselves.


    "This dress designed by Barbara is stunning. It makes you feel like a fairy."


    "Yeah. If Mona''s dress were here, I bet Barbara''s would still be the winner. Her designs are pretty but just too in."


    "True! Barbara''s design is exceptional. After this, she''ll probably get a promotion."


    "Absolutely! Just look at how high her design talent ispared to everyone else. She''s won so many awards during her college days. So inspiring!"


    The praises drifted into Artemis''s ears, and it seemed the public favored her in this type of dress. Just as she was about to suggest going with Barbara''s design, someone walked into the Design Department.


    She walked gracefully, seemingly gliding, a smile ying on her lips, Dressed in a sleek ck suit, she appeared particrly


    "Wait, my dress hasn''t been showcased yet, Mona said to Artemis, a smile lighting up her face.


    "Mona, wasn''t your dress destroyed by Vespera yesterday?" Leander replied, skeptical. He worried that Mona might not be able to handle the blow and would end up presenting the ruined dress, which would be embarrassing for the Design Department. People exchanged whispers, all staring at Mona. They wondered if she could really conjure up another dress.


    Barbara also looked at Mona with mockery in her eyes. Had she not known the backstory, she might have believed Mona could present another dress. But she had made a deal with Vespera. The dress had indeed been ruined, and Barbara was curious to see what Mona coulde up with


    ra looked at Mona, her eyes sparkling with trust. She remembered what Mona had said about there being a surprise today and couldn''t help but be eager to find out what it was.


    Under all those scrutinizing gazes, Mona nodded slightly. "Yes, Yespera did ruin the dress."


    She paused before adding with a sly smile, "But she cut the spare one. The real one is at my house. I actually brought it with me today."


    After saying this, Mona pped her hands, and someone brought the dress in.


    The moment everyoneid their eyes on the gown, they were utterly captivated. Artemis, in particr, removed her sunsses to take a closer look at the dress. Her hand instinctively reached out to touch it, but she quickly pulled back her gaze, as if afraid to ruin it. The long dress was a striking red, with an irregr hem. It featured blossom embroidery, which sparked imagination.


    Mona''s design was simple yet extravagant, and whenpared to Barbara''s creation, it stood out as more vibrant and original.


    People noticed the admiration in Artemis''s eyes and followed her gaze to see the blossom embroidery on the hem, as if every step she took was apanied by blooming flowers.


    "Can I try it on?" Artemis asked, her eyes brimming sketches, making her reluctant to let it go.


    Mona nodded. "Of course! This is made just for you."


    with excitement. The actual dress was even more beautiful than the


    Inside, Mona felt a surge of happiness. Seeing Artemis love her design filled her with pride, and a wave of joy enveloped her.


    ra stared at the dress, stunned. It looked exactly like the one Vespera had destroyed yesterday. Her heart raced in disbelief. This was the surprise Mona had mentioned. She couldn''t believe Mona had prepared this all along, and tears of joy nearly welled up in her eyes.


    As Artemis headed to the fitting room, the crowd looked at Mona with envy. From Artemis''s expressions and actions, it was clear she had made her choice, Mona''s design.


    1

 Chapter 60

    60


    Barbara watched as everyone was awestruck, feeling increasingly furious with Mona. The admiration should have been directed at her, not Mona, who had stolen her thunder and imed the praise meant for her. The resentment in Barbara''s heart only grew stronger. She couldn''t understand how Vespera had managed to ruin Mona''s backup dress. And she didn''t know when Mona had be so cunning, knowing to prepare two dresses. It was impressive in a way that left Barbara seething with hatred. She had never liked Mona


    since childhood.


    Noticing the hatred radiating from Barbara, Mona decided it was time to confront her. After all, she had long wanted to tear the mask off their rtionship. Whether it was the past life where Barbara had caused her death or this life where she had had Vespera burn her dress and cut her other dress, every incident was unforgivable.


    "Barbara, what''s wrong? Why do you have such a strange look in your eyes? Are you ufortable seeing Artemis try on my dress?" Mona asked yfully


    Her words were intentional, and the surrounding crowd immediately recalled Barbara''s earlierment about wanting to withdraw from thepetition. Now, her displeasure was evident.


    The murmurs quickly pulled Barbara back from her thoughts. Realizing she hadn''t controlled her emotions, Barbara forced a smile and said, "Of course not! I''m genuinely happy for you." "Really?" Mona replied, her tone dripping with disbelief.


    Barbara nodded vigorously.


    Just then. Artemis got out of the fitting room, looking stunning in the dress. As she walked, her long legs were subtly highlighted, capturing everyone''s attention. The white floor of the Design Department contrasted beautifully with her red dress, evoking images of blossoms blooming amidst the snow.


    The strapless design perfectly entuated Artemis''s figure, making the dress look even better on her than in the sketches. She was captivating, drawing everyone''s eyes as she approached.


    Before she even spoke, her assistant Nicole gave her a thumbs-up. She had always known Artemis had a great figure, but seeing her in the dress brought it to a whole new level.


    "Does it look good?" Artemis asked. Thepany had styled her as cute, and honestly, this was her first time trying a dress like this. She thought it looked great in the mirror but wondered if it matched public taste. "Absolutely stunning!" Nicole was the first to respond, with the rest of the design team nodding in agreement.


    The dress looked truly breathtaking on Artemis.


    Artemis nced at Barbara, who also nodded in acknowledgment. It was clear that Mona''s design talent hadn''t diminished. If anything, it had grown stronger


    After all the hard work to earn praise, a ce in thepetition and her honor, Barbara wouldn''t let Mona take away what rightfully belonged to her.


    "I''ll wear this dress to the awards ceremony. I love it! If I need anything in the future, I''lle to you, Mona. You better not let me down," Artemis said, winking at Mona as she added Mona on WhatsApp.


    Artemis had always felt she wasn''t suited for a cute persona. A style change starting with this awards ceremony seemed like a refreshing idea


    Once Artemis and her assistant left, ra squeezed into the circle of people surrounding Mona, pulling her out. She was still unaware of what was happening. 08-21 Wed, Oct


    The two returned to their workstations.


    "Mona, is this the surprise you mentioned yesterday?" ra asked, genuinely amazed. She had no idea how Mona had obtained an identical dress


    Mona nodded and asked, "Surprised?"Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Of course! But how did you manage to pull this off alone? And did you know from the start that Vespera would ruin the dress?" ra fired off her questions.


    "After the fire, I was worried about any further mishaps, so I prepared another dress just in case. I didn''t know Vespera would destroy the dress. I just wanted to be safe. I didn''t mention it yesterday because I was afraid something else would go wrong." Mona exined. Over the past week, she had worked on the dress every time she returned home. Initially, it was all her work, butter, Maxwell helped her. She had worried he might not do well since he was a man, but to her surprise, he had a surprisingly deft touch and sewed exceptionally well. Once he realized Mona had little time, he would help during the day and rest at night, hardly going to the office. In reality, most of the dress was crafted by Maxwell


    Mona felt a pang of regret as Artemis took the dress. If everyone knew it was hand-stitched by Maxwell, they would probably triple its value.


    "Mona, you really worked hard! You have dark circles under your eyes, ra said, concerned.


    "It''s fine. We seeded, and that''s what matters," Mona replied, thinking about preparing a gift for Maxwell to repay him for the time he had dedicated to her.


    Word of Artemis choosing Mona''s dress quickly spread through the Clem Group and online, leading to a major reversal on Twitter. The previously missing dress made a dramaticeback, stunning everyone.


    Naturally, the news reached the chairman''s office, and Bernard immediately promoted and raised Mona''s sry, along with ra''s. They were both officially promoted to designers.


    By the afternoon, news of the promotion reached the Design Department. Everyone looked at Mona and ra with envy. They had all seen Mona''s dress design, but nobody dared to speak up. It was a shame for someone with such talent to remain an assistant, while ra was simply lucky.


    "Mona, did you hear? I can''t believe it. I''m so happy! This is a good thing I never dreamed of?" ra eximed, exhrated. She had thought a small raise was the best she could hope for, not an actual promotion to designer.


    Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, especially Alice, whose eyes gleamed with jealousy. If Artemis had chosen Barbara, that promotion opportunity would have been hers. After working hard with Barbara for so long. Alice had gained nothing. Alice couldn''t help but think how much better it would have been if she had befriended Mona from the start.

 Chapter 61

    As Alice nced at Barbara, her once respectful demeanor had shifted to one filled with resentment. She eagerly helped Mona by pouring water, still addressing her with respect.


    Sering Alice''s behavior, Barbara felt a surge of anger. Just yesterday, Alice had been so attentive to her. Now, that attention had shifted to Mona, and Barbara could only watch Alice with disdain.


    Mona nced at the cup in her hand. Initially, she hadn''t intended to ept it, but seeing Barbara''s disapproving gaze made her change her mind. Not only did she take the cup that Alice offered, but she also shared the cookies with her. As long as Barbara was unhappy. Mona felt a sense of satisfaction


    Alice looked at the cookies in her hand, feeling pleasantly surprised. She had prepared herself for the possibility of being rejected by Mona, but she didn''t expect Mona to actually share snacks with her.


    These snacks looked imported and must have been expensive. They were nothing like what Barbara casually offered, which felt more like a mere act of charity and left a bad taste in her mouth.


    Comparing the two, Alice quickly realized that Mona was much better. She wished she had chosen sides with Mona from the


    start.


    Seeing their back-and-forth interaction, Barbara, seething with anger, stormed out to the rooftop for some fresh air. She felt as if Mona was driving her mad.


    After Barbara left, Mona set the water Alice had brought aside without taking a sip..


    Others nearby saw Alice doing what they wanted to do and began to cozy up to Mona, hoping for some good fortune toe their way.


    As a group of people headed straight toward Mona''s workstation, she felt the pressure and didn''t want to deal with it. Turning to ra beside her, Mona quickly mentioned her intent and grabbed her bag to leave. Since it was almost the end of the workday, she figured leaving early wouldn''t raise any eyebrows.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Once outside, the air felt refreshing. Upon stepping out of the building, Mona spotted Maxwell waiting for her, and her heart soared with sweetness.


    Without a second thought, she rushed into Maxwell''s embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck. Thinking about how he had helped her create the dress made her feel incredibly grateful Maxwell, can I kiss you?" Mona asked, surprised by her own boldness.


    Maxwell looked into-Mona''s eyes, as if contemting the sincerity of her words.


    Not giving him much time to react, Mona rose on her toes, aimed for his lips, and pressed her soft red lips against his


    She figured she had already asked, so any embarrassment was worth it.


    Perhaps it was because Maxwell had been outside in the cold for a while, his thin lips Telt slightly cool and soft. When Mona pressed her lips against his, her heart raced uncontrobly.


    After a few seconds, feeling it was enough, Mona began to pull away. But Maxwell had ced a hand at the back of her head,, holding her in ce, and she found she couldn''t move.


    What started as a simple kiss escted into something much more passionate. Maxwell''s tongue gently pried open Mona''s lips, and they engaged in a heated kiss beneath thepany''s building. Fortunately, the office hadn''t closed yet, so there weren''t many people around. However, Barbara, who was on the rooftop,


    G


    caught sight of them."


    From a distance, she couldn''t see clearly, so she zoomed in on her phone. She could see a faint blush appearing on Maxwell''s calm face, and her frustration boiled over. She felt like she was having the worst luck today. Nothing was going her way, and she was about to explode. Thinking of Teddy, Barbara thought he was useless for not having gotten Mona back yet. She thought, "What if, after some time, Mona starts liking Maxwell?''


    With that thought, she quickly dialed Teddy''s number. Meanwhile, Teddy was overwhelmed at work. Ever since the Clem family cut ties with theirpany, things had been getting tougher, especially with the pressures from the Carter Group and the Powers Group. This month, thepany''s revenue had plummeted. Seeing Barbara''s call added to his irritation, but he answered anyway.


    "Teddy, has Mona not forgiven you yet?" Barbara asked in a sweet voice as if she hadn''t just been fuming on the rooftop.


    "No, Teddy replied. If only Mona would forgive him, his family''spany wouldn''t be in this situation, and his father wouldn''t be berating him every day, ming him for everything


    Teddy regretted having an affair with Barbara. He should have waited until he had secured a marriage license with Mona before acting. His parents even nned to take him to apologize to the Clem family soon.


    "Oh, I see. Teddy, don''t waste too much time worrying. If you have the chance, maybe you could send her some small gifts at work. If you go in person, she''ll definitely be touched, Barbara suggested. She was already plotting to secure the Glem Group''s shares, and if Mona and Maxwell''s rtionship continued to grow, getting Maxwell''s affection would be much harder for her.


    Barbara wanted everything Mona had. She wanted to see Monae up short


    "Alright then, if there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up," Teddy said reluctantly. Ever since the embarrassing incident of buying a car for Mona, he hadn''t wanted to face her.


    Moreover, in the past, it was always Mona who came to make amends after their arguments. This time, despite all his efforts, she still hadn''t reconciled with him, leaving him feeling frustrated.


    As Barbara hung up, she felt uneasy and thought that Teddy was harder to control now. He used to follow her every whim, but today, even though he agreed, she could hear the reluctance in his voice.


    She clenched her phone tightly and thought, ''All of this is because of Mona. If only Mona had remained the same, everything would have been much easier. But the problem is that Mona has changed. Not only had Mona shifted her focus away from Teddy, but she was also marrying a wealthier man and starting a career in design. This time, she had even stolen the spotlight from Barbara.


    Barbara had tantly swapped Mona''s design drafts and then had Vespera ruin her dress. Yet, Mona still seeded, and her dress design was even more popr than Barbara''s. Barbara couldn''t ept

 Chapter 62

    62


    On this side, after Maxwell and Mona finished kissing, Mona shyly settled into the passenger seat, not wanting to meet Maxwell''s gaze.


    At first, the initiative was in her hands. She just wanted a quick kiss. But soon, Maxwell took control, and she found herselfpletely lost in the moment. He pulled her into the passenger seat and closed the car door.


    She thought it was over, but Maxwell leaned in for another kiss, this one even more passionate. It felt like he was trying to consume her entirely. Well, she had started it, so she could only ept it.


    Yet, as Maxwell kissed her, Mona could distinctly feel his heavy breaths and the possessive grip of his hands. She thought. Is this his way of showing that he is unable to control himself?!


    Mona had a lot of questions swirling in her mind but felt too shy to voice them, so she decided to take it one step at a time.


    Watching Mona shrink away in the passenger seat, Maxwell wondered if he had overdone it and scared her.


    When Mona finally asked that question, he had doubted whether he heard it right. But when her lips came close, filling his nostrils with her scent, he realized it wasn''t just his imagination. He believed that Mona had been genuinely moved by his sincerity, which had caused him to lose control. "Grandma just called and asked us toe home today to celebrate your promotion and raise," Maxwell said softly, keeping his eyes on Mona. He noticed her ears turning red, a reaction just for him, and pride swelled in his heart.


    Mona nodded slightly, her gaze drifting outside. To be honest, her heart was still pounding. The lingering scent of Maxwell made it hard for her to regain herposure.


    They sat in silence until they arrived at the Clem family. Maxwell gantly opened the car door for Mona, helping her out and then taking her hand as they walked toward the house.


    As they walked, Mona finally started to calm down. But when Maxwell held her hand, the warmth from his grip reminded her of the way he had ced his hand on the back of her neck earlier, sending shivers down her spine and making her feel slightly unsteady, "What''s wrong?" Maxwell turned back to ask.


    It wasn''t just Mona who felt a bit awkward. Maxwell did too. After all these years of harboring feelings for her, having such close contact was bound to stir up emotions. However, his experiences taught him to mask his feelings.


    "Nothing, nothing at all. Let''s go inside, Mona replied softly, pulling Maxwell toward the garden. Out of sight of Maxwell, she felt her strange emotions dissipate.


    Once inside, they spotted Jane watering the flowers in the distance. The autumn evening glow enveloped her, creating a hazy aura around her.


    As soon as she saw Jane, Mona couldn''t help but jog over. She had been so busy with designs this week that she hadn''t quality time with Jane. Mona had only managed a few brief phone calls. Now, she truly missed them. spent


    "Oh, Mona and Maxwell are here! Let''s go inside. Polly, bring us some coffee. Jane warmly took Mona''s hand and called out. to Polly beside her.


    "Grandma, you seem to be doing well this week. Look how beautiful the flowers are, Mona smiled, feeling like a child again in the presence of her grandparents, free to express her little whirns.


    She hoped that one day she could feel this way with Maxwell by her side too.


    Watching Polly leave, she thought about how, in her past life, Polly had been hit by a car around this time. She recalled


    Maxwell saying that Polly''s death was somehow tied to Barbara and Beatrice. Now, Barbara and Beatrice had been driven out of the Clem family, so Polly should be safe.


    "Not really. You haven''t visited me this week. How could I be well? Even if you''re busy, you need to take care of yourself. The same goes for you, Maxwell. Companionship is crucial in a rtionship, Jane remarked. She was quite pleased with the idea of Mona marrying Maxwell, and he had done nothing to disappoint her since their wedding. He treated Mona exceptionally well. "You''re right. No matter how busy I am, I''ll bring Mona back once a week, Maxwell said seriously. At the Clem family, he felt a sense of rxation that he didn''t experience at the Carter family, so he didn''t mind going back there with Mona.


    Mona looked at Maxwell in surprise, wondering if he might actually be developing feelings for her, given how friendly he was toward her family.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "Good, that makes me feel better." Jane replied.


    As they entered. Albert hurried down the stairs. Upon seeing Maxwell, he beamed with enthusiasm, rushing up to him. "Maxwell, you finally made it! Let''s go upstairs and have a match.


    "How have your grades beentely, Albert?" Mona asked. She hadn''t checked on his studies much these days, except for sending him a quick message at night. He always replied that he was studying hard, but she couldn''t tell if he was being truthful. "Mona. I''ve already said I''ll listen to you. You just wait and see when we go upstairs. Maxwell, join me for a gante. I can hardly wait," Albert urged impatiently, dragging Maxwell upstairs while Mona followed behind them.


    Watching Albert''s back, Jane thought about Bernard''s n to send Albert into the military for some discipline. She was somewhat against it and felt that it was just suffering. The family had enough money for both children to livefortably. even for several lifetimes. Yet, Bernard seemed adamant about this decision, only saying that he would think it over and discuss it with Albert.


    Now, seeing Albert so engrossed in gaming, thinking that it was only because of gaming that he was willing to pay attention in ss, Jane couldn''t help but feel that Bernard was right. If Albert ever encountered bad people and had nothing but his family''s wealth to rely on, he couldn''t protect himself. Once they reached Albert''s room, he quickly pulled out his homework and exam papers, handing them to Mona, then looking at Maxwell and pulling out his phone. "Maxwell,e on. Let''s have a match! After practicing for so long. I''ve improved a lott"

 Chapter 63

    Then Albert thought that Maxwell must not have had time to y games at home, so he suggested, "Maxwell, why don


    ''t you y a round to warm up your skills?"


    He didn''t want Maxwell to underperform just because he hadn''t yed recently.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Maxwell took out his phone and shook his head. He didn''t need to warm up. He usually had a good feel for the game. After his match with Albert that day, Maxwell had downloaded the game on his phone, thinking he might have some time to y a few rounds with Mona, but she had been busy these past few days, so he hadn''t opened the app at all.


    Maxwell figured he could only y with Albert now. In truth, after every match with Albert, Maxwell felt a swell of pride secing Mona''s proud gaze directed at him.


    After seeing Maxwell shake his head, Albert opened his own phone and initiated a match against Maxwell. Mona sat beside Maxwell, watching his long fingers move deftly over the screen. Even though it was just a simple action, it made her heart flutter. Maxwell was perfect in every way; even his hands were her ideal type.


    After Albert''s crushing defeatst time, Mona no longer worried about Maxwell. She believed he would definitely win.


    Sure enough, the first game ended in Albert''s loss. Albert looked across at Maxwell, whose expression remained calm, devoid of any joy at winning. Albert couldn''t help but think that this was probably the level of the top team, wondering if they were even better than Maxwell.


    "Want to y again? You''ve definitely improved," Maxwell said honestly.


    "Let''s go! Even if you''re beating me, I''m still happy." Albert replied excitedly, starting a new round.


    The two yed intensely when suddenly there was a knock at the door. Mona instinctively went to open it, revealing Polly outside. She looked at Mona and said, "Ms. Clem, the Powers family has arrived and is in the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Clem are hosting them downstairs. Would you and your husband like to go down?"


    Upon hearing that Teddy''s family hade, Mona felt no joy, only annoyance.


    Inside the room, Maxwell heard Teddy''s name and, startled, hit the wrong button, causing the game to end. He lost.


    Maxwell and Mona had been married for a while now. He didn''t know why Teddy''s family wasing to the Clem family. He thought, Did Teddy regret their breakup? Even though he and Mona''s rtionship had developed recently, it possibly couldn''tpare to the years she had spent with Teddy.


    If a person had always lived in darkness without the sun, their longing for light may not be as strong. But once they had experienced sunny days, they couldn''t willingly return to the shadows.


    With these thoughts, Maxwell walked to the door, took Mona''s hand, and led her downstairs.


    Albert, left alone, stared nkly at the screen disying his victory. After a moment of excitement, he recalled Maxwell''s earlier odd behavior, realizing he had won unfairly.


    After Maxwell and Mona descended the stairs, they indeed saw Teddy''s family standing in the living room, while Mona''s parents hadn''t offered them a seat.


    Maxwell and Teddy exchanged nces. Teddy couldn''t help but notice their tightly intertwined hands.


    A wave of resentment surged in Maxwell. If it hadn''t been for the events at the engagement ceremony, he would have been the one holding Mona''s hand now, without the worry of corporate matters. Teddy thought, It is all Moha''s fault'' He had just made a mistake that any man could make. He had already apologized, but Mona didn''t forgive him.


    Mona nced at Teddy and his family, her eyes reflecting disgust, especially for Teddy. Remembering her helplessness on the rooftop in her past life and how he had deceived her, she felt the urge to confront him, to throw him out. Just breathing the same air as him made her ufortable.


    Mona thought, "How could this family still have the audacity toe begging?


    The


    e moment Hannah, Teddy''s mother, saw Mona, she was more affectionate than she would be towards her own daughter. She reached out to grab Mona''s hand, but Mona subtly avoided her grasp, instead sitting next to Maxwell on the sofa. Hannah felt embarrassed for a moment, and a flicker of resentiment crossed her gaze before she awkwardly smiled and said. "Mona, why haven''t youe to visit metely? I still have many snacks you like at home."


    In her past life. Mona truly considered the Powers family her second home, often visiting them for no reason, even enjoying cleaning up for them. Now, looking back, Mona wished she could p her past self awake. Surely they wanted to groom her into an obedient woman. That would surely help Teddy''s career.


    "Hannah, you''re joking. The times have changed. I used to be the youngdy of the Clem family, but now I''m Mrs. Carter. It''s a bit inconvenient to visit you," Mona replied coolly, showing no intention of letting the three of them sit down.


    After she spoke, she clearly saw Hannah''s expression shift. Seeing her difort brought Mona a sense of relief. Turning to Bernard, she asked, "Grandpa, what is the Powers family doing here today?"


    Instead of addressing her foster father, Jeremy, who was seated across from her, she asked for Bernard''s opinion


    Since Beatrice and Barbara left the Clem family, her rtionship with Jeremy had grown particrly distant. Jeremy seemed eager to curry favor with her, asionally trying to engage her in conversation. Given his connection to her mother''s death, Mona couldn''t maintain a close rtionship with Jeremy..


    "What else could they want? They''re here because theirpany is about to go under, hoping I will let the Powers family off the hook," Bernard replied coldly.


    In the past, had Mona not married Maxwell, he would have worried about the Powers family getting close to the Carter family, which would be disadvantageous for the Clem family. But now that the Carter and Clem families were linked by marriage, Bernard had no concerns.


    Matthew hadn''t expected Bernard to be so straightforward, showing no regard for their dignity. Furious, he wanted to retaliate, suggesting that the Powers family would go against the Clem family and see who woulde out on top.


    However, he knew he didn''t have the capability to confront the Clem family, so he quietly swallowed his anger, nodding quickly. "Yes, Bernard, Teddy truly realizes his mistakes. He''s been living in regret these past few days. You all have watched Teddy grow up, and you know him well. He must have been deceived. If Ms. Clem is willing to give Teddy another chance, he will make amends. Right, Teddy?"

 Chapter 64

    Seeing the look in Matthew''s eyes, Teddy immediately nodded and said, "Yes, Mom, if you''re willing to give me a chance, I promise I''ll treat you well and make it up to you." His tone was so sincere that it made Mona want to gag. She almost wished she could tear the facade off his face.


    Listening to Teddy and Matthew y off each other, Maxwell felt a surge of worry. He genuinely feared that Mona might be deceived by Teddy''s false sincerity and leave him. The passionate kiss they had shared outside thepany building felt like a dream, and without realizing it, he tightened his grip on Mona''s hand, wanting to feel connected to her. In the past, he hadn''t taken Teddy''s apologies to heart, but today was different. The entire Powers family hade to apologize, which made the situation feel much more serious,


    Mona felt the pressure of Maxwell''s hand and thought about how the Maxwell from her previous life wouldn''t have reacted this way. If he had heard something he disliked, he would have told someone to be quiet without hesitation. But in this life, he seemed to have changed quite a bit. Matthew, you probably don''t know that I''m married now, so please call me Mrs. Carter, not Ms. Clem: Also, I have no intention of giving Teddy another chance. If that''s all you have to say, you can leave now," Mona said coldly.


    This was her tant way of driving them out of the Clem family


    Hearing Mona''s Mona''s words,


    Maxwell rxed his grip on her hand a little. Her rejection of Teddy was a clear statement against reconciliation, which eased his worries.


    Maxwell was determined to teach Teddy a lesson tomorrow, making sure he stayed far away from Mona. He''d prefer not to have Teddy show up in her life again.


    Mona sensed Maxwell''s shift in demeanor and feared her words might have upset him. She worried that he might grip her hand so tightly it would break, feeling his strength steadily increase.


    Matthew and Teddy felt particrly awkward at Mona''s words. They had lowered themselves to seek forgiveness from the Clem family, yet Mona showed no courtesy at all.


    They hadn''t been asked to take a seat since entering the Clem family, their resentment simmering beneath forced smiles.


    Matthew remained still, waiting for Bernard to speak. Before Mona and Maxwell came downstairs, he had given Bernard a partnership proposal,nd recently acquired by the Powers Group from the government. The proposal was designed to benefit the Clem family, showcasing their utmost sincerity. "Is there anything else you need? If not, you can leave," Bernard said ndly. "Bernard, what about the cooperation?" Matthew couldn''t help but ask. He didn''t believe the Clem family wouldn''t be tempted by such a favorable proposal. Dad, , I think this cooperation proposal is quite good. Shouldn''t we consider it?" Jeremy chimed in He had just read through the proposal, which would greatly benefit the Clem Group. Securing it would elevate their annual performance and solidify his position in thepany. Matthew nodded eagerly. If the Clem Group coborated with them, it would be a step towards forgiving the Powers Group. This way, the Powers Group would fare much better in Nathontown, avoiding the embarrassment of having great proposals but no one willing to partner with them.


    "What coboration? Didn''t we already say that all partnerships with the Powers family have been canceled to stand up for Mona? Do you really think we''d agree to a good proposal just like that? You''re being naive, Bernard said, looking at Jeremy. It seemed clear that the Clem Group still couldn''t be entrusted to Jeremy, whocked any resolve. The real question was who thepany should be handed over to.


    08:21


    1/2  GT-


    9.76%


    Handing thepany over to Mona would be too challenging for her. Bernard simply wanted her to live afortable life. one that she truly desired. As for Albert, he was still like a child, and thepany couldn''t wait for him to mature. Bernard''s gaze fell on Maxwell next to Mona. He seemed like a decent choice, but he already had the Carter Group. Adding the Clem Group would give him too much power. If he ever hurt Mona, things would be terrible. Bernard realized he didn''t even know who could take over hispany.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    a


    But for now, he was still in good health, so he could hold on for few more years and see how things went.


    "Yes, you''re right, Dad." Jeremy quickly lowered his head. If he''d known this would happen, he wouldn''t have spoken. But he was trying to think of thepany, ''Could we really just abandon such a good proposal because of standing up for Mona? Jeremy thought. The Powers family finally felt awkward overstaying their wee at the Clem family, and they left with their heads hung


    low


    Once outside the Clem family, Matthew pped Teddy across the face, releasing his pent-up frustration. All the grievances he suffered in the Clem family were because his son had hooked up with Barbara Teddy was taken aback by the p, covering his face in disbelief as he looked at Matthew.


    Throughout his life, Matthew had never hit him, let alone pped him in a way that damaged his pride. "Dad, you actually hit me?" he mumbled, his voice filled with incredulity.


    witnessing her son being struck, felt uneasy and tugged at Teddy''s sleeve, concern etched on her face.


    Matthew pointed a finger at Teddy, teeth clenched as he said, "You bastard! It''s all your fault for fooling around outside. Now look, the Powers family business is nearly ruined because of you. Once thepany goes bankrupt, let''s see what you do. Do you think you can keep living like a rich man? I don''t care how you do it. You''d better win Mona back, or don''t me me for being ruthless."


    "Why does it have to be Mona? Can''t I marry someone from another family?" Teddy retorted, feeling a real desire to stop trying to please Mona after today, especially since he hadn''t felt this way before.


    "It can only be Mona. Which family in Nathontown can stand up to the Clem family?" Matthew countered, exasperated. Seeing Matthew truly angry today, Teddy dared not refute him. Whatever he said was gospel, but he would remember the humiliation from the Clem family. One day, he would make them pay.


    At that moment, the Clem family remained in high spirits, unaffected by the Powers family''s visit.


    Dinner was morevish than usual, meant to celebrate Mona''s promotion and raise. While the reason was secondary, the real achievement was her progress in design.


    The family enjoyed a joyful meal together, andter that night, Mona and Maxwell stayed at the Clem family, heading upstairs together. Albert followed behind, hoping to y another game with Maxwell. He felt he hadn''t truly won their previous match.

 Chapter 65

    Chapter65


    Mona had definitely noticed Albert behind her and knew he wanted to y games with Maxwell Just as they reached the doorway, she leaned in and whispered in Maxwell''s ear, "Maxwell, have I ever told you that I really like you?"


    Without waiting for his reaction, Mona quickly slipped into the room, closed the door, and leaned against it, her heart pounding wildly. She had finally gathered the courage to tell Makwell how she felt, but she wasn''t sure if he had heard her clearly.


    After spending so much time with Maxwell, she felt like their rtionship had progressed. They had even kissed that afternoon, so it made sense for her to confess her feelings.


    Outside. Maxwell stood frozen, his usually cool eyes now lit up with joy. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as Mona''s words echoed in his mind. "Maxwell, have I ever told you that I really like you?"


    Those words sounded so sweet that he wanted to go inside and ask her to say them again.


    Albert waved his hand in front of Maxwell''s eyes, wondering if he had zoned out. It was a bit scary seeing Maxwell so still and unresponsive.


    "Maxwell, Maxwell, Maxwell. Albert''s voice grew louder with each call, and it wasn''t until the third time that Maxwell finally snapped out of his thoughts, looking coldly at Albert


    That look carried a hint of me. He hadn''t even had time to enjoy his happiness before Albert interrupted him.


    What were you thinking about so deeply? You looked like you were in another world! Come on, y a few more rounds of game with me," Albert said as he boldly slung an arm around Maxwell''s shoulder, assuming that after so many rounds of gaming, they were friends now. And friendly shoulder taps were perfectly normal between buddies.


    Maxwell didn''t particrly like or dislike Albert''s gesture. It just felt a bit awkward, but he didn''t shrug him off either, letting Albert keep his arm there.


    As he nced at the closed door, Maxwell thought Mona must be feeling shy. He figured he should give her some space. After all, it was usually the guy who confessed first, and here he was, getting confessed to instead.


    As these thoughts filled Maxwell''s mind, Albert led Maxwell to his room. Maxwell opened the game on his phone, but his mind kept reying Mona''s words. "Maxwell, have I ever told you that I really like you?" And he kept thinking of her shy expression. He couldn''t help but grin like a fool.


    Albert nced at Maxwell, sensing that ever since Mona had spoken to him, something seemed off. It was like Maxwell had be dumber. Albert wondered if this would also affect Maxwell''s gaming skills.


    Maxwell stared at the characters on his screen, initially resisting, but then losing interest. His thoughts drifted back to Mona, reying every moment they had spent together. It felt like a dream that he could marry her. "Maxwell, how could you deliberately go easy on me?" Albert asked, irritated by his victory. He had wanted a realpetition, but Maxwell''s distracted behavior made it seem like he wasn''t taking it seriously. Maxwell didn''t feel bad about losing. Instead, he thought of how Mona would get frustrated after a defeat, tossing her phone onto the bed in a huff, and he couldn''t help but smile again.


    "Hey, Maxwell, you lost, and you''re still smiling?" Albert asked, a bit annoyed.


    Maxwell responded with a chuckle, standing up and heading for the door. ''I''ll y with you next time. I''ve got something to take care of," he said, eager to ask Mona if she truly meant what she had said earlier. Albert watched Maxwell''s tall figure disappear and had no choice but to ept his departure.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    £¤:9.75%0


    As soon as Maxwell left; Aert received a call from Beatrice. Heranxious voice came through as soon as he picked up. "Albert, are you free? Barbara fell down the stairs and her ankle all swollen. She won''t let me tell you, but could youe over?"


    Upon hearing that Barbara had fallen and hurt her ankle, Albert grew anxious. He rushed out of his room, replying. "Yes. Try to convince Barbara to go to the hospital, and I''ll be there soon.


    Beatrice, satisfied with the response she had been hoping for, hung up the phone. Barbara was unhappy, and Beatrice had no intention of letting their family celebrate happily. With that in mind, she sent Jeremy a text message, subtly hinting that Barbara had fallen down the stairs, implying that he shoulde over to check on her.


    Albert was halfway down the stairs when he remembered Mona. The two of them had once been close, and it was only because of Teddy, that scumbag, that things had soured. Both Mona and Barbara were his sisters, so he decided to head back upstairs. He wanted to mend their rtionship, and today seemed like the perfect opportunity.


    Maxwell had just entered the room and was watching Mona work intently. He was about to ask if she had truly meant what she said earlier but hesitated when they were interrupted by a series of urgent knocks on the door.


    Maxwell sighed inwardly and went to open the door, only to find Albert standing there. His expression changed immediately, fearing Albert hade to drag him into another gaming session. He was already nning how to thoroughly crush Albert next time they yed. Albert,pletely oblivious to Maxwell''s irritation, strode up to Mona and pulled her up from the sofa. "Mona, you''ve got toe with me. Barbara fell down the stairs," he said urgently


    Mona almostughed out loud and thought, ''Serves her right!'' She wouldn''t mind seeing Barbara fall a few more tintes.


    g no re


    response from Mona, Albert grew even more concerned. "Come on, Mona, let''s go. Barbara''s still waiting for us!"


    Seeing


    Meeting Albert''s worried gaze, Mona knew how much he cared for Barbara. He still hadn''t seen her true colors. Over the past few days, her rtionship with Albert had just started to improve. She couldn''t risk ruining that now. So, even though she didn''t care for Barbara, she agreed to go along.


    Albert led Mona out of the room, and Maxwell silently followed behind. It looked like he wouldn''t get a chance to talk to Mona properly today.


    Maxwell sent them to Barbara''s luxurious apartment.

 Chapter 66

    66


    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

 Chapter 67

    When Mona heard Maxwell''s words, she almost burst outughing. She hadn''t expected him to be so blunt. She clearly saw Barbara and Albert''s expressions turn sour, especially Barbara. Albert shot a few angry nces at Maxwell, feeling irritated. He thought angrily, ''So what if he could drive? If it weren''t for my grandfather, I would have had MY own car by now! Barbara hadn''t anticipated Maxwell rejecting Albert, especially since he was Mona''s brother. Sensing an argument brewing between the two, Barbara quickly interjected, "It''s fine. I''ll sit in the back." As much as she wanted to ted to sit in the front seat, she now had a bigger goal. One day, she would make the front seat of Maxwell''s car her own. Albert huffed at Maxwell before begrudgingly carrying Barbara to the backseat.


    no attention to to Albert''s


    Maxwell I paid no s childish tantrum. Like a gentleman, he opened the passenger door for Mona, helped her in, and even buckled her seatbelt before getting into the driver''s seat. Ever since Mona''s earlier words, Maxwell had been in a great mood. Whether she meant it or not, he couldn''t help but feel more confident in their rtionship, and his feelings for Mona had grown bolder. Maxw Maxwell drove to the and once the car came to a stop, Albert, still in a rush, carried Barbara inside. Mona and Maxwell followed at their own pace. After parking the


    car,


    howell naturally reached for Mona''s hand


    Above the hospital, the sky was dotted with stars, a few clustered around the moon, creating a dreamy, serene atmosphere. But none of itpared to the beauty beside Maxwell. said?" "Mona, earlier at the door, did y did you really mean what "Of course I meant it. Why would I lie to you?" Mona replied wit Maxwell asked, unable to wait any longer. heard of this,


    When


    whenContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    he hea


    without hesitation.


    you for a long time, you know,ept across Maxwell''s face, so wile it nearly reached his ears. The answer he had been dying to hear all night was finally revealed, and it was exactly what he had hoped for. "Good. You said it yourself, so no take-backs Honestly, I''ve liked


    a smile


    "he added, far longer than she might realize.


    Mona smiled gently, her pinky subtly intertwining with Maxwell''s. A warmth spread through her, her heart racing as if she were falling in love for the first time. "Yes, let''s enjoy our life together, she said softly.


    Maxwell''s words, Mona realized he ized he might have had feelings for her since high school. She''d have to ask him about itter when there was more time to talk, but she wasn''t in a rush right now, Maxwell Modded Solemnly. In his twenty plus years of life, he had never felt so rxed and at peace.


    Mona looked up at the sky, noticing the stars seemed even brighter than before. Two of them appeared to be nestled. together, just like she and Maxwell were now.


    By the time they arrived, Barbara was already undergoing her examination. Mona took a nce and then turned to Albert, saying she was going to the inpatient department to check on Ava. Albert, knowing about Ava''s car ident and their close friendship, simply nodded. With Barbara in good hands, he wasn''t concerned.


    It had been a busy week, and aside from visiting Ava once after the ident, Mona had only managed to see her twice dinner during breaks. Thinking about it, she felt a bit guilty


    for


    When Mona arrived at Ava''s ward, she certainly wasn''t going to leave Maxwell waiting outside the door, so the two walked in together. It was after 10 p.m., and Ava hadn''t gone to bed yet. Mona knocked softly, and a voice inside asked, "Who is it?"  GT


    "It''s me, Mona," she answered. Ava, excited to hear Mona''s voice, got out of bed to open the door. As she moved to hug Mona. Ava realized there was someone else beside her. Seeing the two holding hands, Ava awkwardly pulled back her arms. and opened the door wider r to let them both in.


    The nurse had already gone home to rest. Ava preferred not to have anyone sleeping in the ward with her.


    Mona introduced them, "This is my husband, Maxwell. And this is my best friend, Ava. You''ve probably heard me mention each other''s names before, but now you can officially meet.


    Out of respect for Mona, both smiled politely at each other. Mona invited Maxwell to sit on the sofa while she sat beside Ava on the bed, ready for some girl talk. "How''s your recovery going?" Monausked, noticing that Ava was able to get up, albeit with crutches. It seemed she was doing much better.


    Ava nced at her leg and replied, "It wasn''t too serious to begin with. I''ll be discharged in a couple of days. By the way, congrattions! I saw the news. Artemis is going to wear your design at the awards ceremony the day after tomorrow. Your career is about to skyrocket."


    Mona''s mood brightened at the mention of her work. Thanks! I''m d you saw it. You''d better start buttering me up now. My dresses might be out of your league soon.


    Ava rolled her eyes and teased, "Oh please, I''ll butter you up. ''Miss Famous Designer, I''ll beg for your patronage, alright? But seriously, why are you visiting me sote? I was about to fall asleep."


    Ava had been nning to y with her phone before sleeping. But then Mona and Maxwell arrived, and seeing how close the two were, she had a few questions for Mona. However, with Maxwell still present, and considering he could probably overhear everything, Ava decided to save her questions for another time when they could talk in private.


    Mona sighed and exined the situation that had just unfolded, ending with a quick reassurance. "I know Barbara''s true colors now. I''ve just been trying to keep things peaceful with Albert. After all, I''ve finally been getting along with him, and I want to maintain that. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have gone through the trouble of letting Maxwell be Barbara''s chauffeur at this hour


    Ava, who had disliked Barbara from the very first moment they met, listened patiently. Mona had always defended Barbara, believing her to be a close cousin. Sensing that Ava might have misunderstood, Mona hurried to exin.


    "Don''t worry. I believe you, Ava replied. "It''s no surprise your brother fell for her act. Barbara is his sister too. Honestly, the two of you couldn''t stand a chance against her. She''s way better at pretending than you are. But don''t worry about Albert seeing Barbara for who she really is right now. He''s only got your mother''s shares to his name, and he hasn''t even finished high school yet. Plus, your grandparents are still around, so Barbara isn''t going to make any moves for his shares at the inoment."


    Mona wasn''t surprised by Ava''s insight. After all, she knew from experience just how terrible things could get.

 Chapter 68

    68C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Chapter Mona shared all that had been on her mind in recent days with Ava, who in turn offered her advice and support.


    "You''re right. Enough about me, though. Let me ask you this again. Have you been in contact with Sorentely?" Mona couldn''t help but ask once more. She was genuinely terrified that Ava might meet the same tragic end as in her previous life. dying on the operating table. She wouldn''t be able to bear it. Ava had always been open with Mona, so she replied honestly, "He came by twice, just to check on how I was recovering. I''ve kept my distance, as you told me he''s not a good person. Once I''m discharged in a couple of days, I won''t be seeing him again. Having been friends with Mona for so many years, this was the first time Ava had heard her describe someone as a bad person, even without solid proof. But she trusted Mona without question. Such was the bond between best friends. While the two of them chatted in the ward, Barbara had finished her examination. It turned out her injury wasn''t serious, just a swollen ankle that needed some ointment. Albert, in his rush, had forgotten his phone, so he had no choice but to leave Barbara waiting while he went to the inpatient ward to find Mona. After he left, Barbara looked at her swollen ankle and let out a bitter smile.


    Sometimes, sympathy was a useful thing. Take her current situation, for example. Despite Mona''s reluctance, she had still dutifully driven her to the hospital in the middle of the night.


    From the moment the four of them entered the hospital, Gordon''s people had been keeping tabs on them. Watching the surveince footage, Gordon turned to his assistant and said, "Find out what this girl''s connection is to Mona."


    Gordon looked at his arms, still in slings after a week, and his anger simmered. Just like Maxwell had said, he''d had no choice but to take the beating without retaliation. He didn''t dare inform Richard. If Richard found out, Gordon knew the consequences would be worse for him. But he wouldn''t forget this humiliation. He would have his revenge one day, including on Mona for knocking him out.


    Albert soon arrived at the inpatient ward. After a quick greeting to Ava, he called out for Mona and Maxwell to leave, since Barbara was still waiting outside.


    Before leaving. Mona once again reminded Ava to stay away from Soren. Only when she saw Ava nod did she follow Maxwell out, walking leisurely behind Albert.


    When they reached the elevator, Mona turned to Albert and said. "Maxwell and I will go wait for you in the parking lot. No need for us to walk back together."


    With that, Mona puded Maxwell into a different elevator, leaving Albert to go upstairs and fetch Barbara alone. Seeing Mona''s profile, Albert knew it would take time for their rtionship to fully heal, so he let it be.


    Back in the car, Maxwell, reflecting on Mona''s earlier conversation with Ava, said, "Mona, if you don''t want to see Barbara anymore, I can make sure she disappears from your life."


    Startled, Mona quickly covered Maxwell''s mouth. She thought, is he talking about making Barbara disappear in the way I am thinking? Then Mona said, "I don''t want to see her, but I ware to take my time dealing with her. You don''t need to step in. And remember, we live in a civilized society, Okay?"


    Mona didn''t realize how intimate their position had be. Her hand covering Maxwell''s mouth, her body leaned close to his, eyes blinking at him. Maxwell nodded and, without thinking kissed her palm. The sudden tingle in her hand made Mona instinctively want to pull it away, but Maxwell held on, smiling. "I know, a civilized society-I won''t do anything rash."


    Mona found herself gazing into Maxwell''s charming eyes but didn''t try to pull her hand away. Instead, they stayed in this position for a while, their heartbeats seemingly in sync.


    The two sat like that for a while, seemingly able to hear each other''s heartbeats. Before long, a knock on the car door interrupted their tender moment. Mona quickly got up from Maxwell''sp as he opened the door, allowing Albert and Barbara to get in the car. As soon as Albert sat down, he grabbed a bottle of water and gulped it down. After carrying Barbara back and forth, even though she wasn''t heavy, he was exhausted.


    "Thanks, Maxwell, for driving me to the hospital. Sorry for troubling you. It''s really nothing serious," Barbara said with a smile, her gaze lingering on Maxwell. Even in the dim light, his jawline was perfect.


    "You''re thanking the wrong person. The one carrying you back and forth was Albert, not Maxwell. He just drove us around. It was more like a nice evening drive for me," Mona quipped, her dislike for Barbara''s tone clear. It made her sick.


    "Right, Barbara, I''m the one you should be thanking, not someone else. Once I turn eighteen, I''ll be able to drive you myself, Albert chimed in, still fuming at Maxwell for not letting Barbara sit in the front. Barbara rolled her eyes at Albert, not understanding why he had to follow up on Mona''s remarks, making her seem like the bad guy. She only wanted to talk to Maxwell.


    "Yes, thank you all, especially you, Albert, Barbara said reluctantly.


    Mona didn''t want to hear anymore, so she shut her eyes to rest. They still had to drop Barbara Clemn family, which would take some time.


    Il before heading back to the


    Noticing Mona''s move, Maxwell pulled over, and before Albert could ask why they''d stopped, Maxwell gently draped his jacket over Mona. Mona, not quite asleep yet, opened her eyes and smiled at him. Albert then realized they were disying affection.


    Barbara, watching Maxwell''s tender care for Mona, felt a pang of jealousy. ''Why did Mona get everything? I can''t ept this Maxwell would surely fall for me eventually, Barbara thought.


    After dropping Barbara off, Maxwell drove slowly and carefully toward the Clem family. He knew Mona was truly asleep this


    time


    When they arrived, Albert was about to wake Mona, but Maxwell shot him a warning look that made him freeze.


    Albert watched as Maxwell silently unbuckled Mona''s seatbelt, gently lifted her out of the car, and carried her as she nestled sleepily into his arms. Albert, still reeling from the disy, thought to himself that he''d just been hit with another wave of public disy of fection. Today, he shouldn''t have brought Mona along to see Barbara. He should''ve just had a driver take him

 Chapter 69

    By the time the three of them got home, it was already quitete Everyone had gone to bed, so Maxwell carried Mona upstairs, opened the bedroom door, and gentlyid her on the bed. He tucked her in, took off her jacket, fetched some water, and lightly wiped her down to make her morefortable 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 eyshes 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 epted 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."


    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 werete 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 beingte.


    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 ident 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 nce 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''tContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    until


    I''Mona waspletely 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 ra 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,zily 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 pped. He thought it was all Mona''s fault.


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


    "Yeah, fill


    fill it up. You all drink too. It''s on me tonight, Teddy dered, 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 partysted 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 sote, 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, ring 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.


    ?elieved that they weren''t after her, Quinn nced 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.

 Chapter 70

    Suddenly, everything went dark, and Teddy found himself lifted off the ground. The shock sobered him up considerably, and as he was being carried, he began to struggle. Just as he was about to shout for help, he was thrown heavily onto the ground. In that instant, he felt a sharp pain in every part of his body that touched the ground and let out a curse. Before he could react, someone stepped on his hand, and the pain was so intense that it felt like his heart was being squeezed. His mouth twisted in agony, and tears welled up in his eyes. With a bag still covering his head, he couldn''t see a thing, and terror surged through him. Nigel, watching Teddy on the ground, remembered his boss''s orders to "properly take care of him. He motioned to the surrounding men to make sure Teddy got the message. What followed was a brutal series of punches and kicks. Somended on Teddy''s face, others anywhere else they could reach. Teddy, overwhelmed by the pain, started begging for mercy. "Please, guys, let me go! I''ll pay whatever you want," he pleaded Having never experienced such violence before, he could barely form words through his tears. He couldn''t count how many times his hands and face had been stomped on The men looked to Nigel, who signaled them to keep going. After all, this was his chance to impress his boss, and he wasn''t going to waste it. was beaten until he could barely scream anymore, his entire body trembling in pain, his limbs too weak to protect


    Teddy


    Once Nigel decided it was enough, he told the men to stop. He then nted his polished ck shoe firmly on Teddy''s already swollen hand, twisting it a few times. Squatting down, he grabbed Teddy''s head and said coldly, "Don''t ever appear in front of Mona again. If I see you near her, I''ll make sure you regret it every time."


    Teddy, writhing in pain, whimpered and quickly nodded. "Yes, I promise! I won''t go near Mona, I swear!"


    "Good. Remember your promise. Or you might just lose that hand, Nigel said.


    Teddy nodded even more frantically, the alcohol long gone from his system. First, Matthew had forced him to get Mona''s forgiveness, and now strangers were beating him, telling him to stay away from her. His life felt trapped between two impossible choices. "Go ahead and report us to the police if you want, Nigel sneered. "But I doubt you''ll get the chance."


    With that, Nigel stood up, dusted his hands off, and ordered the men to return Teddy''s phone. Afterward, he casually texted Maxwell an "OK."


    When Maxwell received the message, his phone screen lit up. He nced at the person around him, a smile ying at the corners of his mouth. Then he noticed a stranger had added him as a friend, with the note "Barbara" Knowing she was the person Mona disliked, he dismissed it and put his phone away. Maxwell figured Albert must have shared his WhatsApp details with Barbara.


    Adjusting his posture, he pulled Mona closer to him and gently ran his fingers through her hair, finally closing his eyes in contentment. Now Teddy wouldn''t be causing any more problems for Mona for a while. In the quiet early hours of the morning, the deserted alley was eerily silent. Teddy, with great difficulty, managed to pull the sack off his head. His arms ached, and his hands throbbed with pain. He gritted his teeth, dialing his secretary toe pick him up and take him to the hospital. The beating had been too severe. Reporting the incident to the police was out of the question. He feared he might lose more than just his pride if he tried. He resolved to investigate this matter privately instead. 08:22 Wed, Oct


    As the sun rose, il cast a golden glow across thend, Mona woke before her rm went off. Today was the day Artemis would wear her custom-designed dress to the awards ceremony and Maxwell, as the investor, would be attending with her. Maxwell had arranged for a stylist toe to their home, and the whole day was a whirlwind of hair, makeup, and outfit changes. Mona felt like she had put in one hundred percent effort to ensure she looked her absolute best for the evening. This night wasn''t just about Artemis wearing her design at the awards. This was also the first time she and Maxwell would attend a public event together since their engagement. Every move they made would be under scrutiny.


    In the grand, opulent hotel, the chandeliers glittered like stars, and a long red carpet stretched from the entrance to the interior. Men and women dressed to the nines strolled in and out, while camera shes illuminated the scene outside. After parking the car, Nigel opened the door for Maxwell, who stepped out, adjusted his suit, and then turned to help Mona


    OUIL


    Her hand, slender and elegant, slipped into his.


    Even though Maxwell had already seen Mona in her gown earlier, the sight of her up close still stunned him.


    Under the dim lights, she wore a ck gauzy dress that revealed her delicate shoulder des. Her fair skin, framed by the dark fabric, seemed to glow. Her eyes sparkled brightly, twinkling more brilliantly than the stars above, especially when she locked her gaze onto Maxwell as if drawing him in with an irresistible charm.


    Maxwell stared at her for a moment longer before reluctantly pulling his gaze away. Without a word, he draped his jacket over her shoulders, covering her exposed skin."


    This was the first time he''d seen her dressed like this, and it made him ufortable. She was showing too much. The thought of asking her to change crossed his mind, but he swallowed it, not wanting to disrupt the intimacy they had finally reached. "It''s a bit cold. This will help keep you warm," Maxwell said seriously as he covered her up.


    From his vantage point, all he could now see was her delicate, glowing face.


    Mona smiled and nodded, touched by his thoughtfulness


    arm tucked into Maxwell''s, the two of them walked toward the entrance of the awards ceremony.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    With her a


    As soon as they stepped onto the red carpet, a flurry of cameras turned toward them, snapping away at the couple.


    Since Mona had reced her fianc¨¦ with Maxwell, the two had not made any public appearances together, so the media had been eager for this moment. Now that it had finally arrived, they weren''t going to miss it.


    As Mona handed Maxwell his jacket, the simple gesture caused a smallmotion, and the cameras captured the entire


    scene.


    Maxwell slipped his jacket back on, his cool gaze following Mona''s retreating figure, radiating a possessiveness that could not be missed.


    0


    As the sun rose, it cast golden glow across thend, Mona woke before her rm went off. Today was the day Artemis would wear her custom-designed dress to the awards ceremony, and Maxwell, as the investor, would be attending with her Maxwell had arranged for a stylist toe to their home, and the whole day was a whirlwind of hair, makeup, and outfit changes. Mona felt like she had put in one hundred percent effort to ensure she looked her absolute best for the evening This night wasn''t just about Artemis wearing her design at the awards. This was also the first time she and Maxwell would attend a public event together since their engagement. Every move they made would be under scrutiny.


    In the grand, opulent hotel, the chandeliers glittered like stars, and a long red carpet stretched from the entrance to the interior. Men and women dressed to the nines strolled in and out, while camera shes illuminated the scene outside. After parking the car, Nigel opened the door for Maxwell, who stepped out, adjusted his suit, and then turned to help Mona


    out.


    Her hand, slender and elegant, slipped into his.


    Even though Maxwell had already seen Mona in her gown earlier, the sight of her up close still stunned him.


    Under the dim lights, she wore a ck gauzy dress that revealed her delicate shoulder des. Her fair skin, framed by the dark fabric, seemed to glow. Her eyes sparkled brightly, twinkling more brilliantly than the stars above, especially when she locked her gaze onto Maxwell as if drawing him in with an irresistible charm.


    Maxwell stared at ther for a moment longer before reluctantly pulling his gaze away. Without a word, he draped his jacket over her shoulders, covering her exposed skin.


    This was the first time he''d seen her dressed like this, and it made him ufortable. She was showing too much. The thought of asking her to change crossed his mind, but he swallowed it, not wanting to disrupt the intimacy they had finally reached. "It''s a bit cold. This will help keep you warm, Maxwell said seriously as he covered her up.


    From his vantage point, all he could now see was her delicate, glowing face.


    Mona smiled and nodded, touched by his thoughtfulness.


    her arm tucked into Maxwell''s, the two of them walked toward the entrance of the awards ceremony.


    As soon as they stepped onto the red carpet, a flurry of cameras turned toward them, snapping away at the couple.


    Since Mona had reced her fianc¨¦ with Maxwell, the two had not made any public appearances together, so the media had been eager for this moment. Now that it had finally arrived, they weren''t going to miss it.


    J


    As Mona handed Maxwell his jacket, the simple gesture caused a smallmotion, and the cameras captured the entire scene.


    Maxwell slipped his jacket back on, his cool gaze following Mona''s retreating figure, radiating a possessiveness that could not

 Chapter 71

    e Quee Que


    Mona and Maxwell weren''t from the entertainment industry, so after a brief walk on the red carpet, they sat down at the front row.


    As soon as they sat down, Maxwell draped his jacket over Mona again.


    Earlier, Mona thought Maxwell was just worried she''d catch a cold, but now they were indoors with the heater on, so there was no way she could be cold.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Mona leaned in close to Maxwell and whispered in his ear, "Maxwell, do you not like this dress?"


    Mona often watched TV shows where the male lead was extremely possessive, forbidding the female lead from wearing certain things, Deep down, she couldn''t shake the feeling that Maxwell was like that too. With his jacket on her, she was wrapped up tightly, with only her head sticking out.


    Meeting Mona''s bright eyes, Maxwell gave an honest nod. He indeed didn''t like her wearing something so revealing.


    "Why didn''t you tell me that at home? I could have changed. I designed this dress back in college. It was a bold design with an open back," Mona exined.


    When she was trying on dresses, none of them seemed to give her the look she wanted, so she rummaged through her closet and found this one. She had always liked the design, but never had the chance to wear it. It matched Maxwell''s s usual ck suits, SO she decided to wear it. She hadn''t expected him to mind the open-back design. Maxwell scratched his nose, a bit embarrassed. "I was worried you''d feel upset if I said too much." Hearing this, Mona smiled. "It''s fine. I give you the right to speak up. Next time, just tell me directly. I won''t be mad He kept everything bottled bottled up. Clearly, he didn''t like it but stayed silent, secretly getting jealous on his own. Maxwell ced his hand over hers and said, ''Alright. And if I do something wrong, you need to tell me too." While the two were talking, someone was sitting next to Mona. When she turned her head, she found herself face-to-face with Gordon. Remembering what had happened that night, she felt a little scared. Then she nced at Maxwell, who immediately switched seats with her, sitting next to Gordon instead. Both of them belonged to the Carter family. Compared to Gordon, Maxwell carried the title of illegitimate son, but he also had the identity of the president of the Carter Group. As they sat together, they instantly attracted the attention of many around them. After all, in these powerful families, there were always skeletons in the closet.


    "It''s been a few days, Maxwell, and you seem to be doing quite well, Gordon said venomously, ring at his own injured


    arm


    His arms still hadn''t fully healed and couldn''t handle any strenuous activity. Full recovery would take time, and in the meantime, even going to the restroom required assistance.


    "Yes,


    I''ve been doing alright. Unlike you, who still seems to have injured arms. And yet, you''re here attending events," Maxwell said nonchntly, with a faint smile when he mentioned Gordon''s injury. "You! It all thanks to you! Cordon ground his teeth, ring at Maxwell with hatred in his eyes. "Since you know, then stop thinking about unnecessary things. Otherwise, I won''t hesitate to break your legs," Maxwell said, meeting Gordon''s gaze with an air of indifference as if he didn''take him seriously at all.  71


    Maxwell''s gaze was cold, chilling Gordon to the core, Instinctively, Gordon shrank back.


    "You wouldn''t dare! If you cripple me. Grandpa will definitely cripple you in return, Gordon said furiously.


    Maxwell had already destroyed his arms, and now he was threatening to disable Gordon''s legs. If Gordon didn''t fight back. Maxwell thought he ran the Carter family. Gordon regretted not tormenting Maxwell when they were younger, wishing he had made Maxwell fear him back then.


    Try hurting Mona, and you''ll find out whether I dare or not," Maxwell replied icily. "You..." Gordon, seething with rage, pointed at Maxwell, unable to find the words.


    "Maxwell, look! Artemis is here, Mona said, noticing that Gordon was about to get agitated. If those two started arguing or fighting, it would be a mess. At that moment, the entrance filled with noise, confirming that Artemis had arrived. Mona quickly pulled Maxwell to his feet, eager to see how Artemis looked in the dress she designed.


    Sure enough, it was Artemis, wearing the red gown designed by Mona. With every step she took, it was as if she were walking through a scene of blooming beauty. Even from a distance, Mona could hear the click of cameras capturing her and the chatter of the crowd around her.


    "Artemis looks stunning tonight. Even if she doesn''t win an award, she''s already captured everyone''s attention."


    "She''s an an amazing actress. The chances of her winning are high. She''s definitely the star of the evening." After the ceremony, I''ll have to ask her who designed her dress want one too."


    Mona heard the murmurs about her design and wanted to shout out, "Come find me! I''m the one who designed that dress!" But she kept her cool, too shy to call attention to herself.


    "Feeling


    proud?" Maxwell asked, smiling at Mona''s beaming face.


    Mona nodded. "Of course! They''re allplimenting my design. As the designer, how could I not be happy?"


    "Maybe one day, you can design some outfits for me too. I really like your work," Maxwell said casually, though he felt a big nervous, fearing she might turn him down.


    "Really? You are willing to wear something I designed?" Mona pointed at herself, her excitement rising.


    In college, Mor


    Mona designed a suit for Teddy, altering it over and over again. When he received it, the first thing he did was check for any familiar tags. She told him it was designed and made by her, and he casuallyplimented it, saying it looked nice, but that was it. He never wore it even once.


    Since marrying Maxwell, she had considered designing something for him but had been too busy and too afraid he might not like it.


    "Why wouldn''t I? I''d love anything you design," Maxwell replied.


    There was nothing more gratifying than receiving approval from the one she loved. If there weren''t so many people around, Mona would have hugged Maxwell and kissed him to express her joy.


    As if reading her mind, Artemis walked over, smiling at Mona. "Let me introduce you to my dress designer, Mona Clem When I first saw her sketch, I was blown away, and after trying it on, I couldn''t wait to wear it. If any of you are looking for custom designs, she''s the one to call,

 Chapter 72

    Artemis introducing Mona meant one thing. Mona had earned her recognition. After all, Artemis wore the gown Monal designed, and everyone around could see how stunning it looked. They were not stupid and could easily recognize Mona''s design skills. Shortly after Artemis''s introduction, people around began engaging with Mona. Most attendees at the awards ceremony were either wealthy or powerful, and Mona simply told them that if they wanted a custom gown, they could find her at the Design Department of the Clem Group.


    The awards ceremony then continued. Mona and Maxwell returned to their seats, and Gordon had left by then. Mona''s eyes stayed fixed on the stage, listening as one name after another was announced. Finally, when the award for Best Actress was revealed. Artemis''s name was c called


    called


    Mona''s eyes sparkled as she watched the stage. Her design was being showcased by someone receiving an award, and a deep sense of pride filled her heart.


    Maxwell briefly nced at the stage, but his attention soon shifted back to the person beside him. Watching Mona''s joyful expression filled him with a sense of pride, as if her sess was more important to him than his oWIL


    Meanwhile, Gordon sat in the back row, reading information sent by his private investigator.


    Barbara, Beatrice''s daughter, got caught up in a scandal with Mona''s ex-fianc¨¦. As a result, both she and her mother were kicked out of the Clem family. There were rumors swirling that Barbara was actually jeremy''s daughter, but a lot of crucial details were covered up by the Clem family, leaving the investigation inc inconclusive.


    Jeremy''s daughter. Gordon repeated this in his mind, thinking there might be room for cooperation.


    He found Barbara''s


    contact number and sent a message. [Want to return to the Clem family? Work with me, and I can help you.]


    Barbara was watching the live broadcast of the awards ceremony at home, feeling bitter as she saw Mona steal the spotlight. She thought that if not for Mona, all this glory could have been hers.


    She seethed with anger, her hands clenched so tightly that her nails left red marks on her skin.


    Her phone chimed, and Barbara looked at the message and thought, ''Can someone really help me get back into the Clem family? Who does this person think he is?" Barbara replied coldly. [Who are


    You?


    Gordon nced at Mona and Maxwell seated ahead of him and leisurely typed a reply. [Gordon Carter.]


    Barbara knew the name. Gordon was Maxwell''s elder brother, the legitimate heir of the Carter family, but rumors painted him in a bad light, obsessed with women and nearly running the Carter Group into bankruptcy. Barbara thought, ''Could man really help me reenter the Clem family? She doubted it. In fact, he might even cause more har


    Barbara decided she''d be better off trying to win over Teddy. After all, Mona had loved Teddy for over four years, and Barbara had witnessed firsthand how deeply Mona had cared for him, tolerating everything for his sake. Even though Mona imed she no longer had feelings for Teddy, Barbara wasn''t convinced.


    Barbara ignored Gordon''s message and instead opened WhatsApp to reach out to Teddy: (Teddy, do you have time Tomorrow? I want to see you.]


    Teddy was lying in a hospital bed, wrapped up like a mummy. His face was bruised, swollen, and eating had be a difficult task.


    He hadn''t dared to tell his parents, fearing his father''s scolding and the possibility of police involvement, which might provoke the people who had beaten him into breaking his arms for good.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "Sir, you''ve received a message on WhatsApp," his assistant said,


    Teddy nodded slightly, signaling his assistant to read the message


    After listening, Teddy responded, "Tell her I''m on a business trip for the next few days. I''ll contact her when I''m back:


    In his current state, seeing anyone was out of the question. His once handsome face was now a source of shame, and he didn''t want anyone to witness it.


    11


    11


    After lying down, he remembered that it was Quinn who had helped him out of the club. He then recalled how he had been thrown into a sack and dragged into an alley, where he was beaten up. Quinn must have abandoned him and run off. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, wishing that Quinn could experience the pain he had gone through


    The next morning, Quinn hadn''t slept well all night, fearing that the person who had attacked Teddy woulde looking for her. She was also worried about having handed Teddy over to those people. She knew Teddy would get back at her. With these thoughts in mind, she decided to visit Teddy in the hospital to justify her actions.


    Without hesitation. Quinn got ready, bought flowers, and headed to the hospital closest to the nightclub.


    Upon arriving, she inquired about Teddy and found his room in the inpatient ward. When she saw him wrapped like at mummy, fear gripped her. Thank goodness she had run away quicklyst night, or she might have ended up in the same or even worse condition. The thought of it terrified her.


    After hesitating outside the ward for a few seconds, Quinn knocked twice and walked in. Ignoring Teddy''s assistant, she rushed to Teddy''s side, throwing herself onto him as tears poured from her eyes.


    "Teddy, I''m so d you''re fine. Last night, I was scared," Quinn sobbed, resting her head on Teddy''s chest.


    Teddy, already in pain, could hardly breathe with her weight on him. His entire body was covered in injuries, and now he felt like he was losing half his life under her pressure. "Quinn, get up. You''re hurting me, Teddy grumbled, enduring the pain. At least Quinn had a conscience and hade to see him,


    "Oh, oh, sorry!" Quinn quickly wiped her tears and got up.


    I


    "Teddy, I was so terrifiedst night. As soon as I escaped, I ran to the police. But by the time I came back with them, you


    were gone.


    Then the police scolded me for wasting their time, Quinn lied, thinking about what benefits she might gain from Teddy. She couldn''t afford to strain their rtionship


    Before Quinn''s arrival, Teddy had been upset with her. But after hearing her exnation, he felt sympathy. Even if he was scared, let alone a young woman. The fact that she even thought to call the police showed how much he meant to her. "Don''t worry about it. It was probably someone who didn''t like me. Just don''t talk about this to anyone," Teddy advised


    Teddy didn''t want anyone else knowing he had been beaten. It would damage his reputation.

 Chapter 73

    Quinn nodded hastily, willing to agree with anything Teddy said. After all, she felt a little guilty for leaving him behind the previous night.


    Once that matter was cleared up, Quinn returned to her usual role as Teddy''s lover, eagerly cutting fruit and feeding him The atmosphere between them became peaceful again. Meanwhile, Ava, after leaving the hospital, was eager to meet up with Mona. Ever since Mona and Maxwell had shown upte at night to visit her, she had been bursting with questions.


    When Mona received Ava''s call, she was still in bed, enjoying a rare weekend morning to sleep in. The interruption, so early in the morning, was not weed.


    "Ava, this better be important, or I swear I''m going to break your head," Mona grumbled as she answered the call.


    Ava wasn''t fazed by Mona''s grumpy tone. ncing at her phone, she realized it wasn''t even eight o''clock yet, a time she usually spent sleeping in as well. "It''s definitely important. Get up, get dressed, and meet me at our usual spot," she insisted. "Why can''t it wait until I wake up? You''re disturbing my peaceful morning, you know?" Mona muttered while reluctantly getting out of bed.


    "It''s important! Hurry, I''ll be waiting. Ava replied before hanging up,


    Thinking it might be about Soren bothering Ava again, Mona quickly threw on her clothes and rushed downstairs.


    As she reached the bottom, she made eye contact with Maxwell, who was sitting in the dining room having breakfast. "Ava needs me for something. I''m heading out," she exined.


    She was justifying why she had woken up so early, especially after she had confidently dered the day before that she wouldn''t get out of bed before ten and even asked him to keep the noise down when waking her up


    "Alright, but have some breakfast first. Drive carefully and call me if you need anything." Maxwell said.


    Mona gave him an "OK" gesture, gulped down a bit of milk, grabbed a piece of toast, and waved as she headed out the door. Her mind was too preupied with whether or not Soren was still bothering Ava to sit down for a proper meal.


    At their regr coffee shop, Mona hurried over to their usual spot. Ava was already there. As soon as Mona sat down, she asked, "What''s going on? Is Soren giving you trouble again?


    Ava shook her head. "No, I''ve practically forgotten about him. I wanted to ask you about something else. Something about


    you."


    Relieved that it wasn''t about Soren, Mona rxed. "About me? What do you mean?"


    Ava straightened up, her expression serious. "What''s going on between you and Maxwell?"


    Mona rolled her eyes. "What do you mean? We''re married"


    "I know that, but the other night, when you both came to see me I saw you two holding hands. So, are you two really together? Like, for real? Is it because of love?" Ava asked, sounding excited.


    In Ava''s eyes, Maxwell was a far better option than Teddy. At least Maxwell didn''t have lovers'' or close female friends, and he wasn''t sleeping around with other women. That alone made him leagues better than Teddy.


    Thinking about the conversation they''d had at the hospital, Mona shyly nodded. "Yeah, we''re really together. He''s so much better than Teddy ever was. I don''t even know what I was thinking, wasting all those years on someone like him. Looking back, I feel like I was such a fool"


    "That''s great! Honestly, Maxwell is better than Teddy in every way. But tell me. Have you two... you gleaming with curiosity.


    know. Ava asked, eyes


    Mona knew exactly what Ava was implying and quickly shut her down. "Stop your wild imagination. No, we haven''t. Maxwell. isn''t capable."


    The thought had been bothering Mona for a while now, and finally sharing it felt like a huge weight off her chest,


    Ava, unable to believe her ears, mmed her hand on the table and stood up. "What do you mean Maxwell isn''t capable?"


    She looked utterly shocked. Maxwell didn''t seem like the kind of man who had any issues in that department. He looked like the exact opposite, in fact.


    Seeing Ava''s exaggerated reaction, Mona rushed over to cover her mouth, gesturing for her to quiet down. "Why are you so loud! Keep it down!"


    Once Ava nodded in acknowledgment, Mona slowly removed her hand, still ncing nervously around to make sure no one else had heard.


    Ava, now quieter but still in disbelief, asked, "How do you know that? Did Maxwell tell you himself? If he''s aware of it, why would he marry you and deprive you of happiness?"


    In Ava''s mind, she was already mentally criticizing Maxwell. Ava thought, ''How could he selfishly tie Mona down if he couldn''t fulfill her needs? Teddy is looking better byparison, at least in that aspect


    Mona shook her head and took a sip of her coffee. "No, he didn''t tell me. I heard it from Gordon. And I''ve tried to you know, test things a couple of times, but he just doesn''t seem interested. But we love each other, so I guess it doesn''t really matter."


    It didn''t matter to Mona if Maxwell was capable or not. Even if he lost an arm or a leg, she would still stand by him. Ava, still skeptical, asked, "How exactly did you ''test'' him? Don''t tell me you stripped down and waited for him in bed?"


    She never expected that Mona would be so open. Back when Mona was with Teddy, even holding hands would make her


    blushC0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Mona blushed deeply. "Of course not! I''m not that bold."


    She then exined the couple of attempts she had made to subtly initiate something, leaving her thoroughly embarrassed. If anyone but Ava were sitting across from her, she''d have wanted to hide.


    After listening to Mona''s story, Ava nodded thoughtfully. "Well, that doesn''t prove Maxwell is incapable. If you''re too shy to bring it up with him, you could try testing him again. I don''t think your man has a problem."


    Mona, intrigued, asked, "How should I try? Any suggestions?"


    Mona was far too embarrassed to bring up such a topic herself. The efforts she''d already made had taken all her courage, and she certainly wasn''t going to just strip down and wait in bed for Maxwell to make a move. If he truly wasn''t capable, that would just make things incredibly awkward.

 Chapter 74

    92%a Ava f


    The two


    frowned, thinking for a moment before saying, "For example, when you cook, you can prepare more foods known to enhance male vitality. Then, while talking to Maxwell, you can reassure him, saying that no matter what happens, you''ll always stay by his side. If he really has an issue, this might give him a way to admit it without feeling too pressured." Mona nodded slightly, thinking that Ava''s suggestion made sense. She decided to try it out at lunch today to see if she could figure out whether Maxwell was really capable or not continued chatting, but just as they were about to leave, Mona noticed a familiar figure walking toward them. She instinctively wanted to pull Ava away, but before she could, she heard a voice, "Ava, what a coincidence! I didn''t expect to see you here The person approaching was none other than Soren, the man who had taken Ava''s heart in the previous life and caused her tragic death. Mona''s eyes instantly filled with anger, her grip on Ava''s arm tightening subconsciously. Mona was unable to hide her deep resentment. Ava sensed Mona''s sudden tension. Knowing Mona disliked Soren, any positive feelings Ava had for him vanished. Casually, she said, "Yeah, what a coincidence. But I have something urgent to do, so I''ll be heading out. Goodbye, Mr. Sterling" With that, she grabbed Mona and hurried out of the coffee shop, Soren watched hed them leave, adjusting his sses with a bitter smile.


    cleared


    The cold air outside finally Mona''s head a bit. She gripped Ava''s arms tightly, staring straight at her and saying, "Ava, stay far away from him in the future. He''s not a good person. If you don''t believe me, you can hack into hisputer and see if there''s any proof." After ona spoke, she felt that her method hadn''t worked. Soren was too cunning. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have remained undetected all this time. It wasn''t until after her death that he married Ava, and it was during their honeymoon abroad that he finally made his move. Now, he must have nothing on hisputer.


    Mona added, "Actually, forget it. Even if you hack it, it won''t help. He''s way too crafty. Just trust me. Stay away from him. If you see him again, just leave, like today."


    Ava looked at Mona, who seemed unusually anxious. She couldn''t help but touch her forehead, asking. "Mona, are you Okay? It feels like you have some deep grudge against him. But don''t worry, I''ll listen to you and stay far away from him. Even if you don''t have proof, I trust you. You''re my best evidence Mona hugged Ava gently. "I''m fine. I''m just d you trust me. He''s really not a good guy, so please, don''t ever go out with him." "Okay, I promise."


    After returning home alone, Mona couldn''t shake a lingering sense of unease. She remembering her n to make a special meal.


    sat on the couch for a while before.


    She messaged Maxwell to ask if he''d being home for lunch, and after receiving configuration, she searched online for foods that boost vitality, like seafood, nuts, spinach, kale, red meat, etc.


    Mona nced between the ingredients on her phone screen and the contents of her fridge. Not many of the rmended foods were avable, so she asked Hattie to buy a fewmon ones and deliver them


    Once everything was ready, Mona began cooking. Since it was just the two of them, she didn''t need to prepare much. She made some spinach and red neat, with some seafood.


    When Maxwell came home, he immediately noticed the dishes on the table and frowned slightly. He had no idea Mona liked spinach this much


    bT.


    "You''re back. Go wash your hands. Lunch is ready," Mona said with a smile as she ced two tes of spent on the Maxwell nodded, casually taking off his coat and washing his hands before sitting across from her


    well,


    Maxwell


    cat more. I made all this just for you, Mona said as she served him some spinach I nced at his te.


    "You should cat, too. I''ve got enough"


    While he wasn''t a picky eater, spinach wasn''t exactly his favorite


    "Okay. Do you like today''s dishes? If


    Maxwell looked up, meeting Mona''s" you do. I''ll make them again tonight, Moria said as she stared at the food in front of her. Truth be told, she wasn''t a fan of spinach either.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    sparkling eyes. . He was


    about to say he didn''t like it, but seeing her hopefull expresie he couldn''t bring himself to. "It''s fine, I guess."


    "Great! Thene home early tonight, and I''ll make more for you. Oh, Maxwell, I just want to say that no matter what happens. I''ll always stand by you. I won''t abandon you, so you can tell me anything" Mona said, following the script had given her. She figured that with these vitality-boosting foods and her heartfelt promises, if Maxwell really had a problem, he''d by now,


    For two days straight, their dining table was filled with foods to boost vitality, and each time Mona reaffirmed her loyalty andmitment. Every time, Maxwell felt like he had something to say but swallowed his words when he saw her eager expression


    At night, Monay in bed, venting to Ava over WhatsApp about the foods she''d been eating. She thought. If I keep this up. 1 think I''m going to throw up. My mouth is filled with the smell of spinach. Even after brushing my teeth. I still


    Ava said: [You''ve been eating vitality-boosting foods for two days straight, and you''ve said all those sweet, supportive things Has Maxwell shown any signs or said anything?


    Mona immediately replied: [No, nothing. But every time we eat, he seems like he wants to say something. Honestly, I''ve given up. If ites to it, we''ll just adopt a child in a few years.]


    but never does


    Mona didn''t care whether Maxwell was capable or not. All Mona knew was that she never wanted to eat spinach again. If she kept this up, she''d develop an eating disorder. Little did she know, Maxwell felt the same.


    If tomorrow''s menu still featured the same foods, he was ready to have a serious conversation with Mona. He couldn''t take anymore. He needed to change up their meals. It had gotten to the point where he didn''t even want to talk at work for fear of smelling like spirtach, though luckily, he rarely spoke to anyone besides Mona.


    The next day, both Mona and Maxwell found the food at their respective workces to be unusually delicious.


    When Mona got home that evening, she found Maxwell already busy in the kitchen. Worried shed be upset that he''d taken over cooking, Maxwell said, "You''re back. I bought some steaks today, so I thought we''d switch things up a bit. But if you really want more spinach, I can make them tomorrow."

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    Mona quickly shook her head. "No need, I really don''t want to cal spinach anymore. The steaks sound great."


    The steaks Maxwell made were tender and vorful, leaving a delightful aftertaste. Just the smell was enough to make her crave them.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Hearing Mona''s wonds, Maxwell sighed in relief. Thankfully, she wasn''t upset with him. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster


    Life returned to normal as if the two days of eating spinach had been just an illusion. Mona and Maxwell were both busy at their respective jobs. During this time, Ava mentioned she was going to Fud to see kangaroos and would take some photos for Mona. Knowing Ava had left Nathontown made Mona happy. This meant she wouldn''t have to interact with Soren. Ava was safe.


    On the work front, there was news that the Nathontown Design Competition would be held at the end of the year. This event had been organized by the Clem Group for five consecutive years, and this time was no exception.


    In her past life, Mona had watched this Design Competition from the audience alongside Teddy, filled with longing. She had wished that her designs could be showcased on the runway.


    But it was merely a dream. After all, Teddy''s words were more important to her. If given a second chance, Moria wouldn''t want to leave any regrets, not for Maxwell or for her own dreams


    In the ck-and-white decorated office, Maxwell was so frustrated with the documents in front of him that he threw them out the door.


    Just then, Bud happened to walk in, and the papersnded at his feet. Noticing how angry Maxwell was, he silently picked up


    the documents.


    It was likely that Gordon had gotten into trouble again.


    Bud ced the files in front of Maxwell and asked, "Did your brother cause you more trouble?"


    Maxwell nodded and pointed to the documents beside him in anger. "This guy is getting into all sorts of messes and expects me to clean it up. He bought somend in Fud and broke localws. Now he''s in jail. Richard wants me to go to Fud to bail him out." Dealing with such a troublesome brother was exhausting, but Maxwell couldn''t just ignore him.


    Now that his rtionship with Mona was going well, he really didn''t want to waste time on something so pointless in Fud, but it was Richard''s order.


    "Don''t get too worked up over it. It''s not a big deal. I can go on your behalf, Okay? Bud said, patting Maxwell on the shoulder. Their rtionship wasn''t just professional. They were friends.


    Well, Bud had kind of forced his way into that friendship. During their time studying abroad, he felt Maxwell was too lonely, so Bud stuck by him, and they had remained close ever since.


    Maxwell looked at Bud in surprise. This was the first time he had seen Bud be so considerate.


    "You''ve been getting along well with your wifetely, haven''t you? When I get back. I hope you''re still enjoying your life. I''m just trying to look out for your future, lud said, patting Maxwell''s shoulder with a fatherly expression.


    "Thanks, I''ll treat you to a meal when youe back," Maxwell replied. He was thinking of getting closer to Mona, but he


    worried the might not be ready for that and it would ruin their rtionship.


    After work, Maxwell continued his routine of picking Mona up from the Clem Group.


    At first, people thought he was just putting on a show by picking her up every day, but after so many days, they began to wonder about the true nature of their rtionship,


    Today, when she came out of the office with ra, Mona was in a good mood. She had signed up for the Nathontown Design Competition and was beaming with joy.


    As soon as she exited the building, Mona said goodbye to Elira and walked towards Maxwell, who opened the passenger door for her.


    "Feeling so happy today? Got some good news?" Maxwell asked as he got in the car, noticing her wide smile.


    "Yeah, I signed up for the Nathontown Design Competition. Did you hear about it? If I win, my work will be showcased inpetitions with other cities, eventually leading to the national level. I can''t help but daydream about the rankings I might achieve, Mona said. Of course, Barbara was also participating, and while Mona wasn''t afraid of fairpetition, she worried that Barbara might pull some underhanded tricks.


    "I believe you''ll definitely win an award," Maxwell said as he drove towards the Clem family.


    When they arrived, they heard shouting from inside. Mona recognized Albert''s voice, along with Bernard''s, and pretty intense.


    it


    sounded


    She quickly told Maxwell what was happening and rushed inside, just in time to hear the door m. She saw Bernard standing there with his hands on his hips, breathing heavily. "Grandpa, what happened? Did Albert upset you again?"


    In recent days. Albert had improved significantlypared to before. He had been attending sses more regrly and had been in fewer fights. To Mona, he seemed much better behaved. She thought that with proper guidance, he wouldn''t end up with the same fate as in her past life, where he had resorted to drugs.


    Mona''s grandmother, Jane, brought Bernard a cup of coffee. "Mona, you know about thest time I mentioned sending Albert to the military. Today, I brought it up, and he got angry. They ended up arguing


    "Im sending him to the military for his own good. He doesn''t know anything, and we can''t protect him forever. But he actually argued with me. I must have spoiled him too much, Bernard fumed, feeling agitated just thinking about it.


    "Calm down, Grandpa. I''ll have a good talk with him tonight, Mona said. Sending Albert to military training for a few years seemed like a good idea to her. He woulde back more mature.


    "Maxwell''s here! Why don''t you both take a break? I''ll have Polly cook a couple more dishes," Jane said, smiling at Maxwell.


    Having seen the two of them together for a while, Jane was increasingly satisfied with Maxwell. She thought that in some time, they might even hold a wedding, and she could have great-grandchildren.


    After dinner, Mona and Maxwell sat together in the room. Albert was so upset that he didn''t evene down for dinner, and Mona felt at a loss for how to exin the benefits of joining the military to him. She sat on the sofa, sighing


    "What''s wrong? Are you still thinking about your brother?" Maxwell asked, naturally sitting beside Mona, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer to him.


    Although he didn''t dare go too far, holding hands, hugging, and asionally kissing were all things he feltfortable doing. He had already tried it, and Mona didn''t seem to mind his closeness. He believed that over time, he could take things a step further.

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    ?? 92%


    76


    Mona naturally rested her head on Maxwell''s shoulder. With him around, she felt reassured no matter the situation. "Alright. I''m trying to think of a way to convince him to join the army. Albert was stubborn and difficult to change once he made up his inind, which was a source of frustration for Mona


    Why


    don''t you let me try talking to him?" Maxwell suggested, looking into Mona''s eyes.


    "Can you really do it?" It wasn''t that she doubted Maxwell''s abilities, but rather that Albert was particrly hard to handle. Even when she wanted to improve their rtionship, she had to start with Albert''s love for video games, let alone convince him to train in the military for a few years, something he would outright refuse.


    "I can''t guarantee sess, but I''d like to give it a shot" Maxwell gently ran his fingers through Mona''s hair, making it clear that her worries were also his concerns


    "Okay, but tif Albert throws a tantrum, just ignore him ande out, Mona replied. She didn''t want Maxwell to endure Albert''s bad temper.


    Maxwell gazed into Mona''s sparkling eyes as if entranced. He gently lifted her chin with his fingers and cautiously kissed her lips. Opportunities for such intimate contact were rare, as neither of them was particrly proactive


    In Maxwell''s memory, the only time they had shared a longer kiss was in the car, and afterward, they hadn''t spoken. Neither had taken the initiative again.


    He pressed his lips softly against Mona''s, and as she slowly closed her eyes, he dared to move a little closer, lifting her head slightly, their breaths intertwining.


    Mona a didn''t expect Maxwell to initiate a kiss. Usually, she was the one making the first move. As his soft lips met hers, her heart raced, and she didn''t know where to ce her hands.


    After the kiss, Maxwell reluctantly released Mona, his fingers brushing against the corners of her mouth as he pulled her into his embrace. He could hardly control his emotions at that moment.


    go


    a long pause, stepping toward the door.


    talk to Albert," he saided onto the sofa, tossing and turning a few times, her face flushed all the way to her ears. She couldn''t believe that just a kiss from Maxwell had such an effect on her. It was incredibly embarrassing. Once Maxwell Mona slumped


    Maxwell, too, stood at Albert''s door for a moment, calming his emotions, returning to his usual indifferent demeanor as if the passionate person just now wasn''t him at all. He knocked lightly on Albert''s door. "Who is it?" Albert shapped, still fuming from his earlier argument with Bernard.


    "It''s me,


    Maxwell'' ''Despite


    Albert''s unkind tone, Maxwell didn''t get angry. After all, as Mona said, Albert was still just a kid. "Come in," Albert said reluctantly


    When he was Albert''s age, he had acted simrly, often bullying Mona and pulling her pigtails. Reflecting on it now, he realized he had been quite mischievous back then.


    When Maxwell entered, he noticed the word "Victory" shing on theputer screen. It was clear that Albert was venting his frustrations through the game. Without wasting time, Maxwell went straight to the point. "Why don''t you want to join the military?"


    As soon as the topic was broached, Albert tossed his game controller onto the table in anger. The military? That ce is unlivable! You can''t eat well or dress warmly, and the daily training is brutal. I think Grandpa just doesn''t like me talking


    about Barbara at home so he wants to send me away to avoid seeing me."


    "I don''t think your grandpa wants to send you to the military for that reason. He just wants you to grow up quickly." Maxwell replied "Why do I I need to grow up so fast? I have my grandparents, my dad, and two older sisters. I''m the youngest in the family, so I''m not in a hurry to grow up. The bottom line was that he didn''t want to join the military. The life was too hard in the army, and he didn''t think he could handle it. could dle it.


    Tell me, who will be with you for your entire life? Your grandparents will eventually grow old. Your dad is busy with work every day, and your sisters will get married. The only person who can apany you throughout your life is yourself. I don''t know much about you, just what I''ve heard from Mona. Poor grades, skipping ss, getting into fights, and being obsessed with video games. What do you think you can achieve in the future?" Maxwell stated bluntly.


    Albert felt defeated by Maxwell''s words, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I have plenty of money. Even if I don''t work in the future. I''ll still have enough to live on


    "Sure,


    you might have enough money, and even if the Clem family fortune is exhausted, I would still provide for you. But do you really want to live as a parasite! It takes a long time to learn the right way, but it''s easy to learn the wrong way. Your grandpa just wants to straighten you out before before you go down the wrong path. You''re a man. . It''s just a few years in the


    What am I afraid of? I''m not afraid at all!" Albert dered defiantly in response to Maxwell''s challenge What are you afraid of?"


    Maxwell said, "Okay, I get it. You''re not afraid. I''ll go tell Grandpa you''re willing to train in the military for two years."


    Maxwell turned to leave, but Albert realized he had been provoked and liurriedly grabbed his arm. "I''m just saying I''m afraid; I didn''t say I wanted to go to the military."


    Maxwell quickly twisted Albert''s arm behind his back. "If you''re not afraid, then why not go? It''s only a few years!"


    Maxwell''s grip was firm, causing Albert to wince in pain. "Let go of me! I''m going to fight you. You took advantage of me when I wasn''t paying attention"


    not


    notContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He had never lost a fight at school, and now that he was losing to Maxwell in a game, he couldn''t afford to lose in a real fight as well. That would be too humiliating


    Tve


    e heard from Mona that you''re quite good at fighting. How about this? We can have a duel outside. If you win, you won''t have to go to the military, and I''ll talk to Bernard for you. But if you lose, you''ll have to go for military training for a few years. Do you dare?" Maxwell tightened his grip on Albert''s arm


    t felt as though his bones were about to break. "Fine! I''ll take your bet, but don''t go back on your word if you lose!"


    Albert T


    "Deal: After Maxwel released Albert, Albert marched out in a huff.


    Maxwell shrugged off his suit jacket and followed Albert outside


    They stood in the garden, under the dark night sky illuminated only by a few twinkling stars and the faint glow of scattered garden lights. They were ready to duel.


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 Chapter 77

    Albert faced his opponent, who was taller than him. While he didn''t have the height advantage, he was young and strong and often fought. Maxwell, on the other hand, was the type to sit in office all day, so Albert figured Maxwell''s stamina couldn''t match his own The more Albert thought about it, the more confident he felt about winning


    Maxwell, however, didn''t dwell on it too much. He just wanted to wrap this up quickly and go back to find Mona. They both had to work every day, and their time together was limited to the evenings. He was already annoyed that this precious time was being wasted by Albert..


    With a disdainful nce at Allsert, Maxwell beckoned him to start.


    Seeing Maxwell''s actions, Albert felt insulted. Without much thought, he rushed straight at Maxwell, fists clenched, ready to punch him in the face.


    The momentum would give him more power, and before he reached Maxwell, he swung his arm, aiming to strike his face. Maxwell shifted slightly to dodge the blow and immediately kicked Albert in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He looked down at him, saying, "With skills like that, you think you can take me on? Come at me again"


    After stepping back, Maxwell waved his hand, inviting Albert to try again.


    Albert wouldn''t take such provocation lying down. He quickly got back on his feet, crossed his arms, and flexed his wrists. His eyes sparkled with determination as he charged at Maxwell again.


    The sounds of their fight echoed through the garden. Polly, hearing themotion, rushed to tell Mona. The moment Mona learned they were fighting outside, she dashed down without even grabbing a jacket.


    She knew how skilled Maxwell was. He''d proven that during theirst altercation. As she hurried down, her concern was primarily for Albert.


    Though Albert often got into minor scuffles at school, he was up against someone who clearly had serious fighting skills.


    She feared that Maxwell might get too carried away and hurt Albert badly, possibly sending him to the hospital. If that happened, it would upset her grandparents. After all, Albert was their beloved grandson, spoiled since childhood. They could hardly bear to see him in pain.


    As she approached the scene, Mona confirmed her fears. Maxwell stood triumphantly over Albert, whoy on the ground clutching his stomach. Mona could hear Maxwell''s icy voice asking. "Do you yield?"


    She could hardly believe it was Maxwell''s voice. As she drew closer, she noticed his expression was emotionless, radiating an intimidating aura.


    This was someone entirely different from the Maxwell she knew At that moment, she realized that he only smiled and softened his voice around her.


    Albert wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and replied defiantly, "No! Let''s go again!"


    Mona interjected quickly, "Why are you two fighting? Just stop already."


    Hearing her familiar voice, Maxwell turned to look at her, momentarily distracted, and in that instant, Albert threw a punch at his jaw.


    Although Albert''s strength was considerable, he hadn''t been able to get close to Maxwell until now. That punch made Maxwell feel the sting, and he grabbed Albert by the cor, lifting him off the ground with a fierce re. He then mmed Albert back down, pinning his foot on his chest, rendering him immobile. "Do you concede? Mona is here, and I don''t want


    to make you look too bad


    For a moment. Mona was torn, unsure whether to feel more sympathy for the injured Maxwell or for Albert, who was being manhandled. She silently observed the two of them.


    Albert bit down hard on his lip, the taste of blood still lingering in his mouth. He turned his head away, refusing to look at Maxwell. He didn''t want to admit defeat, but if it hadn''t been for Mona''s arrival distracting Maxwell, he feared he wouldn''t have gotten anywhere near Maxwell all night.


    Reluctantly, he muttered, "Fine, 1 yield, but can you please get your foot off me?*


    Hearing the words he wanted, Maxwell lifted his foot from Albert''s chest and walked over to Mona, looking at her with a hintContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    of hurt in his eyes.


    Mona stood in the light, and as Maxwell approached, she noticed therge red bruise at the corner of his mouth, with blood still trickling down. It was clear Albert hadnded a solid punch, and her heart ached for him.


    Gently brushing her fingers over his uninjured check, she asked, "Does it hurt? You''re bleeding. I''ll get you some medicine when we go back


    "It hurts." Maxwell replied, his voice full of feigned helplessness. A big guy like him shouldn''t beining about a little bruise, but looking into Mona''s concerned eyes, he found himself unable to deny it.


    After Polly helped Albert up, he looked at the pair with a mixture of annoyance and frustration. Albert was injured as well, and it stung to see them act so cozy, seemingly unconcerned for his well-being.


    Supported by Polly, Albert winced as he walked back inside, silently vowing that one day he would beat Maxwell at video games and in a fight, making him experience the sting of defeat. It was just a couple of years in the military. He could manage it. Once Mona finished tending to Maxwell, she turned to check on Albert but found he was already gone.


    Looking back at Maxwell, she saw him wearing a pitiful expression as he leaned on her for support


    As they reached the second floor, they suddenly heard Albert''s yelp of pain from his room. That made her realize that perhaps Albert had been hurt worse than she thought.


    Just then, Maxwell said, "You should go check on him. I''m fine."


    After saying that, he reluctantly released her hand and gazed at her with his captivating eyes.


    Mona nced at the red mark on the corner of Maxwell''s mouth and thought about how Polly was already in Albert''s room. If she went too, it would leave Maxwell all alone. "No need, Polly''s with him. I''ll just stay here and tend to your wound."


    Maxwell couldn''t help but smile slightly as he looked at Mona holding his hand, but the pain quickly brought his expression back to normal. He realized he wouldn''t be able to make any big moves for the next few days.


    He suddenly noted that Albert had quite a bit of strength. He hit harder than expected. Luckily, it was just one punch.


    0

 Chapter 78

    After helping Maxwell back to his room, Mona had him sit on the sofa while she went to get the first-aid kit.


    Watching Mona''s busy figure, Maxwell felt a warm rush of affection.


    When Mona turned back with the kit, her gaze unexpectedly met Maxwell''s, and in that moment, it felt as if the person she had seen downstairs was someone entirely different. Mona sat next to Maxwell and took out a cotton swabs from the first-aid kit. After preparing the medicine, she said to him, "Could you move a little closer? I can''t quite reach you. Maxwell obediently:


    y scooted over, his expressive eyes gazing at her, making Mona feel shy. She quickly diverted her gaze to focus on the corner of his mouth.


    His lip was already quite swollen and was still oozing blood.


    Seeing this made Mona''s heart ache.


    She gently touched Maxwell''s lip with the cotton swab and said, I''ll try to be gentle. Let me know if it hurts too much." Maxwell nodded. From this angle, he could take in Mona''s features all at once, her big eyes, long eyshes, petite nose, and rosy lips. The sensation of their earlier kiss felt vividly fresh in his mind. As he stared at her, Maxwell unconsciously swallowed.


    His gaze on Mona intensified as if he wanted to hold her right now.


    Lost in his thoughts, Maxwell subtly leaned forward, causing Mona to inadvertently press the cotton swab a little too hard against his lip.


    "Maxwell, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to. Does it hurt too much? Want me to blow on it?" Mona said apologetically, realizing that the swab had made contact because he had leaned in,ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Maxwell knew he was at fault. He had been momentarily captivated by Mona, which made him lean in just as the cotton swab brushed against the corner of his mouth. "It''s nothing, just a bit painful," he said


    Mona straightened up to meet him eye to eye, gazing at his lip. She softly blew a couple of times and then asked, "Does that feel better?"


    In his entire life, no one had ever treated him with such tenderness as Mona did. All the warmth he had known hade from her. "Much better. Blow on it a little more. It feels nice," he replied.


    Upon hearing this, Monaplied and gently blew on his lip a few more times before finishing applying the rest of the


    medicine.


    "Do you feel any better now? Just a band-aid, but it might affect your looks a bit," she said while tidying up the first-aid kit


    She searched for a regr band-aid for quite a while but could only find cartoon-themed ones. Fortunately, Maxwell didn''t mind, and somehow, it added a touch of cuteness to him.


    Reflecting on Maxwell''s cold expression she had seen downstairs. Mona felt she must have been mistaken. He couldn''t be cute at that moment.


    "Much better. Anyway, it''s only you who sees me, so as long as you don''t mind, it''s all good," Maxwell said.


    "I don''t mind at all. I put it on myself, so how could I?" After finishing, she put the first-aid kit back in its ce and added. "You should go take a shower now. Just be careful not to get the wound wet. By the way, do you have any other injuries?"


    Maxwell shook his head. If it hadn''t been for Mona''s sudden appearance, distracting him, he wouldn''t have taken that punch. But now it seemed like the pain was worth it.


    "Okay, then I''ll go check on Albert next door. He seems to be hurt quite badly," Mona said, wanting to go over. If she didn''t, the rtionship she had managed to improve with Albert over the past few days would suffer.


    Maxwell nodded, watching Mona leave. As long as she treated his wound first, it meant he held a bit more importance in her heart, and that was enough for him.


    When Mona reached Albert''s room, she hesitated before knocking on the door. "It''s me, Mona


    "Came to see me after finishing with your husband? Come on in Albert said resentfully. He had grown up with Mona, and it bothered him that, just because she had recently married Maxwell, Maxwell suddenly held a higher status than him. Albert thought. Didn''t she see Maxwell pin me to the ground? The first person she checked on was Maxwell, not me. I have punched Maxwell, and although Maxwell has retaliated with a few punches and kicks, it''s clear that I''m the one who has suffered more, but she''s blind to it.


    Upon entering. Mona saw Albert half-reclined on the bed, his cheek swollen and bruised, with the corner of his mouth injured as well. It was obvious that Albert was the one in worse shape.


    "Does it hurt? Why were you and Maxwell fighting?" Mona asked. Maxwell had onlye to persuade Albert to join the army. And she didn''t know how things had escted to a brawl in the garden.


    "Does it hurt? You can let Maxwell hit you to see how it feels. The fight was because of a bet. If I won, I wouldn''t have to go to the army, and if I lost, I would," Albert exined.


    Now that he thought about it, he felt inferior to Maxwell in every way, gaming, fighting. It seemed that even in Mona''s eyes, he was now less significant than Maxwell "Well, you lost," Mona said proudly, surprised that Maxwell had actually made such a bet just to get Albert to join the army.


    "You''re still smiling? I''m about to lose it. Once I join the army, you won''t get to see your handsome younger brother ast often, Albert said, sounding a bit aggrieved.


    In the past, Albert had always felt that he and Mona weren''t close. She didn''t care for him and often looked down on him. Compared to Barbara, who would y games with him, Mona had always seemed more distant. But since she started dating Maxwell, she had changed a lot, and he had forgiven her for her previous behavior.. Now, seeing herugh at his misfortune made him feel a twinge of jealousy.


    Regarding Albert going to the army, Mona wholeheartedly approved,


    The army had strict discipline, which could help shape Albert''s character. Maybe he woulde back more mature. Most importantly, if he joined the army, the chances of him getting into drugs would be significantly reduced.


    Mona couldn''t quite recall if Bernard had ever mentioned sending Albert to the army for training. Back then, she had just be engaged to Teddy and was lost in happiness. Surely, Bernard had mentioned it, but Albert had probably thrown a tantrum or used a hunger strike to scare Jane, and the whole matter had eventually fizzled out.


    "What are you thinking so seriously about? You didn''t even respond to me," Albert said, suppressing the pain to nudge Mona gently.


    "Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how it''ll be weird without you around," Mona replied. With Albert gone, the vi would only have her grandparents and Jeremy left, and Jeremy, who had harmed Emily alongside Beatrice, worried her.


    Mona couldn''t help but wonder if Jeremy would hurt her grandparents over the matter of shares.

 Chapter 79

    The more Mona thought about it, the more she felt it was possible, and a sense of fear crept into her heart. She thought about how she wanted to


    urn every day, but now that she was married to Maxwell, that wouldn''t work. If the Carter family found out, they would be dissatisfied with Mona''s doing. "Yeah, I know I won''t be used to it in the army either. So, how about pleading with Maxwell for me? Albert said, holding onto ast sliver of hope.


    Given Maxwell''s indulgence toward Mona, if she really pleaded for him, Albert thought there might be a staying.


    a good chance of


    "No way. You going to the army will only bring benefits to you, no harm. Mona decisively rejected him. She could never bear to watch Albert waste his life away in rehab. "You don''t really care about me. You won''t even help me with this little thing," Albertined.


    Mona sighed and said, "Albert, it''s not about whether I help you or not. You lost the bet yourself. Do you really expect me to use my charm to bail you out? A man should keep his word." Though, inreality, she had no charm to sacrifice, as Maxwell didn''t respond to her at all.


    "Fine, I''ll go to the army. Just get out. I want to sleep, Albert said. He''d go and return even more capable, then he would take Maxwell down a notch and let him feel the taste of being beaten


    Afier Mona helped Albert turn off the lights and closed the door behind her, she returned to her room, still pondering whether Jeremy would harm her grandparents.


    She realized she couldn''t take that risk. They were her family, the light of her life.


    "Mona, what are you thinking about? You look so lost." As soon as Maxwell came out of the bathroom, he noticed Mona sitting motionless on the sofa, deep in thought.


    "I was thinking about how lonely it would be for my grandparents to live in such a big vi once Albert goes to the army. You know


    my


    dad usuallyes homete." Mona said, wishing to bring her grandparents over to live with her but fearing Maxwell might disagree.


    Of course, she would politely ask Jeremy when she brought her grandparents over, but she didn''t expect he would want to Mona knew that this n wasn''t a long-term solution, but she could only take it one step at a time. "Why don''t you ask your grandparents if they want to live with us, or we coulde back every day?" Maxwell suggested.


    Having grown up without experiencing familial love, Maxwell didn''t fully understand Mona''s feelings for her grandparents. But he loved Mona, and the people she cared about mattered to him too. That was what it meant to love someone along with everything they held dear.


    "Really? Maxwell?" Mona asked, somewhat incredulous. She thought she would have to plead to get Maxwell to agree, but he surprised her by readily epting.


    Maxwell said, "Of course! As long as you''re happy."


    Mona was so excited that she hugged Maxwell''s neck and jumped onto him, nting a quick kiss on his cheek. "You''re so wonderful. Marrying you is truly like hitting the jackpot!" Maxwell was unexpectedly taken aback by her sudden intimacy but wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her from falling. Then you''ll stay with me forever and never leave." 08:11 Thu, Oct


    179


    Maxwell finally expressed what was in his heart. Ever since Monia had put the engagement ring on his finger, he had never thought about separating from her. Even if one day she didn''t want to be with him anymore, that would be impossible Without seeing the light, one wouldn''t know its warmth, and once they did, they couldn''t bear to let it go


    The next morning, Albert announced his willingness to go to the armed that Albert i due to Maxwell and gave him a satisfied nce.


    change of heart was


    Jeremy, hearing the conversation, felt dissatisfied with Bernard''s decision but said nothing. He casually ate a few bites before heading off to work.


    In this household, Jeremy held the least power and figured it was time to speed up his own


    After Jeremy left, Mona shared her thoughts about wanting her grandparents toe stay with her for a while. Bernard gently refused, stating he didn''t want to leave the Clem family. He told Mona that they would be fine and would prefer to while Jane echoed that they were ustomed to living there for a lifetime.


    stay.


    With both of them saying so, Mona felt embarrassed to push the issue and could only think of visiting often. Before leaving with Maxwell, she specifically reminded Polly to keep an eye on Jeremy''s movements. Polly had grown up with Mona and would follow her instructions without question


    For a moment, Mona felt she had been too radical in her thoughts the night before. If Jeremy had wanted to harm her grandparents, he would have done it long ago. It seemed he only wanted the shares of the Clem Group Bernard arranged for Albert to go to the army and contacted someone that same night. Within a week, everything was settled.


    As Albert left, he shot a resentful nce at Maxwell, ming Maxwell for provoking him into a bet that led him to the army where he would face a harsh life.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Maxwell chose to ignore Albert''s resentful gaze, his eyes fixed on Mona


    That night, as Albert left, Mona felt a tightness in her chest, as if something was about to happen.


    The next day, while working, Mona received a text from Ava. [Mona,e save me! Soren is going to kidnap me.]


    It was four in the afternoon when Mona nced at the message on her screen. Her heart raced as a sense of dread washed over her. Her expression grew increasingly grave, and tears began to well up in her eyes. She took deep breaths to calm herself while quickly calling Ava to see if anyone would answer.


    As expected, no one picked up. Mona dialed twice more, but the result was the same, and she felt increasingly helpless.


    Mona was afraid she would live her life without being able to save her best friend, and tears began to fall


    With no way to contact Ava, Mona felt a growing panic.


    Almost instinctively, she called Maxwell.


    Since theirst incident with her design draft being swapped, Maxwell hadn''t yet discovered who was behind it.


    To ensure he wouldn''t miss any of Mona''s calls or messages, Maxwell had set a special ringtone for her.


    He didn''t even silence his phone during meetings


    Suddenly, the ringtone red in the conference room, drawing curious looks from everyone. They wondered who had the audacity to leave their phone on during a meeting, anticipating that Maxwell would be furious.

 Chapter 80

    801


    The meeting was abruptly interrupted by Maxwell raising his hand, leaving everyone in shock as they watched him step out to answer a phone call, eyes wide with disbelief. They didn''t know what was happening. They wondered who could make the usually unsympathetic Maxwell answer a phone call during a meeting


    As soon as Maxwell stepped outside, he answered the phone with a gentle tone, "Mona, what''s wrong?"


    Hearing Maxwell''s voice was like finding a pir of support for Mina. She gradually calmed down. "Maxwell, Soren has kidnapped Ava I need to go to Fusend to rescue her


    In her past hite, Soren hadn''t even attempted to harm Ava at this point in time, but now, it seemed things had changed.


    Maxwell didn''t know who Soren was, but he recognized Ava''s importance to Mona. Heforted her, saying, "Don''t panic. Send me Ava''s information. Bud is currently on a business trip to Fud. Let''s see if he can rescue her before we get there." Mona quickly sent Maxwell Ava''s photo, phone number, and other personal information,


    He nced at the details and forwarded them to Bud, asking him to help rescue her. Then he instructed Nigel to prepare a private jet at the airport, deciding to cancel the meeting and head home to take Mona to the airport.


    Bud was abruptly awakened by a phone call from Maxwell at around one in the morning. He was about to curse when he heard about the kidnapping, and all drowsiness vanished in an uistant. Sitting up, he contacted the police in the area and Maxwell''s team.


    Coincidentally, Bud''s ce was not far from where Ava had gone to see the kangaroos.


    It was just over an hour''s drive.


    He set off with two of his men in the dead of night toward the hotel where Ava was staying


    At the front desk, he inquired about Ava''s rental information, but the staff refused to disclose it.


    Frustrated,


    he imed to be Ava''s friend, exining that he had received a distress call from her over an hour ago and needed to confirm her safety while the police were on their way


    The receptionists were unsure whether Bud was telling the truth or not, but for the sake of the hotel''s reputation, they called


    Ava''s room


    When the phone rang, Soren picked it up.


    The receptionists ryed Soren''s words to Bud


    Soren sat on the edge of the bed, his long fingers resting over Ava''s heart. The warmth in his eyes was reced by cold indifference.


    §±§Ö


    He said tly, "My girlfriend is resting, and as for your so-called friend, my girlfriend doesn''t have any friends here in Fud. We came here to see kangaroos, so don''t be intimidated by others. These days, you never know what kind of people you might encounter. With that, he hung up.


    After hanging up, Soren looked at the "asleep" Ava with a hint of reluctance on his face. "I''m sorry, I don''t want to do this, but I''ve searched for so long, and only your heart is a match for her


    Compared to strangers, the life of someone who had grown up with him was far more valuable, so he had no choice but to impose this upon Ava.


    A hint of mockery shed in Soren''s eyes.


    He hadn''t intended to change her heart so soon. He had wanted to wait until after they got married for that, which s have been safer. But it was Ava''s poor impression of him that had made her unwilling to even talk to him. Finally, when he had the chance to act while she was out alone, he had to take matters into his own hands.


    Soren covered Ava with a nket, stood up, and left the room.


    He failed to notice the tears streaming from the corner of Ava''s eyes. When she heard Soren say he was going to take her heart, she felt as though her heart no longer belonged to her. It was merely residing in her body temporarily Ava was still conscious, but Soren''s sedative had paralyzed her holy, preventing her from opening her eyes or moving


    Just as she was enjoying her time watching kangaroos, she had identally overheard Soren discussing a n to swap hearts with another girl. After being shocked, she immediately sent a message to Mona.


    As for why she sought help from Mona instead of anyone else, one reason was that she knew her parents didn''t have the means to assist her. Moreover, Mona had always encouraged her to stay away from Soren, and there had to be a reason for that. Plus, Mona was backed by the Clem family, along with her wealthy husband, which added to their influence.


    Ava was smart. In the face of her own life, she was clear-headed


    aded


    Almost as soon as she sent the message, she was knocked unconscious by Soren.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    At


    the hotel, the receptionists were e more inclined to trust Soren, Ava''s boyfriend, than Bud, an outsider.


    After all, they had seen the couple together in recent days, often with Ava walking ahead and Soren following behind. carrying various snacks, which indicated a strong bond between them


    Seeing this, Bud felt assured that Ava was safe. He decided to drop his insistence, iming he had the wrong hotel and left the lobby.


    To rescue someone, it was essential to understand the motives of the kidnapper.


    Perhaps Soren was confident he could seed without hiding his aplices since he was still abroad. Bud instructed his men to gather information on this person, and within an hour, they had it all. The closest The closest and lovers.


    They


    I had a patient whose heart was about to fail. It was Soren''s long-time lover, Chelsea Parrish, whom he had been caring for meticulously for years.


    Werhood friends and I


    Unfortunately, Chelsea had congenital heart disease, and Soren had studied medicine to save her.


    What a


    a beautiful love story, but even the strongest love shouldn''te at the expense of others.


    A year ago, Chelsea suddenly copsed from heart pain. Soren examined her and discovered her heart was failing, and she needed a transnt to survive. Chelsea had repeatedly expressed her desire not to die. She wanted to spend her life with Soren


    Soren couldn''t bear to see Chelsea''s condition deteriorate, ultimately leaving this world and his side.


    He desperately sought a suitable heart for her.


    929


    During this trip back home, he unexpectedly encountered Ava and found their resemnce striking. From a distance, they could easily be mistaken for the same person.


    Later, he investigated Ava''s background and discovered that Ava''s mother had given birth to a child before getting married, who had been sent to an orphanage and subsequently adopted. This child was Chelsea. He secretly arranged a heart match at the hospital, and the results were a perfect match.


    Suddenly, an absurd thought crossed his mind. He wanted Ava to fall in love with him and then they would marry. If an ident urred, Ava would willingly donate her heart, allowing him to save Chelsea. However, things didn''t go as nned. Avapletely ignored him, no matter what methods he used to win her over. In the end, he had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure.

 Chapter 81

    After Bud figured out what was happening, he sent all the information he had gathered to Maxwell to ensure they would have urate details as soon as theynded. In the stillness of the night, the drugged Ava felt a bit of strength returning. She realized that it would take time for Mona to reach Fud.


    She couldn''t just sit and wait. Determined to escape, Ava struggled to sit up but immediately felt weak and copsed back onto the bed.


    Ava helplesslyy there, tears streaming down her face.


    She didn''t im to be a


    to be a good person, but she had never done anything to deserve this kind of suffering. She couldn''t understand why she had to endure such pain. At some point. Soren approached, looking at Ava lying on the bed, her features resembling Chelsea''s. He felt a flicker of emotion and said. "You''re awake. Here, drink this He held out a cup of water to her.


    Unsure if there was anything mixed in the water, Ava angrily swatted the cup away, shouting. "It''s illegal to change my heart without my consent."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Soren watched the shattered


    And what if it is illegal cup on the floor. He knew it was illegal, but this was abroad. Afterward, he could find a way to dispose of the body in the sea. Even if the police were called, they wouldn''t uncover the truth.


    He lowered his He lowered his


    Ava listened to


    adding.


    Once you''re in hell, don''t me me. me your mother for giving birth to Chelsea, for not raising her, and for giving her such poor health. I had no choice. This was my only option." "Ava, you''ve lived well enough for these decades, so let your sister enjoy a good life too." swords and roared, "You If Soren hadn''t said anything, she would still below that''s my mother''s business. Why should I pay for it? I had no idea I even had a sister until you mentioned it." be unaware of of Chelsea''s "Now that you know, you''d better willingly give your heart to her. In return, Chelsea and I will be grateful to you, with her life. It was simply absurd and infuriating


    existence. Ava didn''t think she should pay


    Soren said.


    Ava realized Soren was dead set on taking her heart. It was pointless to say more, so she decided to remain silent and hope the anesthesia would wear off quickly. She needed to stall for time, waiting for Mona to rescue her. It was ridiculous that she would give her heart to someone she didn''t even know,


    "The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning, so don''t even think about escaping." Soren said when Ava fell silent, After saying that, he administered more anesthesia to her, fearing she might try to escape. The cold liquid flowed into her body, bringing on a wave of drowsiness. Ava struggled, but her body waspletely unresponsive. Suddenly, the silence was pierced by the ringing of a phone.


    Ava tightly shut her eyes, her longshes trembling slightly. The anesthesia had just begun to wear off, and now another dose was administered. She could only pray that Mona would arrive before the surgery tomorrow.


    81


    When the ringing stopped. Ava heard Soren exim in frustration, "What did you say? Say it again. Chelsea is missing?


    Ava didn''t open her eyes. She was growing weaker and realized Soren had stood up since the bed shifted.


    After Soren left. Ava clutched her nails tightly. She didn''t want to pass out. This was a good opportunity to escape.


    She struggled to sit up, but her body waspletely out of her control.


    Suddenly, a pair of strong hands pulled her up, and the warmth of the arms enveloped her. Ava felt like she had grasped onto a lifeline and strained to open her eyes to see the person in front of her.


    11


    In her hazy vision, she saw a fair face with a small mole at the corner of his eye, not unattractive. It actually added a bit of allure to him. He had a straight nose and thin lips.


    He said softly. "Don''t be afraid. I''m a friend of Maxwell''s. I''m here to save you."


    Hearing Bud''s words, Ava felt the fear inside her dissipate by more than half. She quickly nodded, but the drowsiness. washed over her, and she fell into unconsciousness.


    Bud called out to Ava twice and realized she was already unconscious.


    Looking around, he mumbled an apology, then quickly threwck the covers and lifted Ava from the bed, heading for the


    door.


    At the entrance. Bud''s men were stationed. Seeing Ava had been rescued, they followed Bud out.


    Let''s head back to my ce. Maxwell and the others should be arriving soon," Bud said.


    The hotel Bud referred to was another suite in the same hotel. He wanted to take his men there as well to avoid any rumors about a man and woman being alone together, which could tarnish Ava''s reputation. He cradled Ava in his arms, using his coat to cover most of her face, shielding her from passersby.


    pretending to be a loving couple with Soren.


    After all, she had been here for a few day watched Chelsea, who was confused and asking why he was there. He finally realized that something was off. He couldn''t spare a moment to answer her and abruptly turned to leave. He knew someone had discovered his n


    Meanwhile, at the hospital I next door, Soren


    and was trying to save Ava. That phone call was just a a distraction.


    Chelsea noticed Soren''s grave expression and frowned. "Soren."


    Soren''s mind was entirely on Ava. He wanted to know if she was still safe in the hotel and replied hurriedly, "It''s fine. You just rest Fll be back soon."


    As Chelsea watched him leave, she silently prayed for everything to go smoothly with the surgery.


    She brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead, her eyes filled with hope and anticipation for good health. She felt no guilt towards Ava


    On the contrary, she thought it was only right for Ava to donate her heart. Chelsea-thought, ''We share the same parents. Why should she be healthy and have a good family? I couldn''t ept that.'' After Soren rushed back to the hotel, he found the room empty and kicked the foot of the bed in frustration.


    Ava being rescued meant his n had failed.


    Not only could he not perform the surgery on Chelsea, but he could also end up in prison because of this.

 Chapter 82

    Soren didn''t stay in the room for long. He returned to the hospital, nning to take Chelsea with him to leave this ce and find an opportunity to deal with Avater. The most important thing now was to ensure his own safety.


    As soon as he opened the door, he was confronted by a male police officer standing outside. Before he could shut the door. he was swiftly subdued by two officers.


    Mona and Maxwell came up from behind. Mona pped Soren hard across the face, almost copsing with the thought that she might not be able to protect Ava again. If it weren''t for Bud being in Fud, she would have lived with that guilt for the rest of her life. "You''re such a viin. People like you should end up in hell!" Mona shouted fiercely, her eyes filled with disdain as she looked at Soren..


    Soren knew that she was aware of the whole scheme to get Ava''s heart. Chelsea''s poor health had nothing to do with Ava. Ava shouldn''t get involved.


    "Yes, I''m a viin. Good p." At this point, he knew he had no chance left. By the time he got out of jail, Chelsea would likely no longer be around. But the n had almost seeded, leaving him unwilling to ept defeat.


    After Soren was taken away by the police, Maxwell noticed Mona''s red-rimmed eyes. He gently took her hand and asked softly. "Does your hand hurt? Leave the beating to me next time.


    Meeting Maxwell''s gentle gaze, Mona felt a bit relieved. "It doesn''t hurt. Let''s go check on Ava


    Maxwell nodded, and they went to the room that Bud had booked. As they entered, Mona immediately spotted Ava lying an therge bed, looking so peaceful in her ''sleep-


    "Don''t worry, Mona. She was just injected with a sedative. She''ll wake up soon" Bud reassured her, noticing the worry in her


    eyes.


    This was his first time meeting Mona in person, and she was even prettier than her photos. No wonder Maxwell has been so enamored with her for so many years, Bud thought. "Thank you for your help today, Bud," Mona said sincerely. Without him, she wasn''t sure she could have rushed in to save


    Ava.


    "It''s fine. Maxwell''s matters are my matters, and of course, your matters are also mine," Bud replied with a smile.


    Maxwell disliked Bud''s overly friendly demeanor. Since entering the room, Mona hadn''t even looked at him.


    At that moment, Maxwell noticed Ava''s hand move slightly and said, "Mona, she just moved her hand. She should be waking up soon.


    Upon hearing this, Mona nodded eagerly. She had sensed it too. Given the time, Ava shouldn''t wake up yet. Perhaps her will to survive was strong


    "Ava," Mona called out a few times, and slowly, Ava opened her eyes.


    Their gazes met, and Ava''s tears immediately streamed down. She had just dreamed of lying on a cold operating table, with harsh lights above her. Soren was hovering over her with a scalpel, saying, "Just a little longer. At that moment, she felt utterly helpless and couldn''t move at all. She didn''t want to die or lose her only heart. Faintly, she had heard Mona calling her name, which prompted her to fight to open her eyes. "It''s Okay, Ava. Don''t be afraid. The bad guy has been caught by the police, Mona said, gently wiping the tears from the corners of Ava''s eyes, trying tofort both her and herself.


    She thought. After living a second life. Ava finally has a good ending. She won''t die on that operating table;


    "Thank you foring to save me, Mona. I was so scared," Ava said. Then she looked at Bud, saying. "By the way. I still don''t know your name. Let''s get to know each other. I''m Ava, Mona''s close friend." Bud''s figure ovepped with herst view before losing consciousness, Ava knew that it was thanks to Bud that she was saved, and gratitude welled up in her heart.


    "No need to thank me. It was a small effort. My name is Bud Ray, and I''m Maxwell''s friend," Bud replied.


    Being looked at with such grateful eyes for the first time filled Bud with pride. He couldn''t help but smile as he spoke with


    Ava


    Mona watched the two of them and felt a bit out of ce standing there with Maxwell.


    After a moment, Mona recounted to Ava how Soren was taken away by the police and mentioned the half-sister she had.


    After she finished, there was a long silence in the room.


    Finally, Ava said, "No matter whether Chelsea is my half-sister or not, she has nothing to do with me. Mona, take me back. I don''t want toe to Fud again."


    She had been an only child growing up. Although her parents'' rtionship was poor, she was used to this family dynamic, so she didn''t want to engage in a messy rtionship even though she had a sister, Chelsea needed a heart, but Ava couldn''t help her, as she had only one heart herself. She was selfish.


    "Okay, we''ll leave once you''re out of the sedative," Mona said


    Mona didn''t like the sudden appearance of Ava''s sister, especially since she seemed intent on wanting Ava''s heart right from


    the start


    As dawn broke, a silver line cut across the blue sky as a ne headed toward Nathontown.


    Meanwhile, in the hospital, Chelsea learned that Soren''s mission had failed and he had been taken into custody. Soon, he would be transferred to Nathontown. Furious, Chelsea mmed everything on the table to the ground. She was in a state of deep despair. No one was there to help her. Chelsea thought, ''What am I going to do! I''m still so young and don''t want to o


    odie


    But she feltpletely helpless, finding it difficult even to get out of bed and walk a few steps.


    Is my life really going to end this way? I can''t ept it, Chelsea thought.


    Just then, there was a knock at the door. Chelsea looked up to see a man in a suit walk in. He looked at the sick person on the bed and said, "Chelsea?"


    "What do you want?" Chelsea weakly asked, afraid that he had something to do with Ava.


    "I want to cooperate with you. I can help you recover. The condition is that you must listen to my orders from now on," Gordon said, eyeing the frail woman on the bed.


    He had just been released from prison not long ago and had heard from his men that Maxwell had rescued a woman and sent a man to jail.


    He wanted to go against Maxwell. Anything that could irritate Maxwell was worth doing, even if it was just a heart. He was


    Ome trouble. willing to save this person and cause MaxwellConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

 Chapter 83

    "Okay, I agree, Chelsea responded without hesitation. After all, she thought life was more important than freedom.


    As long as Gordon could save her, she was willing to follow his orders.


    From that day on, every moment of her life would be earned.


    "Great, that''s a deal. Just wait. Someone will be here to operate on you," Gordon said.


    With that, Gordon left the hospital room and boarded a ne to Nathontown.


    Due to the strong evidence against him and the police witnessing Soren''s attempt to escape, the case regarding his intent to harm Ava was quickly decided. He was sentenced to twenty years in prison. On the day Soren was sentenced, Chelsea was taken to the operating table to receive a healthy heart.


    Back in Nathontown, Ava chose not to tell her parents about her experiences abroad because they never really cared about her. It made no difference if she shared or kept it to herself.


    After that, Ava frequently visited Mona. Sometimes, when it got toote, she would just stay at Mona''s house. Monal understood Ava''s fear and spoke to Maxwell about it, deciding to sleep next to Ava. Maxwell wasn''t happy about this arrangement but didn''t want to voice any objections. He knew Mona had her own life, and he couldn''t be too possessive.


    So, during the day, Mona worked while at night she stayed with Ava. Maxwell felt like he hadn''t been close to Mona in ages. Even when he picked her up from work, Ava sometimespeted with him for Mona''s attention.


    For the past week, Maxwell had felt frustrated but could only endure it silently.


    One day, Maxwell, as usual, drove Mona to work at the Clem Group. When they arrived at the entrance, Maxwell parked the car and then locked the doors.


    After saying goodbye to him, Mona tried to open the car door, only to find it wouldn''t budge. She turned to Maxwell with a puzzled expression, as if silently asking what was going on.


    Meeting Maxwell''s intense gaze, she saw a hint of grievance in his eyes, and suddenly felt like she had done something terribly wrong. She cautiously asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Maxwell gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Mona''s forehead and said, "Mona, do you not like me anymore? You''ve been distanttely."


    His words made Mona realize that she had indeed spent less time with Maxwell recently. Her focus had been on Ava. Feeling a bit guilty, she replied, "No, it''s just that after everything that happened, Ava is really scared. I need to be there for her, but I''ll make more time for you soon." Maxwell was aware of the situation. Mona wasforting someone else, which made him uneasy. Perhaps it was his own possessiveness showing through. Boldly, he asked, "In that case, can I have a smallpensation?" Mona nodded without hesitation.


    Maxwell then cupped Mona''s face in his hands, his charming eyes locking onto her lips. Without any hesitation, he kissed


    her.


    At first, his kiss was gentle, savoring every moment. But as it progressed, he found it increasingly hard to control himself.


    Mona had a maic pull that made it difficult for him to let go,


    After a while, as Mona felt breathless from the kiss, she gently pushed against his chest and said, "Okay, is that enough?


    If they continued, she felt like her lips would swell, and she wouldn''t know how to face anyone afterward.


    Maxwell let out a soft sound of reluctance, sitting back in his seat and opening the car door.


    As Mona got out, he said, "I really liked thatpensation. Let''s do it more often."


    Mona turned back to look at him, her eyes sparkling with embarrassment, and quickly walked away.


    She really wanted to ask Maxwell if he was really impotent. His kissing skills were so impressive they had almost made her feel dizzy.


    Taking a moment to collect herself outside the Clem Group, Monaa took a few deep breaths before slowly walking inside.


    While waiting for the elevator, she unexpectedly ran into Barbara. Perhaps it was because it was nearly time for work, the elevator was just the two of them.


    Mona red at Barbara, filled with hatred. If she could, she would have sent Barbara straight to prison. But the problem was, she couldn''t find any evidence of Barbara''s crimes, and Vespera wouldn''t reveal who was behind her.


    Barbara sensed Mona''s intense animosity and wondered if Mona had discovered her involvement with Vesper¨¤ Barbara thought, ''It shouldn''t have been possible. I have hired someone else for the task, and even if Vespera broke her promise, it has nothing to do with me. Deep down, Barbara felt that Mona''s hate stemmed from her sleeping with Teddy, so Barbara said, "Mona, let''s go shopping together this weekend. It''s been ages since we went clothes shopping together."


    Hearing this made Mona furious. Every time they went shopping together, Barbara would eagerly pick out clothes for Mona always in shades of pink with all sorts of outrageous styles, iming that Teddy liked them, while she picked out beautiful dresses for herself. Mona, thinking that she was Barbara''s cousin, would end up paying for all the dresses Barbara bought.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Now that Mona thought about it, she was livid and wished Barbara would pay her back for all the clothes.


    "Are you out of clothes or something? Trying to make me pay for you?" Mona shot back mercilessly.


    The thought of shopping with Barbara made her feel sick.


    As soon as she said this, Mona noticed Barbara''s expression change. Barbara said, "Mona, what are you talking about? Every time we go shopping, I try to pay, even for your clothes. But you insisted on paying to thank me for picking out clothes that Teddy liked. Are you ming me now?"


    Barbara''s eyes began to well with tears.


    If a third person had been in the elevator at that moment, they would have thought Mona was bullying Barbara.


    "Oh, you have a point. How about this? Let''s go shopping together this weekend, but don''t forget to bring your bank card," Mona said.


    Just then, the elevator arrived at the Design Department, and Mona stepped out first. She was determined to get Barbara to cough up some of her money, even if it made her feel sick.


    As Barbara watched Mona''s retreating figure, a flicker of disdain crossed her face. She had wanted to shop with Mona so that she could buy herself clothes, but now she had to pay for Mona Barbara thought, "What kind of nonsense is that?'' She was furious and already nning a way to avoid shopping this weekend.


    Having to buy clothes for Mona felt as ufortable as having a fly stuck in her throat.

 Chapter 84

    After returning to her workstation, Mona started preparing for the Nathontown Design Competition. This time, there wasn''t a fixed theme, allowing for free creative expression. Models would showcase her designed gowns, and judges would score them. The top three


    designs wouldpete against those from other cities.


    The Nathontown Design Competition included not just designers from the Clem Group but also designers from across Nathontown.


    As soon as registration opened, Mona submitted her application form. Now she was contemting which model to choose


    for the fashion show.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Of course, the Clem Group also had


    talent agency, but she wasn''t familiar with the models there and wasn''t sure who to approach.


    Lost in thought, Mona suddenly heard her phone vibrate. It was from Artemis.


    Excited, Mona picked up the phone and thought, ''How could I forget that I have her number?


    "Mona, have you registered for the Nathontown Design Competition? Do you need a model? I''d like to volunteer, Artemis. said.


    Mona responded eagerly. "Yes, I definitely need one."


    Artemis had a great figure and had participated in many fashion shows, gaining plenty of experience. What was more, Mona had worked with her before, so they were well-acquainted.


    "Great! Once you''ve designed the outfits,e find me. I''m looking forward to your new designs, and I hope they''ll wow me like thest time, Artemis replied.


    Last time, she wore a gown designed by Mona, leaving everyone around her in awe. Even her fans praised the outfit online, resulting in an increase in her follower count.


    So as soon as Artemis learned about the Nathontown Design Competition, she reached out to Mona, worried that someone else might beat her to it


    Thankfully, she acted quickly.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure you''re satisfied, Mona replied confidently.


    Having gained so much appreciation from her previous design experience gave Mona a significant boost in confidence.


    After hanging up, Mona felt she had tackled a major task.


    Turning around, she noticed ra staring at her. Mona asked, "What''s up?"


    ra ced a bracelet she had bought on Mona''s desk. She had chosen it after much deliberation and spent a good chunk of her sry on it. A bit embarrassed, she said, "This is for you. It''s not some luxury brand-thope you don''t mind."


    Mona looked at the silver bracelet on the desk. It was simple yet stylish, exactly to her taste. "I love it. Why did you suddenly think of giving me a gift?" she asked.


    There was no holiday or birthdaying up.


    Looking at Mona earnestly, ra-replied. "I''m just d you like it I took a long time to choose it. As for the designpetition, can I follow your lead? I want to learn from you. I know my design skills are limited, and if I register on my own, I probably won''t even make it past the preliminary round. Please, Mona, can I?"


    "Why didn''t you just say so? I''ll dly ept your bracelet. Thank you," Mona smiled.


    Though the bracelet wasn''t worth much in Mona''s eyes, the heartfelt sentiment behind it meant a lot to her. She immediately put it on her wrist, appreciating ra''s thoughtful gesture.


    Later. Alice approached Mona and tried to give her a massive diamond ne, delicately hinting at the same request ra had made. Mona outright refused her


    The others in the Design Department watched Alice''s rejection and quickly concealed their own intentions.


    Only Barbara, observing Alice''s embarrassment, felt a hint of derision. She was determined to win the Nathontown Design Competition and imed the championship, making everyone envious, especially Alice.


    As the weekend rolled around, Mona received a message from Barbara early in the morning. [Mona, my mom is feeling


    another unwell, and I have to take her to the hospital for a check-up today, so I can''t go shopping with you. We can arrange time]


    Mona read the message but pretended she hadn''t seen it. She had everything packed and was determined to go shopping. no chance of canceling. She drove Ava to Barbara''s apartment.


    Maxwell sat on the sofa, watching the two women leave and feeling frustrated. The kidnapping incident was long behind them, and Ava was no longer scared.


    Yet, Maxwell felt that Ava was constantly vying for Mona''s attention.


    Now they were going out shopping without him, which only added to Maxwell''s resentment.


    He wanted some form ofpensation


    Mona parked her car right in front of Barbara''s apartment and knocked on the door.


    Barbara opened it and was shocked to see Mona. Barbara thought. ''Didn''t I say I am taking my mother to the hospital today?


    "Mona, you..." Barbara began, but Mona interrupted her.


    "Aren''t you going to the hospital with your mom? Ava and I have some free time, so we''re here to keep youpany," Mona said sincerely, returning to her usual warm demeanor.


    After speaking. Mona noticed the confused expressions on their faces. "Ava and I won''t go in. We''ll wait outside. Put on your shoes!"


    Once they left, Beatrice looked at Barbara in confusion and asked about what happened. Barbara exined the situation.


    Reluctantly, Beatrice put on her shoes. Given the choice between going shopping with Mona and spending her own money, Barbara would have preferred the hospital visit.


    The four of them went to the hospital, with Mona enthusiastically suggesting all the tests Beatrice needed to run.


    After Beatrice had nearlypleted all the tests, Mona finally led the three of them out of the hospital, satisfied. Beatrice had just undergone these tests recently, so most of the money spent today felt wasted. On the way back, Barbara and Beatrice nced at Mona, both filled with dissatisfaction.


    Halfway through the drive, Barbara realized they were heading the wrong way. "Mona, are you lost? This isn''t the way to my house."


    Mona shook her head. "I''m not lost. We''re not going to your house. We''re going to the mall. Didn''t we agree to go shopping! Now that Beatrice''s check-up is done, we have time!"


    Hearing this, Ava in the passenger seat struggled to hold hark


    Barbara shot Mona a re, awkwardly smiling. If she rejected clothes.


    She couldn''t afford to sever ties with Mona just yet, so she had


    Mona drove directly to the nearestrge shopping mall, parke fashion section on the second floor.

 Chapter 85

    The second floor was filled with boutique women''s clothing, luxury goods, and trendy styles, all at prices that were anything but cheap.


    Barbara watched as Mona headed straight for the first store, furning with frustration. She could never bring herself to shop there. The prices were outrageously high, even for her own clothes. "Mona. I remember that this shop''s clothes don''t really suit you Ler''s check out the store ahead. They have a lot of pink outfits that are new arrivals." Barbara suggested, purposely mentioning the pink outfits, which were Teddy''s favorite color and also what Mona used to wear often. It was one thing to mention pink, but as soon as Mona heard it, she was reminded of her ridiculous life in her past life. where even her clothing choices were meant to please others. She felt like she had no sense of self at all. "But Barbara, I really like the clothes in this store right now. I want to buy something from here," Mona insisted.


    After saying that, she dragged Ava into the store, leaving Barbara and Beatrice no choice but to follow.


    As soon as she walked in, Barbara saw Mona and Ava picking out clothes together. A troubling thought crossed her mind. Would Ava''s outfit end up costing my money?" While she was pondering this, Mona and Ava got out of the fitting room, both dressed in matching outfits and stood right in front of her.


    Barbara, do you think this outfit looks good on Ava and me?" Mona asked, forcing a smile.


    Barbara nced up and noticed the two of them in matching outfits, one in ck, one in white. Mona wore the white, Ava the ck. Both were tall and elegant, and the outfits looked especially striking on them. A flicker of jealousy shed in Barbara''s eyes, but she quickly Mona nced at herself in the mirror, satisfied, and nodded. "Yeah, I think they look fine. Let''s get them.


    changed her expression and said, "It''s great. But I still think Mona looks better in pink


    Hearing what Mona said, Barbara was practically furious. She had clearly meant "it''s great" as a polite way of saying it didn''t look good, yet Mona seemed oblivious and still wanted to buy it Is she doing it on purpose? Barbara thought The more she thought a about tit, the more convinced Barbara became that Mona was doing this on purpose. From the moment Mona brought Ava over to her house, it felt like Mona just wanted to spend her money. Barbara shot a a few cold nces at Mona, who pretended not to notice and happily continued to pick out clothes with Ava. After all, it wasn''t her money that was being spent


    As Mona and Ava tried on outfit after outfit, Beatrice grew anxious. She thought, ''How much would all these clothes cost?" She followed closely behind Mona, pointing out that one outfit was too dark and another too shy. None of them suited her. Eventually, Mona politely asked the sales associate to pack the clothes that Ava and she had tried on. Mona said, "I think they all look great. Barbara, you can pay now"


    After a moment of hesitation, Barbara still didn''t pay, her grip tightening around her credit card. She was reluctant to pay for Mona because she knew all those clothes would cost a fortune.


    "What''s wrong, Barbara? Didn''t you say you wanted to buy me same clothes? Are you backing out now? You should''ve said something earlier. I would have paid for myself. Now it''s just awkward, Mona remarked casually when Barbara remained silent for too long. At her words, the store staff turned to Barbara with knowing looks, as if to say, "Oh, so that''s how it is. She offered to buy, but now she''s reluctant to pay."


    Suddenly, Barbara could feel the contempt in the way everyone was looking at her. Their gazes were filled with disdain.


    Barbara wished she could shut Mona up, but this was a public ce, and she needed to maintain her dignity. "Of course I will pay. I just zoned out for a moment. I''ll be right there," she stammered.


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Barbara walked over to Mona, clutching her credit card tightly. When she saw the outfits they were holding, Barbara felt her teeth clench in frustration. "Ava, are you expecting me to pay for yours too?"


    If Barbara was asking that, Ava, who had any sense of dignity, would surely refuse.


    Barbara''s question, Ava nced at Mona. She didn''t mind spending a bit on clothes, but Mona had told her today that Barbara was paying. After all, Mona had spent so much money on her before.


    Hearing Barba


    Ava and Mona were close friends who shared everything from money to living arrangements. But if their rtionship soured, she would want to reim all the benefits she had givenConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Mona noticed Ava''s hesitation and bluntly said, "Barbara, it''s just the cost of a few outfits. Just pay remember I bought your friends something before"


    for


    Barbara had benefitted from Mona plenty of times, whether it was for shopping or meals. Each time, Mona was the one footing the bill. Now, asking Barbara to buy a few outfits for herself and Ava was hardly a big deal. "Right. I was just asking. Barbara replied awkwardly.


    Mona was s clearly trying to get her to pay today


    Barbara watched as half of her bnce disappeared from her credit card Teddy gave her this credit card, which she hesitated to spend herself. Yet here she was, giving it all to Mona


    After paying, Mona looked at the Thank y


    Mona looked at the bags in her hands and then at Barbara''s disgruntled expression, feeling particrly pleased as they exited the store. you for for shopping with us. We look forward to seeing you again, the staff said as they left. Barbara silently grumbled to herself, I''m nevering back again"


    Once outside, Mona led the three of them to a shoe store, specifically looking for designer brands, which made Barbara feel like she was about to explode.


    Just as she was about to intervene, Mona and the others had already stepped inside.


    Upon entering. Mona didn''t choose shoes for herself. Instead, she spotted the most expensive pair in the store and brought them to Barbara


    "Barbara, I think these shoes are stunning and would suit you perfectly. Just look at the diamonds. They shine so brightly They would match that gorgeous diamond dress of yours beautifully. I remember you love that dress, but you haven''t found the right shoes to go with it. This is perfect," Mona said, gazing mito Barbara''s eyes with sincere admiration To be honest, Barbara was indeed drawn to the shoes Mona held And what she said was true. She had a dress she loved that needed matching shoes. Maybe Mona did care about her after all


    But when Barbara smiled and epted the shoes from Mona, her smile faltered when she saw the price, 600 thousand dors That was just too expensive.

 Chapter 86

    "Barbara, don''t they look great? You should try them on. They''re your size," Mona said, kindly guiding Barbara to sit down.


    The nearby sales associates watched them with cautious eyes, terrified of damaging the shoes or identally switching them out. After all, it would take a lifetime of working to pay off the price of these shoes. "Yeah, you should definitely try them on. They look stunning. I think they really suit you," Ava chimed in.


    Barbara gazed at the shoes at her feet, increasingly enchanted. Since she was already seated, she thought, "Why not give it a go? If they don''t fit, I could just say no. Trying them on won''t hurt!


    With the help of the sales associate, Barbara slipped on one shoe. Under the lights, the sleek design sparkled beautifully, and Barbara couldn''t tear her eyes away from them. However, the price still loomed heavily in her mind. "Miss, those shoes look fantastic on you. Why not try the other one and see how it looks?" The sales associate smiled, already reaching for the precious shoe and cing it at Barbara''s feet, eager to help her try it on.


    This pair had been sitting unsold in the store, and if the sales associate managed to sell them today, hermission would exceed her monthly sry.


    Barbara admired her reflection in the shoe. It felt tailor-made for her, and she didn''t want to take them off.


    "Barbara, you look amazing in those shoes," Mona feigned enthusiasm.


    Truth be told, Mona wasn''t fond of the shoes Barbara wore, especially considering they would pair with a dress covered in diamonds. It just felt like unting wealth.


    "Mona''s right. They look great. Just buy them, Barbara. You can definitely afford it," Ava echoed, reinforcing Mona''s words.


    Perhaps because she had spent so much time with Mona since childhood, their tastes had be remarkably aligned, except for the changes during their college years.


    When the sales assistants overheard Ava saying money wasn''t an issue, they pulled out all the stops, showering Barbara withpliments about the shoes she was wearing. Of course, some of their praise was genuine, as they too had a fondness for diamond-studded items.


    In the end, as Barbara absorbed the eager nces from everyone around her, coupled with her own admiration for the shoes, she felt guilty refusing their encouragement.


    Just then, Maxwell and Bud walked in.


    As soon as they entered, Bud''s voice boomed, "Hey, it really is you, Mona. I was just telling Maxwell I thought it was you in here, and it turns out I was right. We were just wandering around, and look at that, we ran into each other. What a coincidence." "Wow, what a coincidence," Mona replied, surprised to see Maxwell shopping for clothes at that moment, especially since they were on the women''s floor.


    Maxwell stood quietly beside Bud. Upon spotting Mona, he moved closer to her, eyeing the shoes on Barbara''s feet. Then, looking at Mona, he instructed the sales associate, "Get me a pair in size 7. Wrap them up."


    By a twist of fate. Barbara''s shoes were indeed size 7, and since they were a custom pair, there was only this one set avable. no other sizes.


    Since Barbara was wearing them, the sales associate asked, "Miss, are you nning to buy these shoes?"


    The implication was clear. If Barbara didn''t want them, they would sell them to someone else, as there was already a buyer


    waiting.


    15


    ".." Barbara''s eyes darted to Maxwell, wondering why he sudderdy wanted those shoes. Could it be he intended to gift them to me? That seems unrealistic, Barbara thought.


    She recalled adding him on WhatsApp, but he still hadn''t epted her request. Did he just not see it, or was he ignoring my request? Barbara thought.


    While Barbara contemted, the sales associate reiterated her earlier question.


    Maxwell subtly took Mona''s hand, drawing small circles in her palm as if tomunicate that he was buying for her.


    A tingling sensation spread across Mona''s palm as she looked up meeting Maxwell''s gaze, filled with affection. Her heart raced, feeling as if butterflies were fluttering inside her.


    Maxwell''s presence disrupted her n to encourage Barbara to buy the shoes, but seeing Barbara blush and struggle between wanting the shoes and not wanting to part with her money, Mona felt a sense of satisfaction.


    In this new life, she wanted to do anything to make Barbara unhappy or ufortable.


    But Mona felt that she was being wasteful letting Maxwell spend so much money


    her.


    "Barbara, it''s a simple question. If you want them, buy them. If not, just say so." Ava said, her gaze subtly shifting to Bud.


    Ever since that time Ava had been drugged and had a hazy encounter with Bud, she often found herself thinking about him. Eventually, she realized she might have developed feelings for Bud


    Finally, Beatrice, who had been silent until now, said, "Barbara, since Maxwell wants to buy those shoes, just let them go."


    Her words were perfect. They not only provided Barbara an excuse to pass on the shoes but also showcased her graciousness to everyone present.


    Hearing Beatrice''sment, Barbara felt reluctant. She gazed at the shoes on her feet, admiring their beauty and how well, they suited her. Yet she understood that buying them meant she would have no money left. She couldn''t purchase them now. She had to heed Beatrice''s advice.


    She looked at Maxwell and shed a smile tinged with regret. With her naturally innocent appearance, embodying the image of a good girl, this smile only enhanced her purity, making anyone who saw her unable to resist feeling a sense of tenderness for her. Reluctantly, she removed the shoes, ncing at them longingly before handing them to the sales associate.


    both


    Barbara''s jealousy toward Mona grew more intense, making her wish she could do away with Mona altogether. They hadN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    grown up in the Clem family, yet because of their bloodline, Mona had always been better off. Even in small matters like pocket money, Beatrice would often sneak Mona a bit more As for the guests at the Clem family, every single one would shower praise on Mona, while Barbara would only receive a passingment.


    These minor grievances had umted over time, and jealousy began to take root in Barbara''s heart, growing stronger with each passing moment. She wanted everything Mona had for herself.


    Seeing Barbara''s expression, Bud couldn''t help but smirk. If he hadn''t been with Maxwell and unaware of Barbara''s affair with Mona''s fianc¨¦, he would have thought Maxwell and Mona were bullying her.


    Maybe he would have been kind enough to simply buy the shoes for Barbara


    Yet now, observing Barbara, he felt she was especially cunning.


    Maxwell swiped his card without a hint of hesitation and then turned to Mona with a look that suggested he intended to reward her.

 Chapter 87

    Mona met Maxwell''s sulky gaze and couldn''t help but smile. She turned to Barbara and said. "Thanks for giving up the shoes, Barbara. I''ll take them now. It''s gettingte, and I need to head home for dinner, so I won''t be shopping with you any longer. I''ll be on my way," After she said that, Maxwell pulled Mona out of the shoe store without even ncing back at Barbara, while Ava and Bud followed behind them.


    Seeing Barbara''s frustrated and wronged expression. Ava felt a thrill of satisfaction. She thought about how she had secretly slept with Teddy, and how devastated Mona must have been when she casually switched fianc¨¦s at the engagement ceremony. At least this new fianc¨¦ treated Mona well and was willing to spend money on her. Aside from not being able to do anything intimate, everything else was good.


    Once outside, Bud struck up a conversation with Ava as they walked slowly behind. He remembered his mission for the day. to find a way to take Ava away. She spent too much time glued to Mona, which was making Maxwell unhappy.


    Mona, still holding Maxwell''s hand, soon realized that Ava hadn''t caught up. She turned to Maxwell and said, "Wait a second. Ava isgging behind."


    As soon as Ava arrived, Mona asked, "Why are you two walking so slowly?"


    "Slow? I think it''s just right. You and your husband should head home first. Bud and I are going out for lunch, Ava replied with a gentle smile, winking at Mona with her big eyes, as if to say, "You know what I mean." Ava hadn''t expected Bud to invite her to lunch.


    Mona nced at the two of them, sensing something was off, and nodded slightly at Ava. "Okay, enjoy your lunch..


    "Well, Mona, since she won''t be going to your ce tonight, I''ll just take her home myself, Bud said with a cheerful smile. giving Maxwell a knowing look and urging him to seize the opportunity.


    He was willing to sacrifice his own charms for his buddy.


    Upon hearing this, Mona immediately released Maxwell''s hand and pulled Ava to a nearby corner.


    "Ava, you''re noting back home with me tonight?" Mona asked, genuinely concerned that Ava hadn''t fully recovered from the Soren incident.


    Ava nodded. "No, I need to go back to my own ce. I''ve been staying at yours for a while now."


    She then turned to Maxwell with a teasing smile. "If I went home with you, and we slept together every night, your husband would be furious. He might just kick me out in the middle of the night." "What are you talking about? He knows what happened. He wouldn''t be that petty. By the way, are you still scared about it?" Mona asked, worried.


    "Scared? Not anymore. Anyway, hurry back to enjoy your time with your husband. I need to go pursue my own happiness," Ava said with augh, heading towards Bud, feeling increasingly attracted to Bud.


    The four of them parted ways at the elevator. Ava and Bud headed upstairs to the restaurant, while Mona and Maxwell went to the parking lot to drive home.


    Barbara stood behind the group, ring fiercely at Mona and Maxwell, filled with hatred and a desire to tear Mona apart


    "Let''s head back. We have plenty of time. We need to learn to endure. Once your father''s business is settled, you can do whatever you want. It''s just a pair of shoes. You can buy several pairs and throw them in Mona''s face in the future!" Beatrice said venomously.


    Beatrice had managed to take Jeremy from Eamily, and after discovering Barbara was Jeremy''s child, she even encouraged him to sabotage Emily''s brakes, leading to her unfortunate ident. Beatrice firmly believed Barbara could do the same. Whether it was the Clem Group or Maxwell, whom Barbara desired, Beatrice was confident that everything would eventually belong to Barbara.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Barbara forced a smile, saying, "I hope that dayes soon. These past few days had been too suffocating for her.


    Meanwhile, Mona and Maxwell arrived at the underground garage. Mona looked at the two cars in front of her, a little puzzled, and thought, ''Never mind, I''ll just leave my car here and ride back with Maxwell.


    Just as she was about to speak, she heard Maxwell say, "Mona, what are you dazed about? Why aren''t you opening the car


    door?"


    "Open the car door?" Mona asked, surprised. "Are you getting in my car?"


    Maxwell nodded. "Yeah, I left my car for Bud. I need you to drive me back. Or you could give me the keys, and I can drive."


    Driving Maxwell was something she had never done before. The only time was when he taught her to drive and sat in the passenger seat, but that was different.


    Mona quickly opened the passenger door and, mimicking Maxwell''s gesture, gestured for him to get in.


    Maxwell smiled, cooperating with her as he settled into the passenger seat.


    Mona got in on the other side, inserted the keys, fastened her seatbelt, turned the ignition, and as she gripped the steering wheel, she stole a nce at Maxwell. For some reason, she felt a butle nervous. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Maxwell, are you ready? We''re about to set off." "Yeah, let''s go." Maxwell noticed how tightly she was gripping the wheel. "Mona, I told youst time not to hold the wheel so tightly. Why are you still doing it today?"


    Hearing this, Mona nced down at her hands and quickly rxed her grip. "I forgot for a moment, but it''s all good now. Let''s go


    With that, she drove the car toward the exit. Although she had felt a bit nervous earlier, now that she was actually driving. the tension had eased, and excitement began to bubble within her.


    On the way home, Mona yed some soft music and admired Maxwell''s handsome profile in the passenger seat. Thinking about Barbara''s and Beatrice''s expressions today, she felt a surge of joy and unconsciously began to hum along to the music.


    Perhaps it was her unintentional disy of happiness that caught Maxwell''s attention. Once the song finished, he couldn''t help but ask, "Did you have fun shopping with your friend today?"


    His tone held a hint of jealousy. He rarely saw her this cheerful when she was with him.


    "Yeah, I had a great time shopping today because I made Barbara unhappy. If she''s unhappy, I''m happy, Also, those shoes were a gift from you, right?" Mona asked.


    Since Maxwell had already bought them, there was no point in mentioning her original intentions, especially since the shoes were quite expensive.


    "I bought those shoes for you. And if youe across anything you like in the future, just buy it," he said, pulling out his bank card to slip into Mona''s bag. Money was the one thing he had in abundance right now.


    24

 Chapter 88

    88


    Maxwell knew that Barbara had slept with Teddy, and he also understood that the reason Mona initially agreed to marry him was to get back at the two of them. So when Mona said Bara was unhappy, he found it understandable that she felt pleased. However, now that Mona had already expressed her feelings for him, he didn''t want her to get mixed up with those people anymore, especially Teddy, "Maxwell, you don''t need to give me money. I have enough of my own," Mona said, noticing his gesture. When they got married, she had mentioned transferring her shares in the Clem Group to him.


    At first, when she offered, Maxwell said it didn''t matter where the shares went once they were married. With everything that had happened recently, she hadn''t thought of it until now, and she felt awkward about epting his bank card.


    "I know you have enough money, but this is just a small token from me. Besides, isn''t it customary for a married couple tobine their finances? This is a sry card, and I have a few others at home. I''ll bring them to youter, but don''t forget to me some pocket money each month, Maxwell said as he slipped the bank card into Mona''s bag.


    "Alright, if we''re married, I''ll hold onto this card for you. You can keep the others. It''ll be easier for you to spend when you''re out," Mona replied with a smile. She was satisfied that Maxwell wis willing to entrust her with his sry card. She wasn''t unreasonable. As long as Maxwell wasn''t fooling around, it didn''t matter whose hands the family finances were in.


    Moreover, shepletely trusted Maxwell and had no doubts about him.


    In her previous life, after she passed away, she had always awakened beside Maxwell and had never seen another woman around him


    In this life, she had tried to seduce Maxwell, and although he hadn''t responded, she could feel his breath quicken when he kissed her. So she still didn''t know how he truly felt.


    However, she hade to terms with it. If he was capable, they would have a child. If not, they could adopt a child. Given the advancements in medical technology, perhaps there was even a chance of a cure.


    Regardless, as long as Maxwell''s heart belonged to her, that was enough.


    "Alright then, let''s n our wedding this year. I want everyone to know we''re married," Maxwell said, a little nervously.


    He was worried that Mona only had a slight affection for him and that it might not reach the point of wanting to have a wedding and children together.


    Mona readily agreed to the wedding ns. In fact, she had intended to have a wedding ceremony from the moment they got their marriage license. Her grandmother had suggested it, especially since a marriage between their families was a significant event in Nathontown. Moreover, she wanted Maxwell to genuinely love her. Now that her goal had been achieved, she nodded enthusiastically.


    Perhaps because she had epted Maxwell''s bank card, that night she made a mental note to contact awyer the next day to transfer her shares in the Clem Group to him.


    The next day, as she went to the office, she kept thinking about this. In the afternoon, she asked Maxwell to wait for her at the coffee shop next to the Clem Group, telling him she had a surprise for him and contacted thewyer they usually worked with


    When Mona arrived at the coffee shop, Edison Davidson hadn''t yet arrived. After waiting a bit at the entrance, Mona saw Edison approaching hurriedly. Upon spotting her, he immediately urged, "Ms. Clem, are you really going to transfer your shares in the Clem Group to someone else? This was left to you by your mother. Do your grandparents know? Do they


    891%a


    agree?"


    Edison fired off questions as he hadn''t even parked his car properly. When he received Mona''s call, his first thought was that she had been deceived. The shares in the Clem Group were incredibly valuable. Even one percent in Nathontown meant wealth, and Mona held ten percent. That would put her in a veryfortable position.


    Mona understood that Edison had watched her grow up and was entrusted with many matters of the Clem family, so she appreciated his concern.


    "Edison, don''t worry. I''m an adult and not naive. I fully understand the value of my shares in the Clem Group. My mother told me that once the shares were in my hands, they were mine to manage freely. Besides, the person I''m transferring them to is my husband," she said with a smile, particrly brightening at the mention of her husband.


    This was the first time she had called Maxwell that in front of someone else. She hadn''t even said it to him yet.


    Surprisingly, it felt very natural, without any awkwardness.


    "Wait, your husband? Are you married? But Teddy. No, weren''t you engaged to the president of the Carter family? Who did you marry then!" Edison asked, shocked. At that moment, he didn''t even know Mona had gotten married, let alone to whom


    "My husband is Maxwell. I''ve already registered our marriage, and we''re nning to have a wedding this year. You muste to our wedding," Mona said cheerfully as she began to walk into the coffee shop.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She had been off work for a while and was worried that Maxwell might be waiting too long inside.


    Just as she was about to open the door, Edison pulled her back urgently, saying, "Ms. Clem, you just registered your marriage with Mr. Carter. How can you transfer your shares to him? Have you considered that Mr. Carter might have married you for your shares? If that''s the case, you''d be betraying your mother."


    "Edison, you have to trust my judgment and Maxwell''s attitude toward me. He''s never brought up my shares, and he even willingly gave me his bank card and other things. I''m grown up now and won''t regret my decisions. Even my grandparents support me. Besides, he has plenty of assets himself. Even if he used this money to buy my shares. I''d be making a profit," Mona exined


    After hearing this, Edison felt significantly relieved. Their finances were essentially a couple''s affair, so he didn''t need to worry so much.


    He followed Mona into the coffee shop.


    Once inside, she spotted Maxwell sitting by the window. He looked handsome, and she could always notice him. immediately in a crawd

 Chapter 89

    As Mona walked toward Maxwell, it seemed they had some kind of connection. He looked up, and their eyes met in the air, both of them smiling.


    After Mona and Edison sat down, Edison ced the contract and a pen in front of them. Maxwell looked at the share transfer contract and then at Mona


    Mona sensed Maxwell was a bit angry, so she took his hand and said, "Just like you said, you''ve entrusted your property to me, so of course, I''m transferring the shares to you. We agreed on this when we got engaged, and you can''t go back on it, or I won''t feel at ease."


    Maxwell met Mona''s trusting gaze and replied frankly. "I didn''t marry you for your shares. I just simply like you."


    "Okay, I understand, but I want to give them to you for safekeeping. After all, you''re my husband, Mona replied.


    After she said thatst sentence, she noticed Maxwell''s eyes flicker, his eyes seemed to widen involuntarily, and he stared at her without blinking.


    After a long pause, Maxwell quietly asked, "What did you just call me?"


    Mona felt suddenly shy at his question. She had


    dit spontaneously, but now that Maxwell was asking so directly, she struggled to respond. "Didn''t you just hear? Stop asking and sign the contract. We can talk more at home."


    Edison, sitting across from them, touched his nose, feeling as if he had been forced to watch to watch them unt their affection.


    Maxwell felt a surge of joy at that moment. It meant he hadn''t misheard. Mona had really called him ''husband.


    When Mona handed him the pen to sign, he vaguely scribbled his name and then looked at her with a silly smile.


    After everything was settled and Edison left, Maxwell suddenly realized that he had just unwittingly epted the shares


    from Mona.


    But seeing Mona''s happy expression made him feel like he had done a good deed.


    He thought, ''Well, it''s fine. If the shares are in my hands, they''re still our joint property as a couple


    As the days passed, Mona felt that her rtionship with Maxwell was getting better and better. She was enjoying her time in the Design Department, preparing her entry for the designpetition, and recently, Barbara hadn''t been bothering her, which gave her a breather.


    A few days ago, she told Maxwell about her mother''s unexpected death and asked him to help investigate. The moment she brought it up, Maxwell understood her intentions and nodded. When she mentioned that Jeremy and Beatrice were highly suspicious, he asked Nigel to look into it discreetly.


    After Mona came back to life, she considered telling her grandparents that Jeremy and Beatrice had conspired to kill her mother, but after thinking it through, she abandoned the idea. Since they couldmit such a cruel act, Mona feared they might retaliate if she revealed it, endangering her grandparents,


    But Maxwell was different. Jeremy and Beatrice would never suspect that he would send someone to investigate Emily''s death. After spending so many days with him, along with her experiences from her previous life, she knew Maxwell was not as simple as he appeared. She felt secure entrusting him with the investigation


    With ra''s help, Mona had already sketched out her design and was ready to start production the following day.


    That day, she got off work early and decided to visit the Carter Group to surprise Maxwell, so he wouldn''t have toe to the Clem Group to pick her up.


    After exiting the Clem Group, Mona hailed a cab to the Carter Group.


    Not long after Mona left, Barbara received a text from Gordon. I know you haven''t found a suitable model yet. Let me introduce


    you to someone-Lydia Reed. Consider it my sincere intention to coborate with you.]


    The message included the meeting address.


    Barbara knew Lydia well. She was the heiress of the Reed family, who had be increasingly sessful in business before moving away from Nathontown to Yosneosnd. Lydia had participated in numerous fashion shows and won many awards, and it was rumored that she studied abroad at the same school as Maxwell.


    Compared to Artemis, Lydia was even more impressive.


    If she were willing to wear Mona''s designs for the Nathontown Design Competition, it would significantly increase Barbara''s chances of winning.


    Honestly, Barbara had wanted to contact Lydia for a long time, but since Lydia lived abroad, she rarely participated in such events and didn''t even have her contact number.


    Now that the opportunity had arisen, Barbara drove to the designated ce without a second thought.


    Gordon had booked a private room at a restaurant, and Barbara walked in, led by a waiter.


    Inside the room, only Gordon was present. Barbara didn''t see Lydia, but since she was there, her initial decision to avoid coborating with Gordon began to waver.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    The reason was that Teddy had been seeking Mona''s forgivenesstely, and the Powers Group was on the brink of copse due to pressure from the Clem and Carter Groups. Teddy mentioned that the Carter Group was particrly determined to bring down the Powers Group. When Gordon saw Barbara arrive, he warmly greeted her and politely pulled out her chair.


    Gordon felt an inexplicable attraction to beautiful women; he was drawn to both Mona and Barbara, even though they were different types, one vibrant, the other pure, and he liked them both.


    Once Barbara sat down, Gordon took a seat beside her. "Barbara, right? You''re truly beautiful. Let me introduce myself. I''m Gordon Carter, Maxwell''s older brother."


    Barbara said, "Thank you, I know. You texted me about Lydia..."


    "Right, Lydia is on her way. If you agree to coborate with me, once I take control of the Carter Group, you''ll have power and wealth at your fingertips. Plus, we can avenge the Clem family for driving you out, Gordon said straightforwardly.


    He had already found out that Jeremy was Barbara''s father and the current general manager of the Clem Group. While he didn''t have shares, he still had some connections in thepany. It was evident that Barbara hated Mona, and since they had amon enemy, they could work together.


    Seeing Barbara remain silent, Gordon continued, "Don''t you want to outshine Mona at the Nathontown Design Competition? If you work with me, I can help you make your wishese true." Thu, Oct 24

 Chapter 90

    BK 91%a 910


    Barbara was indeed eager to win against Mona at the Nathontown Design Competition and get revenge for being overlooked by Artemisst time. "Fine. I''ll work with you, but there are some things I won''t do, and you can''t pressure me into it Barbara said. Gordon, hearing what he wanted, pped his hands enthusiastically and smirked, "That''s the spirit."ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    As their conversation continued, Barbara listened to Gordon recount how he nearly bankrupted thepany. He exined that he was negotiating a lucrative deal with an overseas partner, but someone sabotaged it, almost leading thepany to Then, Maxwell returned from abroad with a project that could save the Carter Group. His only condition was to take Gordon''s position in thepany.


    Thus, Richard agreed, and the Carter Group grew stronger under Maxwell''s leadership, while Gordon was left with the reputation of nearly ruining thepany.


    Just then, there was a knock at the door. Lydia had arrived.


    Gordon opened the door, and Barbara looked over to see ady with an angelic face,rge eyes, and a stunning figure that seemed mismatched with her looks. That was probably why everyone remembered her. "Hi, Im Barbara. It''s nice to meet you." Barbara extended her hand to Lydia.


    Lydia shook it casually. "I''m Lydia, you''re Mona''s cousin?"


    Barbara nodded. "Yes" They had no blood rtion, but it was a secret few knew. After all, the Clem family cared about Mona''s reputation and would never let anyone know that Jeremy wasn''t her biological father. In public, Barbara was still Mona''s Barbara.


    "Great. I''m participating in the Nathontown Design Competition and we have to win first ce. I can''t stand Mona winning." Lydia said through gritted teeth.


    She had just spent a year training abroad and was shocked to learn that Maxwell was already married. Lydia had her eyes on him first, so she couldn''t stand another woman winning Maxwell''s heart.


    Even if he was married, she wanted him to divorce.


    This was also why she had given up so many good opportunities abroad to return andpete in the Nathontown Design Competition. She needed to prove she was better than Mona and that Maxwell was making a mistake by marrying her. "Alright, since we''ve reached an agreement, let''s celebrate, Gordon suggested, smiling. With two beautiful women dining with him, he had a good appetite.


    "Enjoy yourselves. I have to go home. My grandpa is expecting to go back to have dinner. In a couple of days, he''s hosting a small weing ball, and you both shoulde," Lydia said before putting on her sunsses and mask and leaving. Once Lydia left, Barbara quickly found an excuse to exit the private room as well. Cordon''s reputation wasn''t great, and she didn''t want to get involved.


    After both women had left, Gordon sat in the private room, sighing quietly to himself. He thought, "What is this? I just wanted to have a meal with two beautiful women, and now they were gone.


    He would head back to the family. Richard would probably call Maxwell back too.


    Mona waspletely unaware of the deal made by the three. When her taxi pulled up to the Carter Group, she paid the


    fare and got out.


    She walked toward the Carter Group in a good mood. Even though she had been married to Maxwell for some time, she had never been to hispany.


    As soon as Mona entered, the receptionist approached her,


    The receptionist recognized her as Mr. Carter''s fianc¨¦e. They had just gotten engaged recently.


    Nigel had mentioned that if Mona ever came to thepany, she didn''t need to check in. She could go straight to the president''s office.


    Anyone who Nigel made a point to mention, especially the president''s fianc¨¦e, deserved extra attention. So, the receptionist made sure to remember Mona''s appearance, just in case they crossed paths. Sure enough, today, that memory came in handy. "Ms. Clem, you must be here to see the president. Pleasee with me. I''ll take you up," the receptionist said warmly.


    Mona nodded. "Yes, thank you."


    She hadn''t expected the receptionist to know she was looking for Maxwell right away. When she entered, Mona was worried she wouldn''t be allowed in and had prepared excuses to contact Nigel if necessary. But here she was, being led straight to Maxwell.


    It dawned on her that Maxwell must have arranged this in advance, and she felt enveloped in his affection.


    Maxwell must truly care for and value Mona to go out of his way to arrange every little detail so wlessly.


    The receptionist led Mona to the top floor, pointing to Maxwell''s office door. "Ms. Clem, you can go in by yourself. We''re not allowed inside the president''s office."


    As a mere receptionist, she usually didn''t even have the chance to go to the highest floor.


    Mona nodded and thanked her again. Once the receptionist left, Mona approached the door.


    Just before reaching it, she was stopped by someone who said unfriendly, "Who are you? Who brought you up here? Do you not know you can''t just wander in?"


    The speaker was Maxwell''s secretary. She was used to seeing some women who thought they were attractive sneaking into thepany, hoping tond a wealthy benefactor.


    And Maxwell was the best option among them, young, handsome, and rich. He was the dream patron for many.


    The secretary thought, "Now, another woman who thinks she is attractive has arrived. The secretary looked down on such women who sought shortcuts instead of working hard for their money. "Oh, I''m Mona, Maxwell''s fianc¨¦e. I''m here to see him," she said, unfazed by the hostility.


    The presence of such a person at Maxwell''spany indicated good management. If chaotic individuals were allowed in, they would be "invited" out, thus relieving Maxwell of many troubles. Fianc¨¦e?'' Macy Cummings thought to herself. Macy recalled Nigel mentioning that if she ever encountered Maxwell''s fianc¨¦e, she shouldn''t stop her,


    In an instant, Macy realized she had just misspoken by blocking Mona. If she offended Mona, it wouldn''t be good.


    I''m sorry, Ms. Clem. My tone was inappropriate. The president is in a meeting. Would you like to wait in his office, or should I go get him for you?" Macy said politely.


    She hoped to redeem herself in Mona''s eyes. She didn''t want Mona to say anything bad about her in front of Maxwell, especially since she was hoping for a promotion. 91%1


    "It''s fine. I can wait in his office. Mona didn''t take Macy''s tone to heart. She actually wished Macy treated everyone like this.


    Seeing Mona unbothered, Macy finally rxed. After a moment''s thought, she decided to inform Maxwell that Mona was waiting for him in the office.

 Chapter 91

    Mona opened the door and entered Maxwell''s office. The decor was simple yet elegant, predominantly ck and white, with minimal furnishings, a desk, a sofa, and a coffee table. After a quick nce around, she settled into the ck s, waiting for Maxwell to finish his meeting so they could head home together. Almost


    t as soon as Mona sat down, Maxwell walked in. His face up with surprise. He had doubted the secretary''s. announcement, fearing someone was impersonating her.


    Seeing Mona ona made all all the exhaustion from his day''s meetings vanish. Maxwell sat beside Mona, wrapping his arms around her, and asked, "Mona, what brings you here today?" Mona draped her


    He knew she had been busytely, often workingte, which left little time for them to be together.


    I her arms around Maxwell''s neck and softly murmured, "Of course, I came to see you."


    Her voice was gentle, and her bright eyes sparkled. Her presence alone lifted Maxwell''s spirits, and the way she spoke to him made it even harder for him to resist.


    Maxwell''s gaze fixed on Mona''s red lips, and he leaned down, kissing her As he leaned in, a faint, pleasant scent lingered, making Maxwell unwilling to pull away.


    Her lips were soft, with a light fragrance that tempted him to indulge further.


    As they kissed, Mona sensed Maxwell''s affection for her growing. He seemed to enjoy kissing her more oftentely. Sometimes, after dinner, the two of them would sit in the living room watching TV. As time passed, he''d start to cuddle up for this?" to her. On a couple of of asions, Mona clearly sensed his shift and almost asked him, "Are you sure you''re up


    Yet, he would suddenly release her and retreat to his room, leaving Mona feeling confused on the sofa. Their kiss was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of Maxwell''s phone. Mona gently nudged him, signaling that he should answer it Maxwell reluctantly pulled his lips away from Mona''s, his affectionate gaze lingering on her. With a low, hushed voice near her ear, he whispered, "I can''t bear to to leave your


    It was


    kiss.


    his grandfather, Richard. calling. As Maxwell spoke, Mona remained beside him, listening intently.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Their conversation was clear. Richard informed Maxwell that Lydia was at the Carter family for dinner and wanted him to return tonight. Usually, he would invite Mona along, but this time he didn''t mention it.


    Maxwell responded casually and hung up, turning to Mona. "My grandfather wants us to have dinner at the Carter family tonight. There are guests."


    "I heard. Who is Lydia?" she asked, noting that the name sounded like a girl''s and wondering if there was a connection to Maxwell.


    "She''s the granddaughter of my grandfather''s friend. She used to visit our home often when she was little, but her family moved abroad a few years ago. I''m not sure why they suddenly came back." Maxwell exined.


    His impression of Lydia was fairly neutral. He remembered her as a cute young girl. When he first arrived at the Carter family, others would bully him and look down on him. Lydia, however, neither mistreated him nor stood up for him. She simply kept her distance.   91%E


    91%E


    Later, while studying abroad, Maxwell happened to attend the same school as Lydia. Since she hadn''t bullied him when they were younger, he agreed to have lunch with her once when she reached out. However, after that, he found it troublesome and chose not to keep in touch touch


    What Maxwell didn''t know was that rumors circted at school about them being a couple.


    "Oh, is that all?" Mona asked skeptically. She remembered Gordon mentioning that Maxwell had a girlfriend before, and they broke up because he wasn''t capable.


    Yep, that''s all there is to it. What did you think?" Maxwell replied, seeming curious about her thoughts.


    "Nothing, let''s hurry back. I don''t want to keep them waiting," she said, dismissing her worries. Maybe she was overthinking it, or perhaps Gordon was just being misleading since he wasn''t exactly trustworthy. As she spoke. Mona grabbed her bag and walked toward the office door.


    Maxwell instinctively wed I her, taking out the car keys and reaching for her hand as they exited, their fingers intertwined.


    As they walked out, they


    were spotted by Macy from the secretary department, her eyes widening in surprise.


    Macy thought, ''Oh my god, I couldn''t believe my eyes! The cold distant president is actually holding a woman''s hand openly and smiling."


    In that instant, she realized that apologizing to Mona earlier was the best decision she had made.


    Quickly, she snapped a couple of f discreet photos and shared them in the secretary the president''s fianc¨¦e. Please show respect when you see her.]


    group chat. [Attention, everyone. This is


    Immediately, a junior secretary responded: [Got it! Tll make sure to treat the president''s fianc¨¦e with utmost respect from now on.]


    [She looks amazing from behind. They make a great couple.]


    I can''t believe I''m witnessing the president showing affection. I thought he would be alone forever given his temperament..]


    [From what I know, they''re in a political marriage, but there must be some feelings involved, right?]


    Are they just putting on a show for us?]


    Macy: [Let''s not jump to conclusions. It''s not our ce to make guesses. Just remember to treat her with respect. But I think they genuinely care for each other. I just saw the president smile


    As Maxwell continued to hold Mona''s hand while exiting the office, they attracted a lot of attention from employees, sparking lively discussions in the office about who had managed to capture Maxwell''s heart. When Maxwell drove Mona to the Carter family, Lydia had already arrived.


    Mona could hear theughter and chatter from outside, wondering if the atmosphere at the Carter family had always been this lively.


    "Let''s go inside. We''ll head home right after dinner," Maxwell said, holding her hand naturally.


    He sensed that Mona didn''t enjoying to the Carter family, and he felt the same way. He preferred their own house, which brought him a sense of rxationpared to this ce


    "Okay, let''s go. Mona said.


    Once inside, as usual, Martin greeted them, saying, "Mr. Carter is back."


    Everyone''s attention turned to the couple, with Lydia''s gaze being the most intense, making Mona feel a bit puzzled.


    After a moment, Lydia withdrew her gaze and walked toward the two of them. With a bright smile, she warmly linked her arm through Maxwell''s other one and said, "Maxwell, I''m back. I missed you so much."

 Chapter 92

    891%a


    Mona watched the slender hand resting on Maxwell''s arm, feeling increasingly annoyed. She wished she could just remove it. Only she could link arms with Maxwell.


    Maxwell''s hand was still intertwined with hers. As Mona squeezed slightly, he winced and instinctively took a step back, causing Lydia''s hand to fall away. Seeing this, Mona felt a sense of relief.


    After experiencing a disastrous rtionship with Teddy. Mona became adept at reading people. Although Maxwell imed there were no feelings between them, it didn''t mean Lydia felt the same way. After all. Lydia called Maxwell in such a sweet manner, and her hand had even rested on Maxwell''s arms.


    Mona was determined to eliminate any woman who showed interest in Maxwell before they could even get a chance


    Maxwell''s action embarrassed Lydia, who silently withdrew her hand and looked up at him withrge eyes filled with unspeakable grievance.


    Everyone from the Carter family was also watching Maxwell, including Mona, who was curious to see how he would respond to Lydia.


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t miss you, so don''t say that again, Maxwell stated bluntly.


    His tone was cold, but inside, he felt pleased. He had just noticed Mona''s small gesture, which was a clear sign of jealousy.


    He didn''t want Mona to doubt his feelings for her, so it was best to be straightforward. He didn''t need any so-called friends of the opposite sex. He had Mona, and that was enough


    After Maxwell''s words, some were happy, some were angry, and others felt awkward.


    Finally, Richard nced at Maxwell and said something to smooth things over, "Have a seat. Dinner will be served soon. Lydia, why don''t you sit next to me?"


    Lydia cast a resentful nce at Maxwell, noticing that his attention was solely on Mona, and with reluctance, she walked over to Richard.


    Mona, however, was in high spirits as she walked over beside Maxwell.


    The dining table was already set with avish spread. Maxwell took a seat with Mona, who found herself facing Lydia.


    Once everyone was seated, Richard said. "Now that everyone is here, I have something to say. Lydia came back to the country on her own. Her parents are abroad. Our family and the Reed family have a long-standing friendship, so Lydia will be staying at the Carter family for the time being. In a couple of days, we''ll hold a small party for her to wee her back, and I want everyone to clear their schedules for it.


    "Also, since Lydia is new to Nathontown, Maxwell, Gordon, you two grew up with her. Please take some time to show her around and let her experience how Nathontown has changed over the years. Alright, that was it. Let''s eat"


    Once Richard finished speaking, they began to dig in


    Mona noticed that everyone in the Carter family seemed particrly fond of Lydia. Even the usually indifferent Stephanie actively served Lydia food, something Mona had never experienced before. Maxwell''s stepmother, Juliet, was also attentive, quickly filling Lydia''s bowl.


    In contrast, Maxwell didn''t serve Lydia any food. Instead, he ced a piece of steak on Mona''s te.


    T


    91%a


    In this life, Mona understood that it was impossible for everyone to be pleased with her. As long as the person she cared about liked her, that was enough


    Therefore, she merely smiled at the Carter family''s affection for Lydia, not taking it to heart.


    After dinner, Maxwell had initially nned to leave with Mona, but Richard insisted on keeping everyone to chat with Lydia, and even Gordon agreed. Refusing would be disrespectful to Richard.


    Just as Maxwell was about to decline, Mona nodded in agreement.


    The whole family settled on the sofa, reminiscing about their childhood, with most of the conversation led by Gordon, Richard, and Lydia.


    Mona quietly listened, and Maxwell didn''t contribute much. He would only respond casually when mentioned.


    After a while, Mona began to feel bored, and since she was also quite full, she whispered to Maxwell and decided to take a stroll in the garden outside.


    Today''s gathering was simply to wee Lydia back and allow her to reconnect with the Carter family. Mona wasn''t close with Lydia. Whether she stayed or left didn''t matter.


    It was autumn now, and Mona was only wearing a long dress, which made her feel a bit chilly. However, it also helped her feel more alert. Sitting with the family inside, she found herself at a loss for words and felt somewhat awkward. As she walked further, she noticed a swing ahead and immediately sat down without hesitation.


    A gentle breeze lifted her dress as the moon shone with a cool light.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Mona lightly pushed off the ground with her toes, letting the swing rock back and forth slowly.


    After a while, she suddenly felt a pair of hands push the swing from behind, startling her. She gripped the ropes tightly and instinctively looked back.


    Gordon''s face appeared before her, and without hesitation, she jumped off the swing.


    The swing continued to sway, but thankfully at a slow speed, so she wasn''t hurt. Without a nce back at him, she headed inside.


    She couldn''t shake off the memory of almost being taken advantage of by Gordon at the factory, where she had even hit him with her phone to escape. They barely maintained a superficial rtionship in front of the Carter family. After a few steps, Gordon followed her, looking at her with a sinister smile. "Mona, do you know what Lydia and Maxwell''s rtionship is?"


    Seeing that Mona had walked away, Gordon imed he had an important call to make and stepped outside.


    He had seen Mona swinging alone and couldn''t help but feel a surge of desire.


    In her white dress, with her smooth hair cascading down her front and the soft light casting a hazy glow around her, she looked like a fairy, captivating his attention.


    He silently resolved to give Mona another chance. If she was willing to leave Maxwell ande to him, he would be willing to forget about the incident with the phone. Mona didn''t want to engage with Gordon. She acted as if she hadn''t heard him and continued to walk forward.


    "Hey. Mona, aren''t you curious? Didn''t you just see how close Lydia was to Maxwell? Noticing her silence, he hurried after her.

 Chapter 93

    Seeing that Mona was still ignoring him, Gordon directly shouted, "Lydia is Maxwell''s ex-girlfriend. Maxwell hasn''t told you that, has he?"


    Upon hearing this, Mona instinctively halted her steps. She had asked Maxwell about his rtionship with Lydia when she arrived, and he hadn''t mentioned it. But Gordon''s im might not be urate.


    Moreover, after her previous life ended, she had never seen any other women by Maxwell''s side. Even if Lydia was his ex-girlfriend, she likely didn''t hold a significant ce in his heart.


    With that thought, Mona continued walking forward. She had no fondness for Gordon whatsoever.


    As Mona kept walking, Gordon continued his taunts. They broke up because Maxwell is impotent. Now that Lydia is back, she must regret it. So how long do you think you can keep your position as Mrs. Carter?" He then pulled out a photo and waved it in front of her.


    It was a picture of Maxwell dining with Lydia. In it. Maxwell looked quite youthful, but one could already see hints of maturity in his features.


    The two were sitting across from each other in a restaurant, seemingly enjoying their meal, with clear signs of happiness, especially as Mona could see a smile on Maxwell''s lips.


    "Mona, see? This is evidence. So you might as well give up ande to my arms. After all, first loves are hard to forget," Gordon said


    If Mona genuinely agreed to divorce Maxwell, Gordon wouldn''t mind marrying a second-hand woman as his wife. Gordon knew Mona hadn''t had sex with Maxwell. And she was Bernard''s granddaughter and held shares in the Clem Group. With the support of the Clem Group, it would help himpete with Maxwell for the Carter Group. Besides, his strong desire for Mona had be an obsession.


    Mona understood that Maxwell had an ex-girlfriend. It would be a lie to say she wasn''t upset, but she had already expressed her feelings to Maxwell, and he had said he liked her. Therefore, she had to believe that Maxwell had forgotten about his so-called ex-girlfriend, just as she hadpletely moved on from Teddy.


    "No matter what kind of ex-girlfriend Maxwell has, it''s still better than you, you scumbag," Mona replied before striding back


    into the house.


    If she wanted to know something, she would discuss it with Maxwell, rather than stand around listening to someone else''s


    nonsense.


    Watching Mona''s hurried steps, Gordon knew he had achieved his goal, so he stopped following her and waited outside before heading back inside.


    As soon as Mona entered, she found that the living room was empty except for Maxwell''s grandmother, Stephanie.


    Stephanie waved to Mona as she walked in.


    Out of respect, Mona didn''t hesitate to walk over and sit beside Stephanie.


    She sweetly called out, "Grandma."


    Since the first day she came to the Carter family, Mona had sensed that Stephanie wasn''t very fond of her, and today it was even more apparent with Lydia''s presence. "Good girl, you''re so beautiful," Stephanie smiled at Mona, taking her hand. She asked with concern, "Why are your hands so cold? Did you catch a breeze outside?"


    00


    §±


    Then Stephanie signaled a servant to bring Mona a cup of hot coffee.


    This gesture surprised Mona, especially since Stephanie was holding her hand. "Thank you for thepliment, Grandma You''re beautiful too. I was just outside for a while, so my hands are a bit chilly, Mona exined.


    "Oh, dear, I''m old and wrinkled. How could I be beautiful? You''re just ttering me to make me happy," Stephanie said.


    Mona smiled and teased Stephanie, "Haven''t you heard that true beauty defies time?"


    What she said was true. Even though Stephanie was older now, with wrinkles adorning her cheeks, it was evident that she had been a beauty in her youth.


    "You have a way with words. Since you married Maxwell, I haven''t had a good chat with you. I''m feeling lively tonight. Let''s have a heart-to-heart talk" Stephanie said enthusiastically.


    Before


    long, the servant brought over the hot coffee. Stephanie handed it to Mona, who epted it with a thank you.


    Stephanie''s desire to talk made it hard for Mona to refuse, so she nodded with a smile.


    Stephanie began recounting stories about Maxwell''s childhood, including tales of Lydia, mentioning how their bond was strong when they were kids. When others looked down on the recently returned Maxwell, Lydia was the only one who spoke to him. By the end, Stephanie exaggeratedly recounted the earlier conversation among the group.


    While listening to Stephanie, Mona found herself disinterested since she had already heard most of these stories. She only responded asionally.


    Eventually, Mona felt drowsy, her eyelids fluttering as if they might close at any moment.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie continued her enthusiastic chatter, going from nine to nearly half past ten


    Around half past time, Stephanie finally noticed that Mona was nearly falling asleep and smiled, "Oh dear, look at me, I''ve lost track of time while talking. It''s already thiste. You must be tired."


    Mona didn''t want to continue sitting there chatting with Stephanie. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she nodded and said, "Yes, it''s gettingte. Are you tired, Grandma?"


    Feigning a yawn, Stephanie said, "I am a little tired. Can you help me back to my room?"


    Mona couldn''t refuse such a simple request, so she nodded and helped Stephanie to her feet, guiding her upstairs.


    Due to Stephanie''s age, she walked very slowly. Mona took her time as well. After all, she had to do the same when assisting her own grandmother. asionally, she even intentionally slowed her pace to ensure Stephanie could keep up.


    For some unknown reason, Richard and Stephanie slept in separate rooms. Mona helped Stephanie up to the third floor and into her room.


    As Mona said goodnight to Stephanie and turned to leave, Stephanie grasped her hand and said, "Mona, can you sleep with me tonight? I feel a bit lonely at my age, and talking to you tonight has brought me warmth."


    To be honest, Mona didn''t want to sleep with Stephanie. She still had questions to ask Maxwell, and she didn''t like sleeping with people she wasn''t close to. However, seeing Stephanie''s expression today reminded her of her grandmother. As people age, they seemed to feel loneliness, even when surrounded by others.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    After hesitating for a moment, Mona nodded. pajamas."


    I''ll go back to my room to talk to Maxwell first and

 Chapter 94

    As Mona was about to step out of the room, Stephanie grabbed her arm and said, "Mona, no need to go out. I have a new nightgown here. Maxwell should still be talking with his grandfather; just send him a message to tell him you are with me Mona thought about it and agreed, so she took out her phone and sent a message to Maxwell. Then, she headed to the bathroom with the nightgown Stephanie handed her. She was extremely tired today.


    Stephanie watched Mona''s a''s slender figure and smiled knowingly.


    While Mona


    Was


    s getting dressed after her shower, she thought she heard a noise, probablying from downstairs. Wondering if something had happened, she hurriedly finished getting dressed.. As soon as she stepped out of the bathroom, she saw Stephanie half-reclining on the bed, waving to her, "Grandma, did you hear that noise just now? It seemed toe from downstairs." She hadn''t heard it clearly while in the bathroom, but Stephanie being outside, might have heard it better.


    Stephanie shook her "What noise?


    Nothing. Come over and sleep. I''m already tired."


    She yawned, her eyes drowsily fixed on Mona


    Even though Mona thought she had heard something, she couldn''t pinpoint which room it came from, so it wouldn''t be good to head down without knowing.


    Mona reminded herself that Maxwell was still talking with Richard. As long as the noise wasn''ting from him, it didn''t concern her. Smiling, she walked towards the bed.


    Just as


    as she sat down, she heard the sound of something crashing downstairs. This time it was much clearer, and it seemed toe from Maxwell''s room. Without hesitation, she told Stephanie and headed downstairs.


    She felt a nagging sense of unease because she hadn''t seen Maxwell since she returned from the garden. It had been Stephanie who mentioned that Maxwell was with Richard in the study, and she wasn''t sure if that was the truth.


    Mona thought, What could they possibly be discussing for two hours? The more she thought about it, the more suspicious she felt. And what about Stephanie? In the past, she has never been particrly close to me, so her unusual warmth tonight is truly puzzling: Mona thought. Mona


    ran down the stairs, fearing that someone in the Carter family might harm Maxwell.


    Thest time they went abroad, someone had threatened Maxwell''s life. They still hadn''t found the perpetrator, so he couldn''t be safe. What if the attacker is Gordon or someone else from the Carter family? Mona thought.


    Mona dared not dwell on that and quickly reached Maxwell''s room.


    Now that she was close, she could really hear the soundsing from inside, definitely something breaking. She shouted, Maxwell, are you in there?"


    She raised her voice with each call, but there was still no response from Maxwell. Instead, it seemed like there was a woman''s VOICE.


    Mona knocked loudly on the door a few times, and just as she was about to kick it down, Stephanie came down the stairs and stopped her.


    Stephanie said. "Mo?a, what are you doing? Stop making such a racket. You''ll disturb everyone''s rest!"


    ¦°


    After saying that, Stephanie tried to pull Mona back, but she was unwilling toply. Mona broke free from Stephanie''s grip and shouted into the room. "Maxwell, if you''re in there, please respond!" "Mona, stop yelling ande back with me," Stephanie scolded angrily. Everything had been going smoothly until Mona''s sharp hearing interfered.


    Mona didn''t bother to argue with her, shaking off her hand to pound on the door, which was locked from the inside.


    Without a key, Mona couldn''t get in and could only hope Maxwell woulde out.


    "Stop i it! Don''t knock anymore. Lydia is in Maxwell''s room!" Stephanie yelled, trying to stop her.


    "You:


    shut up! It''ste, and my husband is in a room with another woman. And you, as his grandmother, want to stop me?" Mona was furious, realizing that Stephanie''s earlier friendliness had been all an act.


    "Since you''ve seen it for yourself, I I won''t hide it from you any longer. Maxwell is in the room with Lydia. You''re married now, so you know how things are between men and women. Do you really want to go in and see? If you see something you shouldn''t, it''ll be awkward for you. If If I were you, I''d wait until tomorrow morning to deal with it," Stephanie said. Ignoring her, Mona pounded on the door again. Since no one inside opened it, she decided to find a servant to get a spare key.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    But this was the Carter family, not the Clem family. Of course, the servants wouldn''t give Mona a key without Stephanie''s permission.


    Their argument drew Richard out from the third floor, and soon after, more members of the Carter family gathered.


    "What''s going on at this hour? Don''t you want anyone to sleep? Richard said angrily, having been woken from his bed by themotion. "Grandpa, get the servant to give me the key. I want to go back to my room. Seeing Richard, Mona immediately.manded. She had no idea whether Richard was involved in t in this plot.


    "Just ask nicely for the key. M No need to make a scene. Give her the key to her room, Richard said to the nearby servant.


    The servant looked between Stephanie and Richard, looking conflicted, unsure of who to obey


    "What''s wrong? You won''t even give Mona the key I told you to? Don''t you want to work here anymore?" Richard said, getting a bit angry when the servant hesitated.


    Just as the servant was about to hand over the key to Mona, Stephanie directly stopped her. "No way! Mona can''t go back to her room tonight. Lydia is in Maxwell''s room."


    As soon as Stephanie spoke, everyone understood what she meant. Gordon looked at Mona with glee, and she shot him a re.


    "What''s going on here?" Richard asked.


    He had considered marrying Lydia off to Maxwell in the past, but since Maxwell had already married Mona, he no longer entertained that t


    thought. He only allowed Lydia to stay in the Carter family to have Donald recognize her as his goddaughter.


    "Of course, they''re both interested in each other. So, Mona, you shouldn''t go in there. Whatever anger you have, wait until tomorrow morning to discuss it, Donald said tly.


    me the key, or if you want the Carter family''s scandals to hit the headlines. Mona threatened.


    Despite hearing so much tonight, Mona still didn''t believe that Maxwell would betray her, and in her heart, she thought he wouldn''t do this. So, all this must have been Stephanie''s doing- saying that, Mona quickly snatched the key from the servant''s hands when she wasn''t paying attention and rushed to unlock the door.


    After


    She wanted to see if it was really true that Maxwell and Lydia were interested in others.


    In her past life. Maxwell had avenged Mona''s death. She refused to believe that Maxwell would betray her.


    Richard wanted to stop her, fearing she might witness something she shouldn''t, but there was nothing he could do. Mona had already inserted the key, and the door swung open.


    The door opened to reveal a messy room, withmps and books scattered on the floor, along with the clothes the two had worn today.


    Lydia on the bed. Her face was exceptionally flushed, and she seemed out of it, her clothes in disarray. t over Lydia.


    Mona stepped inside and S Mona in, quickly threw a nket


    Stephanie, who had followed


    Stephanie had gone to great lengths for Maxwell and Lydia to be together, even drugging Maxwell, but now that things had turned out this way, I was clear she hadn''t seeded. This left her feeling quite frustrated.


    Mona nced around the room but didn''t find Maxwell, which meant nothing had happened between them. Her anxiety. slowly calmed, but not seeing Maxwell made her anxious again, creating a conflict of emotions within her. The room wasn''t small, and Mona searched every corner, even checking the closet, but she still couldn''t find Maxwell. Her gazended on the bathroom.


    When she approached, she realized the bathroom door was locked from the inside. Without thinking, she knew it had to be Maxwell inside.


    "Maxwell, can you hear me? It''s me, Mona," she shouted.


    Inside the bathroom, Maxwell was groggy and overheated, feeling as if he might explode. He thought he heard Mona calling his name, but he dismissed it as a hallucination.

 Chapter 95

    95


    Outside, Mona couldn''t wait any longer. She turned to Donald and said directly, "Donald, aren''t you going to do something about Maxwell being trapped in the bathroom?"


    Shecked the strength to kick open the bathroom door, but Donald was different. As a grown man, he had the ability to take action. After all, he was Maxwell''s father, and it was only right to kick the door down when his son was inside. At Mona''s urging. Donald kicked the door open. Though he wasn''t fond of his son, blood was thicker than water.


    As the door swung open, Mona dashed into the bathroom and found Maxwell sitting on the floor. His suit jacket was gone, and his white shirt was slightly unbattoned, revealing his hard chest. His eyes were tightly shut, and he looked embarrassingly flushed. Seeing Maxwell''s condition, Mona rushed over to help him up, but the moment her hand touched his arm, he pushed her away,


    To be honest, his strength surprised her, and she felt a sharp pain, almost losing her bnce.


    Fuming. Mona pped Maxwell and said, "Maxwell, how dare you push me? You''ve got some nerve!"


    Then she watched as Maxwell slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing a familiar face, he squinted, trying to determine if he was hallucinating. When he opened his eyes again, he found it was indeed Mona.


    Meanwhile, Mona was firmly gripping Maxwell''s arm, helping him stand up and trying to guide him outside. Maxwell leaned into Mona''s a''s support.


    the Carter family, everyone harbored their own secrets. Mona decided she couldn''t stay any longer. She picked up Maxwell''s clothes from the floor and led him out.


    "Wait, where are you taking my grandson?" Stephanie shouted angrily as she saw Mona helping Maxwell to the door.


    "Oh, so now you recognize Maxwell as your grandson? Where was that thought when you drugged him? How can a grandmother be so vicious?" Mona shot back, ring at Stephanie before continuing to support Maxwell down the stairs Stephanie was taken aback by Mona''s words, nearly choking on her anger. She clutched her chest and pointed at Mona, incredulous that Mona would speak to her in such a tone.


    Juliet, Donald''s wife, immediately rushed to support Stephanie. her face filled with concern. "Mom, are you Okay?"


    fine. I''m just upset," Stephanie replied, feeling wronged.


    "Upser Look at you''ve done. Is this how a grandmother behaves? Drugging your o


    what grandson? Aren''t you afraid of being theughingstock when this gets out!" Richard eximed, pointing his finger at Stephanie''s head as he questioned her


    Richard and Stephanie entered into a marriage of convenience. At the time, Richard had someone he cared for, but his parents intervened and forced him to marry Stephanie, who came from a suitable family. Stephanie was well aware that Richard didn''t have feelings for her.


    When they first got married, Stephanie hoped to win Richard''s affection, but he remained indifferent toward her. After the birth of their son, Donald, Stephanie became increasingly paranoid and neurotic, leading to frequent arguments between them. them.


    Now, Stephanie acted as though everyone owed her something, doing whatever she pleased.


    Years had passed, and though Richard felt guilty, he had allowed Stephanie to continue her antics. He never expected her to be bold enough to drug their grandson. ''  8K 91%a


    s wrong with that, Richard? How dare you point a finger at me?" Stephanie snapped, shoving his hand away. Richard was making a scenic, snorted in


    FOOTL


    The chaos in the house was too much for him to handle.


    After Richard left. Stephanie was still furious and ordered juliet to return to her own room.


    Once everyone had dispersed, no one noticed Gordon sneaking into Maxwell''s room.


    back to his


    Meanwhile, Mona helped Maxwell into the garage and found the car keys in his suit jacket. She struggled to get him into the passenger seat. Maxwell, in a moment of impulse, pulled her into his embrace, his hands wrapping around her waist as he instinctively leaned in to kiss her.


    Before Mona could react, she found herself half-draped over Maxwell, their lips touching. The heat radiating from his kiss took her by surprise. It was almost scalding. Maxv Maxwell felt as if he were wandering in a desert.


    off with Maxwell, Mona pushed him away firmly and said, "Maxwell, hold on. I''m taking you to the hospital right away."


    Sensing something was off withContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She wasn''t sure if he heard her, but Maxwell did loosen his grip, slowly opening his bewildered, dreamy eyes to look at her, "Mona, can we go home instead of the hospital?" Mona observed the flush on his cheeks and asked, "Are you sure you''ll be fine without going to the hospital?"


    "Then let''s


    Maxwell nodded. The effects of the drug had faded significantly, and he no longer felt as bad as before. His earlier kiss had been intentional. He hadn''t lost control. just let me know, and I''ll take you to the hospital," she said, fastening his seatbelt for him. Gradually, he realized he felt strange and had headed back to his room to wash his face.


    As the car started, Maxwell closed his eyes in


    let''s head home. If you start feeling in the passenger seat, recalling what had happened. Not long after Mona left, he had taken a sip of the coffee Stephanie had handed him, only to and out it was drugged.


    After washing up, he found Lydia lying on the bed he shared with Mona.


    Maxwell intended to wake her, but Lydia unexpectedly grabbed his hand.


    Seeing her like this, Maxwell realized she wasn''t quite herself. He tried to go for help, only to discover the door was locked. He hurriedly checked his phone, but there was no signal.


    As his difort intensified, he turned to find Lydia standing right in front of him, throwing herself into his arms and clinging tightly to his waist.


    Maxwell was preupied with thoughts of Mona and felt no attraction to Lydia. He pushed her down to the ground.

 Chapter 96

    Perhaps because there was carpet on the floor, Lydia didn''t feel my pain when she fell.


    Maybe the effects of the drug had peaked, and Maxwell felt as though his body was about to explode, and beads of sweat began to cover him.


    Before he lost controlpletely, he decided to throw Lydia onto the bed. In the process, he knocked over amp and some toiletries, then wrapped her in a nket and locked himself in the bathroom


    While in the bathroom, he thought about how they all had dinner together. Everyone else was fine, but he and Lydia had issues. It was clearly from eating something problematic. Besides dinner, he had only drunk a cup of coffee that Stephanie handed him Maxwell didn''t know when Mona would return, but he knew the person outside wasn''t her. All he could think about was that he couldn''t let Mona down.


    Gradually, he slipped into a semi-conscious state.


    Mona drove, constantly checking on Maxwell in the passenger seat, hoping he was fine.


    Seeing his flushed cheeks gradually return to normal, and his breathing stabilize, she felt a bit more at ease.


    By the time Mona pulled into the driveway at home, it was almost midnight, and she was exhausted.


    She helped Maxwell out of the car and led him upstairs to the bedroom.


    At that moment, the effects of the drug had worn off quite a bit, but as he looked at Mona beside him, an evil thought crossed his mind. If he took advantage of the drug''s effects tonight, she probably wouldn''t get mad. After all, it would be hard for him to control himself. But as soon as the thought appeared, Maxwell dismissed it. She was the light in his life, and he couldn''t let that light be


    tainted.


    He decided to wait until she willingly came to him before doing what he wanted. There was no need to rush.


    Once they were in the bedroom, Maxwell went straight to the bathroom, leaving Mona sitting alone on the sofa. Today had been quite tiring for her.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell hadn''t done anything to Lydia when he was drugged. After returning, he hadn''t done anything to Mona either. It seemed that Maxwell really wasn''t up to it. The way he was now was clearly a result of the medication forcing him to behave. this way. At this hour, Mona was feeling very sleepy. She had showered at the Carter family andy down on the bed waiting for Maxwell


    She waited and waited until her eyelids grew heavy. She was about to doze off when Maxwell still hadn''te out. Mona began to worry that he might have passed out in the bathroom. She called out to him a couple of times. He answered, telling her to go to sleep, saying he would be out soon.


    With a soft "Okay," Mona gradually drifted off to sleep.


    After a while, when Maxwell finally got out of the bathroom, he saw Mona asleep on the bed, and his eyes filled with affection. He slipped under the covers, pulling her into his arms, and murmured, "I''ll hold off this time. If there''s a next. time, I won''t hold back."


    He gently kissed her forehead and then slowly closed his eyes.


    But tonight, Maxwell couldn''t fall asleep for a long time.


    As he inhaled her fragrant scent, his desire for Mona reached its peak.


    The next morning, as soon as Mona opened her eyes, she saw Maxwell holding her. What surprised her was that he was still asleep.


    She gently caressed his cheek, feeling the warmth radiate from his skin. Mona murmured, "Maxwell, if you''re having issues. just tell me. I won''t mind. Couples should be honest with each other. It''s ufortable for me to guess like this." Maxwell, who was pretending to be asleep, was taken aback by her words. "What did she mean by I''m having issues? Who told her that? I just felt reluctant to do that, Maxwell thought.


    "Mona, what did you just say?" Maxwell opened his eyes, looking at her and gritting his teeth, while his hand slowly moved to her slender waist, caressing her lightly.


    At that moment, Mona wished she could crawl under the covers and hide from him. She thought, ''Hasn''t he just been sleeping? How could he suddenly wake up?"


    She had thought long and hard about how to ask him this question, but she hadn''t anticipated such an awkward situation.


    As soon as Mona met Maxwell''s questioning gaze, she instantly shrank back, wanting to turn away and y dumb..


    But before she could act, Maxwell''s hand on her waist lifted her chin, looking deep into her eyes. "Mona, what did you just say? Say it again."


    "I... I said you''re not able to do it. I''ve already figured that out. You don''t have to lie to me. And don''t worry. I won''t think less of you. Couples should stick together through tough times. We can just adopt a child from an orphanage in a few years," Mona said.


    Mona blurted out her thoughts, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.


    "Who told you I can''t do it?" Maxwell countered, his gaze filled with possessiveness.


    He took her hand and slid it under the covers.


    When Mona''s hand touched something hot, she blushed all the way to her ears and quickly pulled her hand away, gasping


    for air.


    "I... I first heard it from Gordon, and then I tested a few times myself. You didn''t seem to react to me at all, she admitted, her face burning.


    Maxwell was more than capable.


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense. You know now, right? I''ve been waiting for you to fully give yourself to me How did you test it?" Maxwell asked seriously.


    Mona waspletely stunned. She had always been willing. They just hadn''t said anything, leading to this huge misunderstanding


    Mona didn''t know what to say. It was already embarrassing enough, and since it seemed like nothing could get worse, she decided to brielly-exin her attempts.


    "So those meals on the table the other days had a deeper meaning. I thought you just liked eating spinach." Maxwell chuckled, recalling how Mona had kept serving him spinach, something he had never considered before.


    "I don''t like it," Mona-muttered, feeling frustrated over the big misunderstanding. She just wanted to change the topic as

 Chapter 97

    the same time, Mona felt deeply touched. It showed how much Maxwell cared for her when he paid attention to all her. feelings. Maxwell pulled Mona closer into his embrace, his deep voice rumbling, "If I had known, I wouldn''t have held backst night."


    Feeling the changes in Maxwell''s body, Mona shivered and ced her hand against his chest, saying, "No, it''s early in the morning. I need to go to work. Let''s take it slow.


    Seeing the look on Maxwell''s face, Mona felt that he was ready to make a move, and she felt a surge of panic. She quickly freed herself from his embrace and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up and change. Watching Mona dart into the bathroom, Maxwell couldn''t help but chuckle. He thought, ''It seems that she''s willing to ept me now. All I need is the right moment''


    After


    After


    they both


    both got ready, they had breakfast as usual. While sitting at the table, Mona recalled Gordon saying that Lydia was Maxwell''s ex-girlfriend. witnessing Maxwell''s refusal to even touch Lydiast night, she felt there was no need to ask about it anymore. Mona was certain that Maxwell only had eyes for her, so she wouldn''t care about Cordon''s words. As the morning light filtered in, Lydia began to wake up, embraced by strong arms, and her lips involuntarily curled into a smile.


    As she thought about the wild


    wild night, her heart raced with excitement.


    Her n with Stephanie had


    had worked. She had slept with Maxwell. She thought, "When Mona returns from Stephanie''s room and sees this scene, my n will be half aplished, Lydia thought. She couldn''t believe that Mona, who had been pampered since childhood, could endure betrayal and still live happily with Maxwell.


    Lydia thought, ''Once they divorced, I''ll be be Mrs. Carter


    With that thought,


    A sudden thought dia shyly looked up, only to be shocked to see an unfamiliar face. It was Gordon, not Maxwell ''Where was Maxwell? Lydia thought.


    struck her. The person she had been intimate withst night wasn''t Maxwell but Gordon. How could this happen? Where did it go wrong?'' Lydia thought.


    She had entered Maxwell''s room, slept in his bed, and even seen him in her hazy memories. How has he suddenly turned into Gordon?'' Lydia thought. Lydia couldn''t


    n''t believe it. She pped Gordon across the face, waking him from his sleep.


    Their eyes met in-surprise, Gordon''sscivious gaze roamed over Lydia''s chest, and she quickly grabbed the nket to wrap herself up, angrily demanding, "Why are you here? Where''s Maxwell?" Gordon, unfazed by the p, smirked slightly and began to gather his clothes off the floor. "Don''t guess. The person you slept withst night was me. Maxwell was taken away by Mona long ago."  G ChapterProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    97


    He chuckled and added, "Even if Mona hadn''t taken him, Maxwell wouldn''t have touched you. He locked himself in the bathroomst night. If Mona hadn''te, he would have probably stayed in there all night. You wouldn''t have gotten what you wanted anyway." Lydia red at Gordon, fuming, "Who asked you toe? I''ll sue you for this and put you behind bars!"


    Lydia''s voice echoed loudly, but thankfully most of the family was out. Those who worked had gone to their jobs, and those who shopped were out and about, so no one noticed theirmotion


    Gordon was not afraid at all. He casually replied, "Suit yourself. I''m not scared. After everyone leftst night, I kindly came in to check on you, and you were the one who embraced me and tugged at my clothes. If anyone''s going to jail, it''ll be you. not me


    "Don''t talk nonsense! I would never hug you or tug at your clothes!" Lydia snapped back


    Lydia thought that it was ridiculous that she would initiate anything with him. He had slept with too many women, and Lydia found him disgusting.


    Men like him were thest people she wanted to be around.


    While they spoke, Gordon had finished dressing and looked at Lydia on the bed, his gaze lingering on her. With a suggestive smile, he said, "Lydia, I have a good habit of documenting life''s moments, likest night."


    He nced at the phone on the table and smiled at


    her.


    Lydia''s heart sank as she realized what Gordon was implying. He was openly threatening her


    "Gordon,


    If those


    If those


    Gordon


    delete


    those photos! Otherwise, I won''t let you off the hook!" Lydia warned angrily.


    got


    out, he


    her life would be ruined. Not only would her career be finished, but she would also earn a reputation for being promiscuous, and most importantly, she could never marry Maxwell I can help you with that. What do you think?"


    m''s clothes from the floor and ced them on the bed. "Why are you so angry? You don''t look good when you''re angry. 1 just wanted to keep a memento. As long as you don''t bal/poise we ¨¦ns Asset-


    "Help me?


    You


    right?


    think


    I


    you can actually help me?" Lydia retorted, her tone dripping with disdain.


    This guy was clueless and had no real authority. All he ever did was pursue women. Relying on him for help could result in all sorts of trouble.


    "Sure, I''ll help you. As long as you can take down the Carter Group, Maxwell will no longer be the president Will Mona still want to be with him then? At that point, when you offer himfort, his heart will still belong to you. You can then take him abroad to settle down. Wouldn''t that be a win-win for both of us?" Gordon said. Lydia pondered Gordon''s words


    Alright, I''ll coborate with you, but you have to delete the photos out its wont ne said. If she put Maxwell in a tight spot and then offered a helping hand, he would definitely be grateful and in the end, his heart would still belong to her.


    once done," agreed.


    As long as those photos were in Gordon''s hands, she would be at his mercy, and he could use them to make her do things she didn''t want to do once she was with Maxwell.


    She couldn''t leave any threats behind.


    Gordon smiled. "It''s a deal." Once he acquired the Carter Group, he wouldn''t have to worry about not getting Mona.


    No woman he set his sights on ever escaped him, just like Lydia. She had already fallen into his bed.


    G.

 Chapter 98

    No one knew about Gordon sleeping with Lydia Everyone continued their lives as usual.


    The Carter family believed that Stephanie had drugged the two of them, and that both Lydia and Maxwell were victims of the situation. Because of this, Richard treated Lydia even better caring that she might spill the details and tarnish the Carter family''s reputation. However, no matter how much Richard urged Maxwell to return home for dinner these past few days, Maxwell neverplied.


    Soon, the day of the ceremony weing Lydia back home arrivet.


    This event was organized under the name of the Carter family, and since Maxwell was now the president of the Carter family, his absence would surely attract gossip.


    Early in the morning. Maxwell received a message from Richard insisting that he must return to the Carter family tonight to maintain the family''s dignity.


    Though Maxwell was reluctant, he knew he had to go.


    He also intended to bring Mona along, as she was now seen as his fianc¨¦e in the eyes of outsiders. Even though they had already obtained their marriage license, they hadn''t made it public yet.


    After dropping Mona off at the entrance of the Clem Group, he gently stroked her hair and said, "Mona, I''m sorry for putting you through this. We''ll head back to the Carter family tonight, and we''lle back as soon as it''s over."


    He knew how much she had suffered during herst visit to the Carter family, especially with Stephanie''s ungratefulness. He felt sorry for her, but as the president of the Carter Group, he had to handle the situation.


    "Got it. You''ve mentioned it several times already. I''ll head to work now. See you tonight," Mona replied, giving him a light


    kiss.


    Although she didn''t like going back to the Carter family, she maintained a fa?ade for appearances. After all, family scandals should not be aired in public.


    Mona was furious to learn that Stephanie had drugged Maxwell, but Maxwell must be feeling not just anger but also disappointment toward his own grandmother. She wanted to bring warmth to Maxwell and make him happy.


    "Okay, I''lle pick you up tonight," Maxwell replied.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona smiled at him, closed the car door, and walked toward the Clem Group.


    That evening, the banquet hall at the Carter family was bustling with activity, lights, music, and an array of exquisite pastries


    and drinks.


    By the time Maxwell and Mona arrived, most guests were already there. Lydia, dressed in a white dress, appeared to be a well-behaved girl following Richard around.


    Richard introduced her to everyone as the heiress of the Reed family, iming she was like a granddaughter to him.


    The attendees of the ball were friends of the Carter family from Nathontown, and upon hearing the mention of the Reed family, they all echoed Richard''s praises,plimenting Lydia''s grace and poise.  G.


    "Look at Lydia, she clearlyes from a well-off family. Her every move radiates elegance.


    "Yeah. Don''t you have a son? You should encourage him to pursue Lydia. If he marries her, you''ll be living the good life."


    "My son isn''t capable enough. Marrying her would only cause he trouble. I remember the Reed and the Carter families are supposed to have a match, but now the youngest son of the Carter family is engaged to the heiress of the Clem family." "Ah, don''t even think about it. Gordon has such a chaotic private life. How could Lydia possibly be interested? I remember when Lydia''s grandpa, William Reed, was still around, he said Lydia was a perfect match for Maxwell." "Looks like the Reed family and the Carter family aren''t meant to be inws after all,"


    "If only Lydia hade back a year earlier. We wouldn''t know who Maxwell would end up engaged to"


    "Yeah, both families are good, but with the recent scandal of Mona switching her fianc¨¦s during her engagement, Maxwell likely agreed to the engagement because of Mona''s background


    "No doubt about it. Given how much Bernard dotes on Mona, he might even hand thepany over to her one day."


    As soon as Maxwell and Mona entered, they overheard the conversation between the two men. Mona looked up at Maxwell


    The shimmering crystals reflected light on his profile, adding ayer of mystery to his handsome features. His eyes sparkled with light, but there was a hint of anger in his eyes as he looked at the two people in front of him. "Maxwell, is what they''re saying true? If Lydia had returned a year earlier, would you not have proposed to me?" Mona asked innocently, her bright eyes fixed on Maxwell, the affection she felt for him unmistakable. She aimed her question at the two men nearby but also wanted to hear Maxwell affirm it himself.


    "False. No matter who it is, I will only marry you. Only you can be Mrs. Carter, he replied firmly, locking eyes with the two men before taking Mona''s hand and walking deeper into the hall


    The two men shuddered at Maxwell''s icy gaze. It seemed the rumors about the Carter family''s illegitimate child being unsociable were true.


    As soon as Maxwell and Mona entered the banquet hall, they captured everyone''s attention. Maxwell was now the president of the Carter Group, and his words held weight.


    Some individuals hoping to coborate with the Carter Group approached them, wine sses in hand, wearing eager smiles.


    Maxwell handled their ttery casually, while Mona maintained a polite smile. Once the hopefuls realized there would be no business to be done, they left in defeat


    Maxwell led Mona to the drink station. They had rushed to the event without dinner, and he worried Mona might be hungry.


    Maxwell''s primary reason for bringing Mona to the ball was to make an appearance. Nothing was more important than her well-being.


    He had her sit in the lounge area while he picked out some pastries for her.


    Richard had clearly spared no expense to wee Lydia back, as the food selection was plentiful.


    After selecting a few of Mona''s favorite pastries, Maxwell returned to her side, and they began to enjoy them together.


    Just as they were happily eating, a pair of envious eyesnded on them. When Mona turned to look, she spotted Lydia approaching, apanied by Richard and Stephanie.


    As the three of them drew closer, Mona remained unflustered, continuing to eat the pastry in her hand, while Maxwell politely acknowledged Richard, choosing to ignore Stephanie. Originally, Richard had asked Stephanie to apologize to Mona and Maxwell, but she was already displeased. Now seeing Maxwell''s attitude, the words of apology felt stuck in her throat.

 Chapter 99

    "Stephanie, why are you dazed? Say something, Richard urged when he saw Stephanie hesitating to speak, clearly reluctant to apologize.


    Meanwhile, Maxwell continued to eat leisurely, even sharing tasty bites with Mona, showing no interest in their


    conversation..


    Mona was still holding a grudge against Stephanie for what she had done, and she didn''t want to greet Stephanie at all She calmly continued eating her food. Stephanie, recalling her promise to Richard, looked at Maxwell and reluctantly said, "I''m sorry"


    There was no precedent for elders to apologize to their juniors. Such a thing would make anyoneugh.


    After Stephanie spoke. Richard turned to Maxwell and said, "Maxwell, your grandmother didn''t mean it. She apologized. Please forgive her this time."


    "She''s not just apologizing to me. She should apologize to Mona even more," Maxwell replied coolly.


    What he meant was that Stephanie should apologize to Mona.


    If his willpower wasn''t strong enough and he had gotten involved with Lydia, he would despise himself for life.


    If the drugging had truly worked, the one who would suffer the most would be Mona.


    Stephanie''s nails dug tightly into her palms, her teeth clenched together. She felt an overwhelming reluctance to apologize to Maxwell. Now, she had to apologize to Mona as well. There was simply no way she could bring herself to do it.


    If it hadn''t been for Mona ruining Stephanie''s nsst night, Stephanie and Lydia would have seeded already. And right now, they would have been dealing with Maxwell and Mona''s divorce. Stephanie wouldn''t have to apologize at all.


    Maxwell remained silent for a long time before saying, "From now on, I won''t be returning to the Carter family with Mona As soon as he finished speaking, Richard nudged Stephanie and urged, "Apologize!"


    If Maxwell didn''t return to the Carter family for several months, it would be a clear sign to everyone that he had severed ties with the family.


    Stephanie was already ufortable after apologizing to Maxwell, and hearing Richard''s tone made her angry as her eyes swept over Mona, who was still eating.


    Stephanie thought,/It is all because of her that I am feeling so humiliated today! Furious, Stephanie stormed out, not wanting to participate in this so-called ball any longer.


    Once in her room, Stephanie began to smash things, calling out Mona''s name in a fit of rage.


    Maxwell and Mona''s engagement happened without her consent. Mona had been Teddy''s girlfriend for many years, and Stephanie had never been satisfied with Mona being another man''s girlfriend for so long. However, she had refrained from meddling since she hadn''t found a suitable partner for Maxwell.


    Lydia had returned, and she was far superior to Mona in every way. What was more, Lydia respected Stephanie, unlike Mona, who acted like a spoiled princess and didn''t show any respect at all.


    The two were only registered but hadn''t had a wedding, so a divorce wouldn''t entail much loss. Stephanie could see that Lydia liked Maxwell and immediately thought of bringing the two together. Lydia agreed, which led to Stephanie drugging Maxwell and Lydia.


    95%E


    As the situation unfolded. Richard nced at Mona and said apologetically on behalf of Stephanie


    Stephanie''s personality had a lot to do with him. When he was younger, he hurt her feelings. After they had children, he thought his life would go on smoothly, but by the time he wanted to live a good life with Stephanie, her personality ha changed drastically. That was why Stephanie had be so impulsive, doing whatever the wanted,


    Just indulge her. After she messes up this family, you''ll regret it This is the first andst time. Otherwise, I won''t return to the Carter family again, Maxwell said nonchntly.


    Compared to Mona, those bits of genuine affection didn''t even matter.


    "Okay, I''ll keep an eye on her, Richard said, acknowledging that the mistakes he made when he was young could only be repaid in old age.


    As time passed, the party officially began, and to the soothing music, couples filled the dance floor.


    As the event''s guest of honor, Lydia was in her element, mingling effortlessly at the party.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Among the crowd. Mona unexpectedly spotted Barbara, who was approaching with Lydia, Richard, and Stephanie.


    They weren''t looking for Mona. They wereing for Maxwell since Lydia''s gaze was fixed on him.


    When they reached Maxwell, Lydia said, "Maxwell, may I invite you to dance for the first song of the evening!


    She made an inviting gesture toward him.


    This ball was held to wee Lydia back, so everyone''s attention was naturally on her. Every move she made drew people''s


    interest


    Maxwell was the youngest and most promising president of the Carter Group, making it all the more noteworthy when he was invited to dance


    In an instant, everyone on the dance floor paused, waiting for Maxwell''s response.


    A few bold guests even called out to Maxwell, urging him to ept the invitation from Lydia


    Not one of them acknowledged Mona''s presence.


    Lydia still held her inviting posture, and upon hearing everyone''s remarks, she added with a smile, "Maxwell, I had no idea about what happened that night. If you''re not angry with me, why not dance the first dance with me?"


    Being a woman, Lydia understood that she would be the one hurt in such a situation. Now that she was making this request, whether or not Maxwell wanted to dance with her, his gentlemanly demeanor wouldn''t allow him to refuse.


    Mona shot a cold nce at Lydia. Mona was Mrs Carter, and yet someone dared to invite her husband to dance without even considering whether she was willing.


    Mona stood up from her chair, lifted her dress, and made a gesture to invite Maxwell, smiling, "I wonder if 1, as Mr. Carter''s fianc¨¦e, have the honor of inviting you to the first dance?"


    "Of course." Without a second thought, Maxwell took Mona''s hand and said to Lydia, "You didn''t do anything wrong that night, but I''ll still be dancing this one with Mona


    While he referred to Mona as his fianc¨¦e, both Barbara and Lydia knew they were already married. Barbara looked at the couple with envy and jealousy.


    Lydia shot a venomous re at Mona, stomping her foot in frustration.

 Chapter 100

    Maxwell held Mona''s hand as they slowly entered the dance floor, immediately attracting the attention of many onlookers.


    As the music began, they moved gently. Mona''s hand rested lightly on Maxwell''s shoulder while his hand supported her waist.


    They looked like a perfect pair, handsome and beautiful.


    "If I hadn''t just asked you to dance, would you have danced with Lydia?" Mona asked curiously.


    Before asking, she had already made up her mind. If Maxwell showed even the slightest hesitation, she wouldn''t hesitate to grip his shoulder tightly. Maxwell replied without a moment''s thought, "No."


    Mona was pleased with this answer. She gently stroked his shoulder and said, "But usually, a gentleman wouldn''t refuse ady''s invitation"


    "I didn''t think about it too much. I''ll just say it inly. No one can force me to do something I don''t want to do," Maxwell said.


    As he held her hand, she twirled around and teased, "Oh, I didn''t realize you could be so assertive."


    "That''s right. But if you ask me to do something I don''t want to do, I''ll still consider it." Maxwell was willing topromise for Mona.


    Meeting Maxwell''s serious gaze, Mona felt her heart racing. "If I ever make you do something you don''t want to do, you must tell me. Don''t make it hard for yourself."


    Maxwell was willing topromise for her, and she was willing to do the same for him.


    When the dance ended, Maxwell took Mona''s hand and led her out of the Carter family.


    The autumn breeze brought a chill, but the warmth of their hands wasforting.


    They stopped under arge tree outside, and Maxwell, with his captivating eyes, looked at Mona and asked, "I think I did pretty well today. Can I ask for a reward?"


    "Hm? What reward? Let me think about whether it''s worth it, she replied, meeting his gaze.


    Honestly, when Mona heard Maxwell ask Stephanie to apologize to her, her heart felt warm. In that situation, it was rare for him to still think of her.


    "How about a kiss?" Maxwell suggested, pointing to his lips.


    He knew that when Mona was dating Teddy, she hadn''t experienced the sweetness of love. He wanted her to fully enjoy it before their wedding, to take things slow and savor the moment "Okay." As soon as the words left her mouth, she wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck, stood on her tiptoes, and lightly pressed her lips against his, her heart racing wildly. That kiss was meant for Maxwell.


    The moonlight cast a glow around them, apanied by the gentle sound of the wind.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona''s soft lips and the faint scent made Maxwell''s heart flutter


    After she pulled away, fre was still processing the kiss when he said, "Mona, kiss me again. I want to do that again."


    Mona nced around, aware that someone mighte out of the Carter family at any moment. She had already mustered the courage for the first kiss. Doing it again would be embarrassing. She shot Maxwell a look and headed towards the car. If she were to kiss him again, she had to do it in the car.


    Maxwell watched Mona hurry away, running his fingers over his lips as if he could still feel her warmth. He quickly caught up with her, holding her hand naturally and whispering in her ear, "Let''s save the next kiss for when we get home." Mona looked at him, a smile creeping onto her face.


    The evening breeze was just right. With the person she liked by her side, life was quite good this way.


    As time passed, Barbara''s preliminary design drafts were nearlyplete. Mona and ra had already shown the designs to Artemis and had begun the production process.


    Seeing Mona''s quick progress made Barbara feel anxious. After work, she immediately arranged to meet Lydia.


    When she arrived at Lydia''s house, Barbara showed her design drafts.


    She had created two pieces, a long white dress with bell sleeves and a thigh-high slit, and a short pink floral dress that was puffy.


    Barbara was particrly fond of these designs and felt confident about them.


    Lydia took a cursory nce at them and then tossed Barbara''s drafts onto the table. Folding her arms, she said tly, "Too simple. I don''t like any of them."


    Barbara looked at her designs on the table. Lydia''s indifferent tone shattered her confidence.


    She had spent many days working on these drafts, researching styles and fabrics, and even visiting local shops to gather inspiration. Each step was taken with great care, and she regarded these designs as her favorites to date.


    "What do you want, then?" Barbara asked patiently. If it hadn''t been for Lydia''s reputation and the potential for her to win p award, she wouldn''t have been discussing this with her.


    Many people wanted to wear her designs to the Nathontown designpetition.


    "What do I want? You''re asking me? Of course, I want something beautiful, unique, and worthy of my status. That''s your job as a designer, Lydia replied leisurely, even sitting back on the sofa.


    "Isn''t this beautiful? I''m confident it can make the top three," Barbara said assertively.


    She was well aware of the standards of the Nathontown designers. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have won awards back in college. To her, the onlypetition that truly mattered was Mona


    "I don''t want to make the top three. I want the first ce. Do you understand what-that means?" Lydia noted Barbara''s gaze on the design drafts and added, "In my eyes, neither of these designs holds a candle to that red dress Mona designedst time." She was determined to surpass Mona, to prove to Maxwell that she was the one who could stand alongside him.


    Barbara sighed, "Then I''ll make some revisions. If only Mona couldn''t participate in this designpetition, we''d definitely win first ce."


    She seemed to say it casually, but Lydia took it to heart, muttering to herself that if Mona couldn''t enter thepetition,


    victory would surely be hers, and Maxwell''s attention would shit to her..

 Chapter 101

    Barbara observed Lydia''s contemtive expression and said, "Since you think my designs are inadequate, I''ll take them back and make some revisions, though they might not be as good as Mona''s"


    After leaving, Barbara nced back at Lydia and smiled slightly


    Barbara thought, ''I don''t dare to do that to Mona. But Lydia dos I may let her take care of it.


    Lydia sat alone, gazing at the television in the distance, quietly thinking. Yes, as long as Mona is absent that day, she won''t have the opportunity to participate in the designpetition, and her designs won''t get showcased. Whether Barbara''s designs could surpass Mona''s would no longer matter. It would be my victory


    With this thought in mind, Lydia began to devise a n.


    ly chilly


    The day before the Nathontown designpetition, the sky was overcast, and it was slightly


    As soon as she got off work, Mona stood by the road trying to hail a taxi. The cold wind seeped into her sweater, sending shivers down her spine. She had finished work early and wanted to go to the Carter Group to see Maxwell.


    While Mont was waiting, a ck van suddenly pulled up beside her. Two men jumped out and grabbed Mona, dragging her into the vehicle.


    The whole incident was so sudden that Mona didn''t even have a chance to scream for help. They covered her mouth and pulled her into the van.


    From the time the men got out of the vehicle to when they forced Mora inside, it took mere seconds.


    The speed of their actions was so swift that the people around didn''t even notice that Mona, who had been waiting for a taxi at the corner, was suddenly gone.


    Before Mona was dragged into the van, she hurriedly threw her bracelet on the ground, the one ra had given her, hoping someone would notice she was gone in time.


    As the clock neared five, Maxwell rubbed his temples after staring at data all afternoon.


    His eyes felt fatigued, so he took some eye drops and let them soothe his eyes before closing them for a moment. Then he picked up his phone to inform Mona he was on his way. Once he got into his car, he checked his phone, but there was still no reply from Mona, making him frown.


    Normally, Mona would reply instantly at this time, but today felt different. He reassured himself that Mona must have gotten caught up in something, yet a sense of unease gnawed at him.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    He subconsciously sped up on the way to the Clem Group, fearing something might have happened to Mona.


    Upon arriving at the Clem Group, Maxwell didn''t see Mona waiting outside, so he headed to the Design Department


    ra informed him that Mona had left the office at four o''clock, raising more rms in his mind. He called Mona, but it went straight to voicemail.


    Mona''s phone never just died unexpectedly. It further deepened Maxwell''s suspicions that something was wrong.


    Maxwell quickly called Bernard, saying he had lost a valuable watch outside the Clem Group and needed to review the surveince footage.


    Bernard immediately arranged for someone to take Maxwell to the monitoring room.


    t


    With a grim expression, Maxwell entered the room with the staff, while ra, scared by Maxwell''s demeanor but more concerned about Mona''s safety, boldly followed.


    The surveince footage from the Clem Group was fast-forwarded to just after four. After clearing the room, Maxwell began to review the footage and saw Mona being dragged into a ck van.


    A shiny bracelet fell to the ground. ra recognized it as the one she had given Mona. She was surprised to see that Mona had kept it, as it was a small, inexpensive gift,


    Mona was generally aloof at work and didn''t engage much with her colleagues, but if someone was sincere with her, she would gradually let them into her heart.


    ra felt that Mona genuinely considered her a friend now,


    After he watched the footage, Maxwell''s expression darkened as he immediately called Nigel. "Contact the head of the transportation department and the police chief. We need to find the vehicle that abducted Mona outside the Clem Group immediately." In Nathontown, having the nerve to kidnap his wife in broad daylight, especially the heiress of the Clem family, was something that was hard to understand. This person clearly had a death wish.


    Hanging up. Maxwell stormed out of the security room with a saillen face.


    A cold wind blew in his face, bringing a hint of chill.


    The once sunny afternoon turned gloomy as if a heavy downpour was about to hit at any moment.


    Maxwell''s heart grew heavier with worry for Mona.


    He had dealt with kidnappings before and managed toe through each time, but Mona was different. She had been protected since child, not used to such suffering. If he could, he would dly take her ce. Maxwell steeled himself and resolved to rush to the police station before the rain started, concerned that Bernard and Jane might panic about Mona''s safety and fall ill. He nned not to tell them anything-


    Mona had been kidnapped, possibly for ransom or revenge, reminiscent of their encounter abroad.


    He couldn''t think of any enemies Mona had, with the only suspect being Barbara


    After being unconscious for several hours, Mona gradually regained her senses.


    As she looked around, she saw the deste surroundings and found herself in a rundown warehouse.


    There was nothing but dust and the chair she was tied to, with no other objects in sight.


    A short distance away sat four masked men, ying cards on a floor covered with old newspapers


    Then she noticed a tattoo of a tiger on one man''s hand, remembering it was the same man who had covered her mouth and dragged her into the van.


    She wondered who would kidnap her in Nathontown. Barbara surely would think of it, given that Mona had been a thorn in her side. But Mona.didn''t think Barbara had the guts to pull it of


    Teddy, who was with Barbara, didn''t have the guts for that. She had known this from their previous rtionship. Even now, he wasn''t the chairman of the Powers Group, and his influence was still limited, making it unlikely that he could pull it off. Then there was Gordon. After that incident where she knocked him out, he likely held some resentment against her and had


    G


    the capability to do it.


    It seemed most likely culprit.


    ordon was t


    As the card game neared its end, the four men simultaneously turned to look at Mona. Seeing she was awake, they approached her. "Awake? Want something to cat?" one of them said, his voicecell with a hint of bravado

 Chapter 102

    Mona snapped back to reality just in time to see a burly man in ck mask holding bread, bringing it to her lips. Uncertain whether the bread contained any drugs, she turned her head away.


    You won''t eat it? Then just stay hungry," he replied.


    With that, the four men turned back,pletely dismissing Moria''s awakening as if it were insignificant.


    Confused. Mona wondered if they had brought her here just to sit idly.


    a moment, she couldn''t help but ask, "Why did you kidnap me? What do you


    After a


    want?


    If Gordon was behind this, he would have shown up by now, but the mastermind was still missing, making Mona increasingly anxious. "Nothing. You just need to stay here until tomorrow night," one of the men replied.


    After saying that, the four of them ignored Mona. She sat there in a daze, thinking that if she stayed until tomorrow night, the Design Competition would already be over. The person who didn''t want her topete was definitely not Gordon. If Mona didn''t participate in thepetition, it would only benefit enefit other designers s or models. As she pondered this, the names Barbara and Lydia emerged in her mind.


    Time passed slowly, and no one spoke to her, leaving her isted in her chair, unable to move.


    The four men cont¨ªnued ying cards, seemingly indifferent to Mona.


    It appeared the mastermind had trapped her here not for ransom or as leverage against someone, but merely to prevent her from attending thepetition.


    Mona r


    realized she couldn''t just sit and wait. She needed to bide her time and look for a chance to escape before thepetition began the next day.


    Having lived this life before, Mona valued her life even more. Therefore, she had to ensure her safety first


    Before she knew it, time had slipped away, and she was drowsy in her chair, half-listening to the men''s conversation. "Are you guys hungry? The dry bread doesn''t have vor," oneined.


    "I am starving! It''s all because we were in such a hurry to tie her up that we didn''t even have time to grab something to eat," another added.


    not send two of us to buy some? It''ste, and that woman is almost asleep. Two can should be enough. She looks weak and won''t run away," suggested one of them.


    idea."


    go, and two can keep watch It


    "agree.


    Let''s hurry. I''m


    dying of hunger, another man said.


    Mona''s ears perked up at the mention of two men leaving to buy food. This could be her best opportunity.


    Once the two men departed, only two remained in the warehouse, idly ying cards without paying any attention to her.


    Mona turned her gaze to the two men, feigning weakness as she said, "Hey, can you guys give me a bottle of water? I''m really thirsty."


    She yed the role of vulnerable woman perfectly, her eyes wide with feigned fear.


    Perhaps it was because Mona had been calm and not throwing a lit earlier that both of them had rxed their guard. Plus, with Mona''s good looks, the men were naturally drawn to her. It was hard not to feel sympathy for someone like her. They walked over with a bottle of water, one of them holding a cigarette in his mouth. He unscrewed the cap and brought the bottle to her lips.


    Whether he raised the bottle too high or it was intentional on Mona''s part, water spilled out, soaking her neck.


    She coughed and turned her head to the side, repeatedly coughing until her face turned red.


    The man beside her scolded the other, "Can''t you feed her without making a mess?"Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The weather had already shifted to a chilly autumn, especially with the rain outside making it feel even colder.


    Mona, dressed in a turtleneck sweater, felt the cold water trickle down her neck, chilling her to the bone, but it also made her feel more alert. "You do it, then. I''ve never fed anyone before," the man retorted, frustrated.


    Mona quickly interjected, "Could you please untie my hands? I can drink myself, and since you''re both here, I won''t run


    away She sounded pitiful, and upon seeing their hesitation, Mona continued, "I just have to stay here until tomorrow night. I don''t have anything particrly important going on, and with the rain outside, I wouldn''t want to get soaked. It could make me sick They had never encountered someone as obedient as Mona. The two exchanged nces and nodded. Then, the man who had been giving her water crouched down beside her and used one hand to untie the rope binding her hands. Once the ropes were off, she cautiously epted the water he handed her, remembering to thank him politely. The two men stood there in shock. They were the kidnappers, and her gratitude made them feel oddly embarrassed. After a moment of stunned silence, they returned to their cards at a distance.


    Mona raised the bottle to her lips and took a few sips.


    The scene was perfectly timed as the two men in the distance caught sight of her bright, delicate face, her turtleneck entuating her slender neck, seemingly delicate enough to be grasped with one hand. Mona was both beautiful and and alluring, dressed like a refineddy Fearing they would be mesmerized if they kept watching, one of the men quickly turned and bolted outside.


    As kidnappers, they had to follow their boss''s orders, which were simply to keep her until tomorrow night, so they couldn''t do anything reckless. Otherwise, they might end up with nothing if the deal fell through. Mona watched the man leave in a panic, a smile creeping onto her lips.


    She thought, "The schemes truly work. I have never thought I would one day employ such tactics"


    At that moment, only Mona and the man who had fed her remained in the warehouse.


    The man had his back to her. Mona nced the door. To escape, she would need to get past him. There was no way she could outrun him, so a direct escape was not an option. She couldn''t take that risk. Sir, I''m I''m done drinking," she said.


    "You can just leave the water bottle beside you," the man said.


    "Can I just confirm? I can leave tomorrow night, right? You''re not tricking me?" Mona asked with wide, innocent eyes, her expression filled with concern.

 Chapter 103

    As the man met Mona''s sparkling gaze, he felt his cheeks heat up involuntarily and replied, "Of course."


    Mona smiled at him, patting her chest as if calming herself after a scare. "That''s good. You four are decent people. Well...


    Before she could finish, Mona suddenly clutched her stomach, her brows knitting together, and herplexion turning even paler. Not knowing what was wrong, the man realized she must be feeling unwell,


    The person who hired them had specifically instructed that they must not harm Mona in any way. Even the slightest bump or bruise would be considered their fault. If anything were to happen to Mona''s health, he would have no way to defend himself. "What''s with you?"


    Mona squeezed her legs together and said, "My stomach really hurts. Can you take me somewhere to relieve myself?" He looked around, but the ce was empty, and there was nowhere nearby for her to go. It felt awkward. Suddenly, he remembered the grove outside the warehouse. It could serve as a ce for Mona to relieve herself.


    Perhaps Mona''s harmless appearance gave the man the impression that she wouldn''t try to escape, which made him feel more at ease.


    He led her to the small grove outside the warehouse, allowing her to go on her own.


    Since it was still raining outside, he took off his jacket for her to use as a shield against the rain.


    "Go ahead, I''ll keep an eye on you. Don''t think about running away," he said, handing her his coat.


    Before entering. Mor


    Maybe it


    "Yeah, I''ll wait right here to protect the vulnerable,bined with the fact that he was being pulled along by such a beautiful woman, the man felt proud.


    Mona anxiously tugged at his sleeve and said. It''s really dark. I''m a little scared. Just stand close by. Okay?" it was instinct for him


    Hurry up: king fearful, stepped into the grove.


    he


    Mona, clutching her stomach and looking


    She turned back to look at the man several times, nodding at him.


    As she walked forward, the rain soaked her, and she felt incredibly cold, but Mona was eager to escape. She found arge tree to crouch behind. Crouching down, Mona wasn''t relieving herself. She was watching to see if the man was looking at her.


    When


    she noticed him lighting a cigarette, she quickly stood up and ran off into the distance.


    Outside the warehouse, the trees were dense, the rain was pouring, and thunder rumbled. Cold raindrops struck Mona.


    Her heart raced with fear as she ran with all her might.


    The rain and thunder masked her footsteps, allowing her to escape unnoticed.


    She quickened lier pace, running in the darkness, following the dashes of lightning. 95%%


    About five minutester as the rain intensified, the man called out to the grove, "Are you done? It''s raining harder."


    He was genuinely worried about Mona, who had been feeling unwell before. If she caught a cold from the rain, it would be disastrous.


    When no one answered, the man shouted again but still got no response, Realizing something was off, he rushed in to check. The heavy rain poured down. There was no sign of Mona in the grove.


    Not a single creature stirred. It was eerily quiet.


    The man realized he had been tricked by Mona and angrily kicked a nearby tree, muttering a curse under his breath.


    He quickly pulled out his


    pulled out his phone to contact his aplices, telling them she had escaped and to hurry back to look for her.


    Not sure if it was just a bad day for the weather, but after Mona had run out for a while, the rain began to pour even harder. It felt like a summer downpour, even though winter was approaching. She was already struggling to run through the woods, dodging lightning. Now, she was soaked to the skin, and each step felt increasingly heavy as if her feet were weighed down.


    At one point, she she stumbled over a rock, scraping her knees against the ground, causing her to wince in pain.


    But Mona couldn''t t focus on


    her own pain. Each time she fell, she quickly got back up and continued her flight through the night. Though the grove wasn''trge, reaching the path seemed extraordinarily challenging.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona hoped for for a stroke of luck, wishing for a a kind


    The moment


    she


    t she burst out of the grove, it felt like stranger to help her or that Maxwell had sent someone to find her. The rain streamed down her hair, and her eyelids felt ad exhausted all her strength, copsing onto the ground,


    impossibly heavy.


    In the distance, she saw lights approaching, fearing it might be the two men who had gone to buy food. She didn''t dare take the chance and hid behind arge tree.


    As the vehicle drew closer, she peered forward. The windshield wipers flicked across, obscured by the downpour.


    In that fleeting nce, she thought she recognized a familiar face. It was Maxwell!


    Her eyelids grew heavier, and her body began to betray her. Realizing she couldn''t hold on much longer, Mona shouted at the approaching vehicle, "Maxwell...


    ¦°¦¥¦©


    Her voice was swallowed by the rain. She didn''t know if the person in the car was really Maxwell or if she was hallucinating, but she truly hoped it was him. Then she slumped to the ground.


    In her daze, she seemed to see a pair of ck shoes rushing toward her, along with a voice calling, "Mona!"


    Mona''s world faded into darkness. In her confusion, she relived the moment Barbara pushed her off the rooftop in her past.


    mile.


    life.


    Her body plummeted from the heights, the speed increasing, until she lost control, trembling violently as she approached the ground.


    In her daze, she saw Maxwell standing on the rooftop of the hotel she had just been in, looking down at the bustling traffic


    below. Then he jumped off the building without hesitation.


    Mona screamed, "Don''t!"


    At the same time, she shouted, "Maxwell, don''t!"


    Maxwell, who was sitting beside her wiping her sweat, was startled by her cry. When he saw her open her eyes, he finally rxed.


    He ced the towel into a nearby basin and looked at Mona with concern. Gently stroking her hair, he said, "Mona, you''re finally awake. I was

 Chapter 104

    Maxwell feared that Mona might slip into a deep sleep and never wake up again, or that if she did wake, she would forget her feelings for him. He dreaded everything bad that could happen to her.


    She had been running a high fever and unconscious throughout the night, at times crying out for help or calling his name.


    When it came time to give her medicine, she couldn''t swallow any of it, and he ended up having to feed it to her mouth-to-mouth.


    When he found her, Maxwell had seen Mona faint right before his eyes, her body soaked from the rain, her white sweater stained a muddy brown, and her condition so weak that her face was pale and devoid of its usual elegance. It broke his heart. Mona had just dreamed of Maxwell jumping from the rooftop of the hotel, and now here he was right in front of her. She was overjoyed. Mona sat up with all her strength and threw herself into Maxwell''s arms, looking pitiful as she said, "Maxwell, I was so scared. In this new life, Mona valued her life the most. Despite knowing that the kidnappers probably wouldn''t kill her, she still feared that after escaping, they might catch her again, and she didn''t know what kind of suffering awaited her then.


    Right now, she felt dizzy, making her feel quite unwell.


    "Don''t be afraid. It''s all over now," Maxwell whispered reassuringly, holding Mona tightly in his arms.


    They embraced for a while, and after a long moment, Mona softly asked, "Do you know who was behind this?"


    This was the question that weighed heavily on Mona''s mind. Although she had not suffered serious harm from the kidnapping, if it had been sessful, she wouldn''t have been able to participate in the Design Competition, rendering all her hard work pointless. Maxwell shook his head. "No, but the four men who kidnapped you have already been arrested by the police. We shouldContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    know more soon.


    Ever since Mona fell ill, he had only been concerned about her safety, with no time to think about anything else. Now that she was safe, he finally had time to investigate.


    "Yeah, I want to know who was so wicked, Mona said, leaning against Maxwell''s strong waist, feeling reassured.


    "I''ll make sure you get your revenge. How are you feeling now?" Maxwell asked, concerned that she might still be feeling dizzy or unwell.


    Mona shook her head. "I''m fine, just a bit dizzy. It''s a normal reaction.


    Not long after they spoke, there was a knock on the door, and Jane walked in with tear-stained cheeks, followed by Bernard.


    As soon as Jane entered, Maxwell quickly moved aside to make room for her by the bedside.


    "Oh, my Mona. Are you alright?" Jane looked over at Mona making Jane worry terribly.


    on the hospital bed, her paleplexion and colorless lips


    She and Bernard had received a message from Maxwell early in the morning saying that Mona had been kidnapped and was now in the hospital. Upon reading the message, Jane jumped out of bed in shock. Without even eating breakfast, she and Bernard rushed straight to the hospital


    Mona smiled at Jane and threw herself into her arms. "Grandma, I''m fine now. Thanks to Maxwell, or I would have been lying out in the rain all night."


    Indeed, if Maxwell hadn''t arrived in time and found Mona in the heavy rain, she could have been left alone in the wilderness. Even if a car passed by, it wouldn''t have stopped to check the woods.


    Spending a night out in the pouring rain, especially in the fall, might not kill her, but it would definitely leave her hanging by a thread.


    "I''m just d you''re fine." Jane said, gently stroking Mona''s head. Maxwell, you should have let us know immediately when she went missing."


    "Grandma, Maxwell was just worried you''d be upset. Please don''t me him," Mona exined, supporting decision.


    Maxwell''s


    Mona agreed with Maxwell''s decision. She remembered how Jane had aged overnight when she learned of Mona''s death in her previous life.


    If Jane had known about the kidnappingst night, she would have surely been in a panic.


    Mona gave Maxwell a look of approval for making the right choice.


    Maxwell responded with a faint smile in her direction.


    Jane waspletely focused on Mona''s well-being, and upon hearing this, she nodded quickly Jane knew that Maxwell was trying to protect her and Bernard from worry, but she couldn''t help but be concerned about Mona


    None of them had eaten breakfast, so Maxwell called Nigel to bring some food over. After they finished eating. Bernard had to attend to some matters regarding the Design Competition. With some persuasion from Maxwell and Mona, Jane reluctantly left the ward. Now, the room was left with just Mona and Maxwell. Maxwell felt an overwhelming surge of excitement. He could finally hold Mona


    Just as he wrapped his arms around her, there was a knock at the door, and Ava rushed in, cing a bouquet on the side table without even looking at Maxwell. She immediately scooped Mona into her arms and eximed, "You scared me! Baby I''m so d you''re fine." Mona gently patted Ava''s back. "I''m fine. I''m sorry to worry you, babe."


    Hearing them call each other "baby" made Maxwell feel jealous. He had just sent the other two away and barely had time to hug Mona before someone else showed up, calling her "baby".


    Then came more concern from Ava, who pressed herself against Mona, leaving Maxwell feeling particrly unhappy. He excused himself to go to the restroom and, in the meantime, sent a message to Bud, asking him toe and take Ava away.


    At that moment, Bud wasfortably sitting in his office, ying games. Upon seeing Maxwell''s message, he replied: [No. I''ve helped you out too many times already. If I go again, Ava will probably think I like her.]


    Bud felt a bit troubled by this. Ever since they had lunch together, Ava had been frequently messaging him on WhatsApp. At first, he thought nothing of it. They just often had meals together


    But after thest time, when Ava had gotten drunk and clung to his arm, Bud began to feel differently. Now he didn''t even dare reply to Ava''s messages, fearing it would give her the impression that he liked her.

 Chapter 105

    Maxwell read Bud''s message, listened to the voice outside the washroom, and replied: JAfter doing this, I''ll give you a week off]


    A week off was quite tempting to Bud. [Really? You''re not fooling me, are you?]


    Maxwell: It''s true. When have I ever lied?]


    Bud: [Alright, I''ll go all out for your happiness, Just wait.


    Maxwell read Bud''s message, and the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously. He slowly walked out.


    Bud was indeed quick. As soon as Maxwell left and took an apple from the fruit basket to start peeling it, he saw Ava excitedly holding Mona''s hand and saying, "Babe, I can''t cat lunch with you. I have a date."


    After saying that, Ava wanted to leave. It was gettingte. She wanted to go home, shower, put on makeup, and change into beautiful clothes. Yes, she had a lot of things to do.


    Mona grabbed her arm and asked in surprise, "Tell me the truth, girl. Is it Bud asking you out for dinner


    Her best friend Mona had guessed the little secret in her heart. A silly smile appeared on Ava''s lips. She kissed Mona''s cheek and said, "Yes, it''s Bud. I''m sure I like him and want to woo him


    Ava said it with an excited voice, a trembling heart, and a smiling face. Mona was also happy for Ava. Regardless of whether B¨²d liked Ava, Ava had lived a different life. Ava would not die on the operating table and also had someone she liked. That was good.


    Beside Mona, Maxwell looked at Ava with a dark expression, wishing he could chase her out. ''How dare she kiss Mona? Gosh, Im so jealous, Maxwell thought


    After Ava left the ward happily, Maxwell cut the apple he had just peeled into pieces and ced them in Mona''s hands. He said nothing and just stared at Mona


    Mona stuffed a piece of apple into her mouth and looked at Maxwell in confusion. Then, she asked, "What''s wrong? It seems you''re unhappy now, huh?"


    Maxwell was indeed upset. He wanted to tell Mona to be sure of her feeling that he was just unhappy.


    Then, under Mona''s gaze, Maxwell dipped a towel in water and gently wiped Mona''s cheek twice. Then, he still seemed unsatisfied.


    Maxwell went to the bathroom to get the water and facial cleanser. He washed Mona''s face again and rubbed it carefully with his hands. "Yes, this is much cleaner. It''s much better now."


    id it was much cleaner, she realized the spot where Maxwell Mona was stunned by Maxwell''s action. When Maxwell washed was where Ava had just kissed her. She burst outughing.


    Then, she looked at Maxwell with bright eyes and said, "Are you jealous of Ava?"


    When Mona saw Maxwell remain silent, she knew the answer to her question was affirmative. She looked at Maxwell and could not help butugh. As sheughed, Mona said, "Maxwell, Ava''s my best friend. We''ve been close since we were young. Don''t take it to heart, or you''ll be jealous every day!"


    Maxwell looked at Mona coldly. Then, he held her head and kissed Mona''s cheek.


    He kissed her cheek on the spot where Ava had kissed just now and said, "Yes, I''m jealous. So, be good."


    Then, he looked at Mona''s face and smiled. "Only then will it be clean


    Mona looked at Maxwell beside her and reached out to feed him a piece of apple. Maxwell ate it consciously.


    Looking at how Maxwell looked at her, Mona could not help but think that Maxwell was different from before. Other than being cold, he had many emotions on his face. Mona couldn''t help but think, ''Is it because I''m with him now?


    After lunch, Mona said she would participate in Nathontown''s Design Competition. Maxwell looked at Mona on the bed, who was still pale. He couldn''t bear to see her go and wanted her to rest in the hospital, but he knew it was Mona''s dream, so he agreed.


    In the middle of the afternoon, Mona was discharged from the hospital and left with Maxwell. Perhaps because Maxwell had appeared in time and Mona''s physical fitness was good, her high fever subsided at noon


    Maxwell invited the makeup artist and costume designer to his house. He stayed with Mona for half the afternoon to do her styling and makeup. He did not even go to the office.


    When the two of them were done dressing up, Mona and Maxwell took the dress-Mona designed and went to the Design Competition.


    When they arrived, the entrance was already filled with people. Many reporters were taking photos at the door. Mona held Maxwell''s arm and slowly walked into the hall.


    The moment the two of them arrived, they instantly attracted the attention of the people at the door. A handsome man and a beautiful woman were pleasant to the eye. It didn''t matter whether the work of design could win an award or not, Whenever the two of them appeared on camera, people couldn''t help but take a few more nces.


    Maxwell and Mona walked in under the light. Maxwell sat in the front row. Mona handed her dress to Artemis in the dressing room backstage, where she met Lydia, who was also a model


    Lydia looked at Mona as if she had seen a ghost. She thought, ''Shouldn''t Mona be in the warehouse? Didn''t the guy tell me that he had seededst night? Why is Mona here now? Does it mean my n went up in smoke? Will Maxwell still pay attention to me today?'' The answer, of course, was no.


    "Miss Reed, why are you looking at me like that? Anything on my face?" Mona stared at Lydia. As Mona asked, she slowly approached Lydia.


    Mona had noticed Lydia''s shocked gaze just now and was sure Lydia was the one who kidnapped her the previous night.


    Lydia panicked as Mona approached her step by step and thought, ''Has Mona already known I had gotten someone to kidnap herst night?" Lydia subconsciously took a step back and forced a smile. "No, nothing. I just took a casual look."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Oh? That''s quite casual. Your eyes are on me," Mona mocked.


    After saying that, Mona did not want to talk to Lydia anymore. She told Artemis about what would happen on the stageter.


    Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention to her, Lydia took out her spare phone and walked into the corner outside the door. She secretly called the person who kidipped Mona.


    The moment the call connected, before the person on the other end could say anything. Lydia swore, "What''s wrong with you guys? Are you not doing your job after taking money? Why is Mona here now?*

 Chapter 106

    "Hello, this is Nathontown Police Station. You are suspected of kidnapping. Pleasee to the police station." The cold male voice came from the other end of the line. Lydia was silently reading it from inside. The police station! Her face instantly turned pale. She was so frightened that she hurriedly hung up the phone in her hands. Then, she felt it was unsafe, so she hurriedly turned off her phone and threw it into the trash can beside her.


    However, she still felt uneasy. ''Will the policee here to arrest me? She thought, ''With so many people here, the police might not be able to find me. After the show, I''ll immediately leave the country and return after some time. I can''t go to prison, or my life will be stained. After thinking it through, Lydia quietly returned to the dressing room.


    Mona handed the dress she designed to Artemis and walked out. The two of them happened to meet at the entrance of the dressing room. Mona looked at Lydia meaningfully. Then, Mona walked toward Maxwell. She was almost certain that the person who kidnapped her was Lydia.


    Before Mona could walk to Maxwell, Maxwell waved at her, indicating for her toe over quickly.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    When Mona sat beside Maxwell, Maxwell whispered in her ear, The police chief just called to say that he found the person who kidnapped you yesterday."


    Maxwell paused for a moment and said, "It''s Lydia. That was also something he had not expected.


    Mona nodded and said, "I guessed it. However, this person is your childhood ymate. Will you help her?"


    When she asked the question, Mona was worried because she did not know if Lydia was Maxwell''s ex-girlfriend or if Maxwell hadpletely gotten over Lydia.


    Maxwell''s sharp eyes met Mona''s as he said seriously, "No, she will pay the price for kidnapping you."


    His tone was serious without any hesitation. Mona was content when she heard that. Her soft hand quietly held Maxwell''s big hand as she said, "Maxwell, are the policeing soon?"


    Maxwell clenched the soft hand in his palm and wrapped it up. "Yes, the police areing soon."


    "Can you tell the police toeter?" asked Mona.


    "Huh?" Maxwell did not quite understand what Mona meant. If it were him, he would have rushed to the police station to catch the bad guy.


    "Maxwell, just listen to me and tell the police toe over after the modelingpetition ends, Mona said coquettishly. She wanted to let Barbara and Lydia know that even if the two of them could participate in the modelingpetition, her work would oupete them. Maxwell met Mona''s sparkling eyes and nodded subconsciously.


    At that moment, the two hosts slowly went on stage. Each of them weed everyone to the Design Competition. Then, Bernard announced the official start of the Design Competition.


    After that, the hosts introduced the judges for the Design Competition and the designers who would draw lots to go on stage. After the preliminaries and the semi-finals, a total of thirty designers entered.


    Mona didn''t seem to be lucky. There were thirty designers, and she was No. 28, near thest. The judges and audience would feel aesthetic fatigue at the end, so Mona was unlucky.


    Mona took the number te to find Artemis in the backstage. When she saw Teddy at the door, Mona acted as if she didn''t see him and just walked past him.


    Just as Mona was about to walk in, Teddy grabbed Mona''s arm and shouted, "Mona, I have something to ask you."


    Mona shook off Teddy''s arm and fumed. "Let go of me. I have nothing to say to you."


    After finally waiting for Mona toe alone, Teddy wouldn''t give up. He stood in front of Mona and said, "Stop fooling around. I have something to ask you."


    "No matter what you want, I don''t want to talk to you," Mona said as she walked away.


    Seeing Mona was about to walk backstage, Teddy said to Mona loudly, "Mona, I had a dream. In the dream, we were engaged. After that..." Later, Mona was pushed down from the top floor of the hotel by him and Barbara.


    Those words sounded magical. Ever since he was beaten up and warned to stay away from Mona, Teddy gradually began to dream. And it was magical. The content of his dreams every night was more or less continuous.


    well. In the beginning, he dreamed of what he had done recently until he engaged to Mona. In his dream, he was doing very On the one hand, he was engaged to Mona, who was good to him and took his "advice" of giving up her job and taking good care of him at home. Also, Teddy and Barbara were fine because Barbara and her mother had not been chased out of the Clem family.


    However, the moment Teddy opened his eyes, things would change. Mona was no longer his fianc¨¦e, and Powers Group development was not good, either. As for Barbara, she was not as good to him as he had dreamed. Recently, he had been thinking how good it would be if his life was really like what he had dreamed, but not like it at the moment, when everything was not going well.


    Upon hearing Teddy''s words, Mona stopped in her tracks and said with a trembling voice, "Since it''s a dream, it''s impossible."


    She seemed to know in her heart that Teddy was talking about what happened before she traveled back in time. However, Teddy was talking about what happened in his dream. She was different. She had experienced it.


    Mona pondered. After bing Teddy''s fianc¨¦e before, I lost myself. I lost my career and gradually became distant from my grandparents. I did not even have time to contact Ava. All I did was to please Teddy''s family, not having any space for myself at all. ''I had thought everything I did was to move Teddy and make him love me more, but it turned out I was the only one who was touched.


    "In the end, Teddy and Barbara worked together to push me from the top floor, ending up with a horrible death!


    After saying that, Mona walked straight in. In the past, for the sake of so-called love, she lived without self-esteem. She never wanted to go back to such a life.


    Teddy looked at Mona''s slender back and slowly fell into deep thought. That''s right, During our engagement ceremony, Mona seemed to have be a different person. Based on my understanding of Mona, it was when she found out about the affair between me and Barbara that I exined it to herter. I even gave her flowers and a car. I guessed Mona would be touched, but Mona did not react at all. Something did not seem right."

 Chapter 107

    Teddy frowned and thought, ''Unless... Unless Mona had also had the same dream and knew her tragic ending, so she resolutely got engaged to Maxwell at our engagement ceremony Teddy did not rte Mona''s abnormal actions to traveling back in time. After all, it was mysterious.


    After figuring it out, Teddy left. After all, he still remembered the lesson from thest time. He had to stay away from Mona.


    Mona walked into the dressing room, feeling a little afraid. "Teddy came to ask me about my life before. Would he have figured out that I''ve traveled back in time? Mona wasn''t sure and was annoyed. Artemis looked I at Mona standing at the door, whose eyes were lifeless, and she was a little worried. She walked up to Mona and waved her palm in front of Mona''s eyes. "Mona, what''s wrong? Are you alright?" Teddy''s appearance and words brought Mona''s thoughts back to her life before. At that time, she clearly remembered everything she had done for Teddy and the scene of her falling off the building. The weightlessness pressed down on her heart, and it seemed she could not even breathe smoothly.


    It was not until she heard a voice in her ear that Mona forced herself toe back from the thoughts of her old life. When she saw Artemis, her heart slowly calmed down. What''s gone is gone, I have to live in the present. Teddy just dreamed of the life before. It was fine. Mona con Monaforted herself in her heart.


    Then, she looked at Artemis and shook her head. "Nothing. I was just a little distracted. By the way, I came to you because..."


    What was it again? Mona couldn''t remember it for the time. After thinking for a while, she still didn''t remember why she wanted to see Artemis. Teddy kept appearing in her mind unconsciously. In the end, Artemis asked, "Is the ranking of the participants out!"


    Hearing Artemis''s words, Mona thought of something and immediately told Artemis about her bad luck in drawing number


    28.


    20.


    After hearing that, Artemis smiled and said, "It''s fine. It''s not bad to be at the back. Leave the best forst. I''m confident that we can get into the top three."


    Compared to Artemis''s confidence, Mona''s confidence instantly exploded. She reassured herself inside. The most important thing is Nathontown''s Design Competition. Why am I overthinking it?'' "Yes, we will make it!" Mona said confidently. She was confident in her design and Artemis.


    When Mona returned, the Design Competition had yet to officially begin. It was an opening dance. She sat beside Maxwell and held his arm. She leaned her head on his shoulder and felt the peace that Maxwell brought her. At first, Maxwell was a little pleased with Mona''s sudden closeness. However, after a while, Maxwell did not hear Mona speak Only then did he feel that Mona seemed to be gloomy. He stroked her smooth hair gently and said, "What''s wrong? Are you nervous because of theingpetition!" Right then, that was the only thing that Maxwell could think of to distract Mona.


    Mona was depressed that Teddy told her about his dream. However, she could not tell Maxwell. She nodded in Maxwell''s arms. "Yes, I''m a little nervous. After all, if I can enter the top three this time, I can participate in thepetition between the cities. I want to go." Since Snd I she wanted to make a name for herself in her career, Mona wanted to go to more top-notch ces for designers and let more people know about her work, not only domestically but also overseas. Worry and nervousness weremon emotions. Maxwell knew he was no exception. "Mona, I believe you can do it. After Oct 25 G 09:03 Fri, -


    all,


    my wife, Mrs Carter, even if..."


    you''re my


    Maxwell paused and said, "Mona, even if you fail this time, you will still have a chance next year. This is life. Just try your best. God will have his ns


    Mona held Maxwell''s hand tightly and said, "Yes, after all, I''m your wife, No matter what happens, I can get over it."


    As soon as Mona finished speaking, the Nathontown modelingpetition officially began. Apanied by lights and music, the first model walked onto the stage. She was wearing a ck gauze dress that revealed her s***y corbone and slender arms. She walked from one end of the stage to the other and put her hands on her hips. She smiled at the judges and audience below and walked back. That was the work of the first designer, Mona stared at it intently. She knew the designer, who came in thirdst year. Mona had to admit that this designer''s works were spiritual and beautiful. There was a high chance that this designer would win an award.


    "Maxwell, does it look good?" Mona asked.


    does look good, but it''s not as good as your design, Mrs. Carter. I''m waiting for number 28 Maxwell smiled and secretly tapped the tip of Mona''s nose. Maxwell had seen Mona''s design blueprint. It was gentle, concise, and matched with his aesthetic standards.


    "Maxwell, you''reThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    better at sweet talking. Here''s your reward. After saying that, Mona raised her head and kissed Maxwell''s Adam''s apple.


    Mona


    a felt Maxwell swallow hard. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, and she bit his Adam''s apple mischievously. The bite was neither heavy nor light. It should have made Maxwell feel the pain. When Mona lowered her head shyly, Maxwell''s grip on Mona''s shoulder subconsciously became tighter, and his breathing became a little heavy.


    Then, Mo "She''s so good at flirting!'' Maxwell thought.


    Maxwell smiled. This reward is good. I''ll say more sweet words in the future to win your rewards, Mrs. Carter."


    Maxwell''s deep voice sounded in Mona''s ears. Mona could not help but feel her heart itching, giving her a numbing feeling which was a strange experience.


    Barbara, sitting in the back row, watched Maxwell and Monaughing and making out in the front row, and Jealousy shed across her eyes as she clenched her fists tightly and dug her nails into her palms. Barbara cursed in her heart. Lydia, that idiot! How could she even fail a kidnapping? Damn it. I''ve overestimated her! ''Fortunately, I still have a backup n. No matter what, I''ll get first ce in this Design Competition. The Design Competition was slowly progressing. In the blink of an eye, it came to the fifth ce, which was the work of Barbara.


    The lights shone on the stage. Lydia straightened her back and maintained a smile as she slowly walked toward the stage. The music started, and she walked toward the end of the stage step by step. She was wearing a short pink floral dress. The dress moved with the wind, revealing her s***y legs. She was very eye-catching

 Chapter 108

    Lydia''s eyes met Mona''s. Mona smiled at Lydia. That smile seemed to be a little unpleasant as if she was mocking Lydia.


    Instantly, Lydia was sure Mona knew she was the one behind Mona''s kidnapping. And Lydia was a little panicked, wondering whether the police woulde looking for her.


    At the thought that she was still on stage, Lydia quickly retracted her gaze. She wanted toplete the runway show and let everyone know her strength. She wanted people to see she was better than Mona and everyone else at present and that she was the only one who was worthy of Maxwell. However, her heart could not calm down at all. It was difficult for her to maintain the smile on her face, and her cheeks seemed a little stiff.


    itThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    happened like that. The more one wanted to remain calm, the harder it was to maintain it. Lydia felt she was in such a difficult situation.


    she was experienced on stage and was beautiful. The only w was that the smile on her face was a little stiff. Her steps were not especially graceful, but the audience did not notice it. Lydia thought it was difficult for her to walk from one side of the stage to the other. She gave the audience and judges a standard smile.


    She had practiced this smile often and was especially familiar with it. It seemed to be in her blood.


    Lydia walked back from the other side of the stage. She could already see the end of the line and felt relieved. The police had note for her at that time, which meant they had not found out it was her.


    When her show


    how was over, she could leave the country immediately. It would be a hell of a job for the police to find her overseas. The culprit who kidnapped Mona was gone, and in the end, the case would be left unsettled. When Lydia left the stage, she heard the audience say that she was beautiful, her steps were graceful, and her dress was beautiful.


    It made Lydia happy. Although there was a small w in her fashion show, she still made it.


    Lydia listened to everyone''s apuse as she left the stage. As soon as she got off the stage, Lydia was no longer afraid. She immediately contacted her assistant and drove to the airport.


    entrance


    a flight. As long as she reached the airport and boarded the ne, she would be safe.


    Before she went on stage, she had book of the designpetition, she was stopped by the two people at the door. Seeing the two guys had shown their police badges, Lydia immediately wanted to run away, but the police officers were one step ahead of her. The two police When Lydia walked walked out of the


    officers


    grabbed her arms and said, "Lydia Reed, you''re suspected of kidnapping. Pleasee with us."


    After saying that, the police officers handcuffed Lydia. Only then did Lydia feel afraid. The two police officers acted as if she had made a huge mistake. Once she was handcuffed, Lydia lost her freedom. She immediately felt like she was about to break down and thundered, "Let go of me. Do you know who I am? I''m Lydia, the Reed Family''s heiress. I''m an international model. Let go of me!


    shouted thest four words directly. She couldn''t ept others treating her like that. It was rude and too disrespectful.


    Lydia sho


    However, she did not expect that when she sent people to kidnap Mona, although she told them not to hurt Mona, it did not feel good to be tied to a chair.


    "You''re the one we want: Lydia Reed, you''re suspected of kidnapping Mona Clem. Come with us." After saying that, the police officer took Lydia outside. When they reached the door, they met Mona. Mona was smiling at her again. This time, Lydia saw it. Mona was indeed mocking her.


    "Excuse me, officers. Can I have a word with her?" Mona asked, looking at the police officers.


    The two policemen looked at each other and knew Mona was the victim of the kidnapping. They nodded and walked to the side.


    Mona looked at Lydia and walked around her. "I know the mastermind behind my kidnapping is you, Lydia."


    Lydia''s hands were then cuffed. Meeting Mona like that made her feel embarrassed. Lydia said, "Let go of me. Mona, tell the police to let go of me. Tell the police that it''s not me."


    Lydia couldn''t escape. The two police officers were near them. As soon as she escaped, she would get caught. That would be even more embarrassing. "Whether it''s you or not, the police will investigate it. By the way let me tell


    fair circumstances." After Mona finished speaking, she walked forward with you something. Before you went on stage to perform, Maxwell knew you were the mastermind. I was the one who gave you the chance to go on stage. I just want to let you see who will win under


    ncing at Lydia.


    Lydia didn''t care about thepetition then. Her heart was filled with thoughts of going to jail. She didn''t want to go to jail and leave a stain on her life.


    "I withdraw from thepetition, and you tell the police to let me go. At that time, I just wanted to stop you from participating in thispetition. I wanted Maxwell to pay attention to me." Lydia regretted i dit a lot. She didn''t want to go to jail. She just didn''t want Mona to participate in thepetition. She heard Barbara say,


    Lydia said,


    "If


    f only Mona had something on that day and couldn''t participate in this designpetition. Then the two of us would win the first prize." Lydia thought of getting two guys to keep an


    eye


    on Mona. That way, Mon Mona would not be able to participate in thepetition, and Maxwell''s gaze would be on her. It doesn''t matter to me whether you withdraw from thepetition or not. . I''ll still be in the top three. Also, Maxwell is my husband. Why is his gaze on you? You''re dreaming." Mona didn''t even turn around as she spoke and left. Seeing that, the police officers immediately escorted Lydia into the the police car. Many people and reporters were around. When they saw the scene unfold, the reporters started snapping photos of Lydia. The international model was brought into the police car by the police. Wouldn''t there be headlines the next day? Perhaps it would be even more attention-grabbing than the the champion of of the Nathontown Designer Competition!


    Lydia had never been in such a situation before. She was scared to death. In her panic, she covered her face with her hands and ordered the people around her, "Don''t take photos. No photos. Delete the photos."


    However, the onlookers didn''t listen to her. They kept taking photos of her face until the police left. They even took a photo of the police car leaving before they left.


    "What crime did such a famous modelmit? She was arrested by the police."


    "Can''t you see that she''s handcuffed? She must have made a big mistake."


    "That''s true, but there''s tomorrow''s headline."


    "What a pity. She''s so good-looking."

 Chapter 109

    Mona finished talking to Lydia and walked inside. Just as she reached the door, she saw Artemis''s assistant, Nicole, walking over in a hurry. When she saw Mona, Nicole looked like she had seen her savior and ran to Mona in a panic.


    "Mona, go to the dressing room and take a look. Our dress has been stained with coffee," Nicole said anxiously. She was afraid there wasn''t enough time. By then, Artemis would wear a coffee-stained dress to go on stage. That would be extremely humiliating. When Mona heard Nicole''s words, she was also afraid. It was not easy to wash the coffee stains. If they washed it, it would leave stains. When the lights were on, people could see it. Mona quickly followed Nicole to the dressing room. When she arrived, Mona saw Artemis getting someone to bring water to wash the coffee stain off the dress. Mona hurriedly walked over and stopped it in a panic. "No, don''t wash


    it. It will ruin the beauty of the dress."


    When Artemis heard that, she looked at Mona in a panic and said, "Mona, I''m sorry. I just wanted to take a sip of coffee to refresh myself. Unexpectedly, I bumped into the girl who served me coffee. Then, this happened. It''s all my fault. What should I do now?" The thing was, it was already the fifteenth mod model''s el''s turn. Artemis wanted to take a sip of coffee to refresh herself so she asked the girl by the side to make her a cup of coffee.


    The girl handed the coffee to Artemis, and thetter subconsciously turned around and knocked off the cup, which identally hit her wrist. Just like that, the dress was stained with coffee.


    the incident, the girl had been apologizing to to Artemis. Seeing the girl was about to cry, Artemis said she wouldn''t me her and let her go. s fault. Artemis did not notice that the coffee was so close to her.


    After the


    In her impression, it was indeed not the gins when she turned around, the girl specially sent some coffee forward, which was the main reason for the coffee spilling on the dress. However, what Ane what Artemis did not know was that


    Mona looked at the coffee stain in front of Artemis''s abdomen and frowned slightly. If it were smaller, she could wash it and be careful when on stage. However, the point was that this position was too conspicuous and the stain was too big. There was no way to cover it. "Mona, do you have any spare designs?" Artemis asked.


    If it didn''t work, she could only wear a backup dress. It might not be as beautiful as this dress, but Artemis knew if she wore this dress, she definitely wouldn''t win an award.


    a shook her head. This time, she was careful when designing. The entire process only involved her and ra. After designing it, she kept the dress in her vi. It was safe. She did not think of making a spare piece. "What should we do? What should we do now? We''re already No. 18. It''s almost our turn. Where are we going to get a new dress now?" Nicole said regretfully.


    Mona sho


    Nicole thought, ''Shit. I shouldn''t have left for the bathroom. I should have stayed close to Artemis. If I had handed Artemis the coffee, such a thing wouldn''t have happened because I know Artemis well.''


    I have to make it a new design, Mona stared at therge stain on the dress and thought quickly.


    When Nicole still wanted to say something, Artemis saw through Mona''s thoughts and nudged Nicole, telling her not to interrupt.  1,88%


    09:19


    Sat.


    Nicole shut her mouth as asked. She felt wronged as well as anxious. When she was anxious, she wanted to say it out. After a long


    while, an idea crossed Mona''s mind. She snapped her fingers and said, "I have an idea. Do you have paint and a paintbrush here?" Nicole subconsciously shook her head and wondered, ''How can there be paint and a paintbrush here in the dressing room?" At that moment, Maxwell and Nigel walked in. When the two of them saw the stain on the dress and knew it was the priority to solve the problem immediately even if they did not know what had just happened. Maxwell Max "What a coin I said, coincidence. I''ve got a paintbrush and paint in my car. Nigel, go get them." Maxw Nigel quickly took the key from Maxwell and walked toward the garage.


    Maxwell had had bought them at an auction a few days ago. He was thinking about giving them to his grandfather when he returned to the Clem family. Now that the situation was urgent, he could only get something else for his grandfather.


    asked Nicole to bring Artemis to the dressing room to change.


    Mona For a moment, only Maxwell and Mona were in the dressing room. "Maxwell, thank you. It''s so good to have you," Mona said gratefully. Otherwise, it would take some time for Mona to get someone to buy a paintbrush and paint. In that case, she did not know if she would be able to make it in time for thepetition. "What are you thanking me for? This is what I should do. Are you dress, but he did not know how effective the remedy would be. confident that you can remedy this?" Maxwell asked He guessed Mona wanted the paintbrush and I paint to remedy the


    Mona shook her head and said, "I''m not sure, but I''ll try my best. Now, under such circumstances, I can''t think of a better way." "Mrs. Carter, I believe you can do it. it. It will seed," Maxwell said as he held Mona''s hand.


    Nigel happily came in with a paintbrush and paint and saw the scene.


    Oh my


    god, Mr.


    Carter is holding Mona''s hand and saying such encouraging words. Maxwell''s tone made Nigel unable to believe his eyes and ears. ''Mr. Carter seems to have changed. He''s be more humane. Nigel thought. As the footsteps approached, Mona quickly put down Maxwell''s hand and moved to the side, smiling at Nigel. Nigel cleared his throat awkwardly and ced the paintbrush and paint on the table.


    He met Maxwell''s dissatisfied gaze and thought to himself. ''It''s not that I wanted to interrupt, but time is especially precious. I have no choice but to disturb your happy moment, boss.''


    At that moment, Artemis walked out after changing her clothes. She carefully spread the dress on the table.


    Nigel had the paintbrush and paint ready. Mona folded one side of the dress to prevent the back from being damagedter. Mona took a deep breath. "I''m starting. If it''s ruinedter, we''ll..." "We''ll lose. Mona thought so. Before Mona could finish, she was interrupted by Artemis. "Don''t jinx it. Don''t spout nonsense. We will seed."


    "That''s right. I believe you," Nicole said confidently. Ever since she saw Artemis wearing the red dress designed by Mona, she had admired Mona.


    "I have faith in you, too. Good luck. You can do it," Nigel said, thinking the girl Maxwell had fancied wouldn''t fail.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    3


    Mona''s eyes met Maxwell''s. His thin lips moved slightly as he said, "Mona, I believe you, too. You will make it. After all, you


    are Mrs. Carter!"


    0

 Chapter 110

    With everyone''s encouragement, Mona was instantly filled with confidence. She did not want to fail, either. She looked at the coffee stain on the dress and began to modify it.


    Mona was also raised as a socialite when she was young. She knew a little about dancing, painting, piano, and so on, but she was not proficient in it. She was better at painting because she studied design and had always been practicing. As time passed, Nicole heard the shouts of the 25th contestant outside. She was nervous for Mona because Mona was not done yet. "Nigel, go and ask if you can move Artemis''s ranking to thest, Maxwell said to Nigel beside him when he saw Mona had not finished painting.


    Nigel hurriedly nodded and walked out.


    no rush. Take it slow. Your painting is good," Maxwell encouraged. He was afraid that Mona would be worried about the time and get distracted, causing the work to bepleted poorly. Mona was still a little anxious when she heard the call outside the door. But her heart immediately calmed down when she heard Maxwell''s words. She slowly focused on the dress.


    Oy, I


    When Mona was finally


    done, Nigel, who was at the door, said excitedly, "It''s done. It''s done. As long as thest two contestants agree, it''s fine. I discussed it with them, and they agreed to give up thest ce to perform." For the thest participant, the judges and audience were extremely tired. Unless it was a particrly stunning work, it could only fail. When Mona heard the news, her heart finally calmed down. Then, she had time to wait for the paint to dry.


    at the


    Everyone looked at flower Mona had drawn on the dress. I was not beautiful or ugly, but it was not stunning. They also knew Mona had tried her best. Regardless of whether it would seed or not, they would not regret it. A moment Iter, the paint on the dress was dry. Mona told Artemis to change into it in the fitting room. When Artemis came out, it was No. 29


    Mona quickly tidied Artemis''s hair and dress and ced the hat on her hand.


    "Don''t be nervouster. Just do it as you usually practice," Mona said. At this point, no matter what, she had done her best and would not regret it. Artemis nodded. She took the hat from Mona and slowly walked toward the door.


    "Mona, the flower seems special. It''s very attractive to me," Nicole Nicole said excitedly.


    When


    Mona justpleted the painting, Nicole saw a rose on a light green dress. She didn''t think it looked good, but when Artemis wore the dress and walked around, the rose on the dress moved with her walking. It was very lifelike. "Yes, this is the effect I wanted. It seems to have shown. Let''s go out and take a look!" As soon as Mona finished speaking, the three of them followed her out to the audience stand.


    The host said, "Wee thest model, Miss Artemis Rain. The design she''s showing is Mona''s Red Rose. Let us apud and wee her."


    When Barbara heard it was Mona''s work, the corners of her lips curled up unconsciously. ''How can a coffee-stained dress look good?'' she smirked.


    ''If I were Mona, I would have used this as an excuse to withdraw from thepetition instead of letting the model wear a stained dress. At the thought, Barbara''s lips curled into a smile.


    88% +5


    Barbara had just seen all the work before her. It seemed her design and the first design were the best. In her heart, Barbara thought hers was slightly better.


    Since Mona''s design had been stained, Barbara believed she would be the champion of the Nathontown designpetition. How could she not be happy and excited?


    Following the apuse from the audience, Artemis slowly walked onto the stage with a pink hat.


    Green lights shone on the stage, creating a dreamy feeling of paradise. As Artemis walked toward the center of the stage, the audience and judges below could see the slowly blooming rose on the dress. On the green dress, a red rose slowly bloomed in front of her abdomen, making people unconsciously think of the purity of a rose.


    Coupled with Artemis''s


    At that moment,


    rtemis''s graceful steps, it was neither slow nor anxious. It made the rose on her dress slowly bloom. It was enough to attract people''s attention and was unforgettable. someone from below the stage took the lead and said, "Impressive." Then, a deafening apuse sounded. her.


    When Mona saw the red rose was so stunning and effective, she was especially happy. She held Maxwell''s hand to express her excitement.


    Maxwell''s hand slowly tightened around Mona''s, expressing that he was happy for


    In the distance, Teddy saw Mona''s sess. When he thought about his dream, he suddenly realized it was different. In his dream, Mona did not have such intelligence to turn a dead end into a living thing. However, Mona was exceptionally charming when she did that. Thinking back to the stupid girl who followed behind him in the past, Teddy wondered if Mona had been possessed by someone.


    By the time Artemis walked off the stage, the apuse from the audience had yet to end.


    Barbara stared at Artemis''sProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ?s


    AS


    back fiercely, as if she could stare a hole through Artemis''s dress. If looks could kill, Artemis would have been killed by Barbara''s gaze.


    soon as Artemis walked off the stage and saw Mona, she gave Mona a happy smile.


    Artemis had participated in many modelingpetitions and won many awards, but this was the first time she had received so good stage effect. Listening to the apuse below, she knew her performance was sessful. Mona smiled at Artemis and gently hugged her. "You''ve done it. You''ve done it. You''re amazing!" Artemis hugged Mona excitedly and said, "Thanks, Mona. I''m so happy and excited today. Mona, thank you for giving me this opportunity to showcase myself better."


    Mona smiled. "Thanks for wearing the dress I designed. It suits you very well."


    Everyone had tried their best. They were happy and excited. It didn''t matter much to them even if they did not win the first ce. It had already satisfied the audience below.


    The thirty models had disyed themselves. It was time for the judges and audience to evaluate.


    The judges gave 70% of the votes, and the audience gave 30%. Every audience member had a ticket in their hands and voted for their favorite clothes, which were disyed on the big screen.


    The audience started voting, and everyone''s eyes were fixed on the big screens one after another. Mona was the same. She stared fixedly at her name and was still a little nervous.

 Chapter 111

    Maxwell looked at Mona who was focused and put his arm around Mona''s shoulder to ease her nervousness.


    As the audience voted, Mona watched her ranking soar and gradually heaved a sigh of relief.


    When all the audience had finished voting, the 30% result was out. Mona was especially excited when she saw her name was in the lead.


    Then,


    audience, while the second ce, Barbara, was 15%. From the audience''s point of view, Mona had defeated Barbara. it was time for the judges to evaluate, which would take up the lion''s share.


    Her design was liked by 49% of the


    There were a total of five judges. The first four gave Mona a high score of over nine points. When it came to thest judge, he gave a low score of six points. Mona''s heart sank dramatically. Her mood was indescribable. Maxwell looked at Mona''s dejected expression and felt disappointed.


    Just like that, the final score was calcted. The scores of Mona and Barbara were the same. The main reason was that the judge''s low score of six points pulled down Mona''s total score.


    The low score not only made Mona and Maxwell depressed, but it also made the audience unanimously disagree. After all, the design of the dress was good, and Artemis performed well. Grading six was indeed too low. "Mona..." Artemis patted Mona''s shoulderfortingly.


    After the audience voted, Mona thought she would get the first ce. In the end, one judge gave her a low score and made


    get


    the same score as the second ce. Just thinking about it upset Mona.


    her


    Mona smiled at Artemis. "It''s fine. We''ve tried our best to salvage the situation. The results we''ve achieved are already good enough."


    Although Mona wanted to oupete Barbara, the die was cast. She could only say her design couldn''t please everyone. That judge was the one who did not like it.


    Maxv


    I looked at Mona''s disappointed eyes. He gently stroked her hair with his big hand and looked at the stage, thinking about something.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Barbara looked at the results of the designpetition on the big screen with confidence in her eyes. ''So what if Mona salvaged the situation? She would still get the first ce with me together.'' Speaking of which, Lydia''s performance was not perfect, either. She saw Lydia''s smile on the stage was stiff. She was not as good as Artemis at all.


    Barbara thought, ''Even so, my design of work got the same scores as Mona''s, which means my design is still better than Mona''s.''


    The host stood on the stage. Just as he was about to announce that the first ce was won by Mona and Barbara, Maxwell walked straight to the stage and stood beside the host, saying something. The host paused and looked at the person beside him, who seemed to have an innate dignity that frightened him unconsciously.


    Just as the host was about to ask Maxwell what was going on, Maxwell opened his mouth. His cold voice came from the stage. "I have objections to the first ce in thispetition. I want to know the reason why the judge gave Mona a 6.3."  09.20


    Maxwell paused for a moment and swept his cold gaze across the judge. "Everyone likes the dress designed by Mona, especially the red rose. The other judges are the same. Only you gave Mona a low score. I just want to know the reason." When Maxwell said that, the audience also started discussing sofly. 87%1


    "What the guy says on stage makes sense. I also think Mona''s design is better than Barbara''s. It has the feeling of enthusiasm in summer."


    I second that. Moreover, this guy is hot. He''s my type. What do you think his rtionship with Mona is?"


    "He''s standing up for her. I guess he''s Mona''s boyfriend. Mona looks so young. He can''t be her husband, can he?"


    However, they look a perfect match."


    "He''s her fianc¨¦, but it seems the two of them are connected by arranged marriage something going on between these two. I have to keep an eye on them."


    ¡°Jeez, based sed on my many years of experience watching idol dramas,


    there must be


    "When the scores were released, I felt the judge was deliberately giving Mona a low mark. Now is a good time to hear the results." Barbara''s


    gaze swept across Mona in the front row and Maxwell on the stage. Her heart was filled with jealousy and dissatisfaction. Barbara thought, ''I was so close. I was so close to getting the first ce with Mona. It''s all Maxwell''s fault. It''s a waste of time.


    Barbara was also indignant. Mona had been Teddy''s girlfriend for so many years and was about to get engaged. After getting married, Mona had a husband who treasured her. Barbara couldn''t be more jealous.


    Mona looked at Maxwell on the stage. She She did I not expect Max Maxwell to to step out


    and


    question that judge. She was touched.


    The judge questioned by Maxwell held the microphone in his hand and defended, "This is just my point of view. Firstly, I don''t like the rose on the dress. Roses have many colors, and the rose on the dress is only red. Secondly, the embroidery of the rose on the cor of the dress is a little messy, indicating the designer is not good at embroidery. So, I gave it 6.3." "Really? Then why did you have a transfer record of ten million dors on your bank card just now?" Maxwell asked coldly. If he hadn''t felt something was wrong and asked Nigel to investigate it, Maxwell wouldn''t have known that this judge had I received a arge transfer from someone. It was


    obvious that someone e did not want Mona to get first ce and had deliberately bribed the judge.


    The audience below was discussing in low voices, wondering if what Maxwell said was true. It was ten million dors, not a small sum.


    Maxwell looked at the judge''s terrified gaze and continued, "Also, who said we can''t draw only one red rose? Your point of view is toomb.


    "If I''m not wrong, you''re still wearing your sses, which means your vision isn''t good. Besides, how could you see so clearly from below the stage? You could even see the embroidery on the cor."


    When Maxwell said that, the audience subconsciously nodded along with him. "That''s right. Even with normal eyesight, one can not see so clearly. Moreover, this person is near-sighted. He was making things up.''


    The young judge''s face turned red from Maxwell''s rebuttal. He said, "I''m a judge. I already said that it was my own opinion, so I gave Mona a 6.3. Don''t spout nonsense here without evidence. Otherwise, I''ll sue you for damaging my reputation."

 Chapter 112

    "Evidence? Who said I don''t have evidence? Nigel!" Maxwell shouted.


    Nigel received the order and made an OK sign to Maxwell. Then, everyone saw the transfer record on the big screen. It was the record of the transfer of ten million dors to Trevor Webb at 8:03 p.m. tonight, which was the time when the results had just been released. Then, everyone understood Trevor had deliberately given Mona a low score.


    "I, I, this isn''t real. This screenshot was edited. It''s fake..." Trevor said loudly.


    The evidence was there, along with what Maxwell had just said and Trevor''s flustered expression, everyone knew who was lying.


    Trevor was still quibbling. The organizer of the Nathontown''s Design Competition verified that Trevor had received money from someone. He got people to revoke Trevor''s judgeship certificate and chased him out of thepetition venue.


    In that case, the scores of the participants in Nathontown''s modelingpetition would be recalcted, excluding Trevor''s score as a judge.


    For a moment, Mona was undoubtedly the first ce, far ahead of the second ce, Barbara.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Under the host''s introduction, Mona and Barbara slowly went on stage. Barbara looked at Mona''s smug face and felt ufortable. She wished she could tear Mona into pieces, but there was nothing she could do.


    It wasn''t until Nathontown''s designpetition ended that Barbara found out that her "good partner" Lydia had been taken away by the police. Not only that, Lydia also became a trending topic on Twitter.


    Lydia wore a dress designed by Barbara to participate in the fashion show. Barbara''s name was soon known byizens. Someizens with good memory even knew Barbara was the person who slept with her cousin''s fianc¨¦. In an instant, theizens on the Inte leftments on the post.


    [Birds of a feather flock together. Not long after Barbara had slept with her cousin''s fianc¨¦, Barbara''s business partner was taken away by the police. How could these two people get second ce in the designpetition?]


    $


    [I''ve always liked Lydia. But she was taken away by the police. I wonder what mistake she''s made.]


    [Hey, the police just took her away. She hasn''t been convicted yet, so don''t spout nonsense. We still have to continue supporting Lydia.]


    [Are you guys stupid? Didn''t you see Lydia get into the car with the handcuffs? She must havemitted a serious crime.]


    [And about this designpetition, someone dared to bribe the judge. This is to destroy the fairness of thepetition. Zero tolerance!]


    [Such a person could get second ce. Nathontown''spetition is getting worse and worse!]


    [That''s right. And what the hell is that judge quibbling about? Shit. I''m speechless...]


    Barbara went through the Twitter posts on her phone and didn''t know where to vent her anger. She held her phone tightly. At that moment, she happened to see Teddy on her left.


    She strode toward him. When she saw Teddy get into the car, she opened the front passenger seat and got in without saying anything. She looked at Teddy angrily.


    Teddy felt Barbara was a little strange and asked directly, "What''s wrong?"


    His tone was calm. These days, he had been having intermittent dreams, and he could not distinguish between reality and


    dreams.


    5


    "What do you think? What''s wrong with you? Why haven''t you won Mona''s forgiveness after so long? Have you worked hard for our future?" Barbara questioned.


    Barbara was annoyed, filled with anger. ''If Teddy had sessfully won Mona''s forgiveness, Mona and Maxwell would have been at odds. How could today''s mess happen? Then I would still win first ce with Mona. Who would care who had bribed the judge?'' "Barbara, let''s not meet again. After thinking fo


    SO


    long, I still love Mona. So let''s end it like this!" Teddy said calmly.


    After seeing Mona tonight, Teddy thought a lot. In his dream, Mona was pushed down the building by him and Barbara. He and Barbara did not end well.


    Also, in his dreams, Teddy regretted it after Mona''s death. He lived in guilt every day and often dreamed that Mona woulde to him for revenge.


    In the middle of the night, a pair of explicit hands grabbed his neck tightly and shouted for him to pay with his life. This person was none other than Mona. Teddy was scared. Dreaming was like experiencing it himself. He seemed to feel the horror of death.


    However, before he reached that stage in his life, he wanted to apologize to Mona andpensate for what had happened in his dream. The more he thought about it, the more he felt those things had truly happened. He was guilty, and he had to atone for his sins. "Teddy, do you know what you''re talking about?" Barbara was on the verge of breaking down.


    Everything that had happened that night had been unsatisfactory. She didn''t even know if something had gone wrong.


    Teddy had been with Barbara since high school. After so many years of "feelings", she thought Teddy was good to her and was willing to do anything for her. But what was Teddy saying? What did he mean by ending it like this? How could she agree? "I''ve made myself clear. Get out of the car. By the way, I''ll give you the breakup gift in a few days," Teddy said. His mind was filled with Mona. The Mona who treated him well before and the Mona who shone brightly at the moment fascinated him


    "No. Teddy, I''m telling you that I don''t agree. You''re the one who said we should start. And the right to end is with me." Unknowingly, Barbara''s eyes were filled with tears. Teddy had been with her for so many years. She knew the person she wanted to marry was Maxwell, but she would not end it like this with Teddy.


    Barbara wondered, ''What is it so good about this Mona? Why is everyone so attracted to her?''


    "Barbara, you have to know it was a mistake for us to be together During my engagement ceremony with Mona, we should have ended itpletely. If you don''t agree, I don''t mind letting Bernard know. If that happens, you won''t even be able to stay in Clem Group." Teddy said.


    Teddy''s words were a threat. If Barbara was unwilling to cut ties with him, he would tell Bernard about this.


    If Bernard knew it was not an ident that Barbara had slept with Teddy and that she was still badgering Teddy, Bernard would figure out Barbara had been lying to him. And Bernard couldn''t let it go.


    Barbara met Teddy''s cold gaze and knew he had made up his mind. No matter how sadly she cried and felt wronged in front of him, it was useless.


    Barbara mocked herself in her heart. ''People say men are heartless. Am I experiencing it now?''

 Chapter 113

    113


    Barbara thought, ''Instead of crying in front of Teddy and making him hate me, it''s better to take what he has given me and walk away. We can talk about the futureter. Anyway, we''ve been together for so long. It''s hard to separate neatly! After thinking it through, Barbara reluctantly looked at Teddy, opened the door, and walked out. However, Teddy did not notice that nce from Barbara. His mind was filled with Mona. He couldn''t get Mona out of his mind, no matter what.


    After Barbara left, Teddy looked at the distant night sky. After thinking for a moment, he sent a message to Mona with his spare phone. [Mona, I seriously broke up with Barbara. I want to woo you again. This time, I mean it.] On the other side, after Barbara exited the car, she felt she was in a predicament. Everything was not going her way. She thought the only person she could use was Gordon, who looked sloppy but was quite ambitious. Barbara was afraid that she would fall into his trap. When she wanted to contact Gordon, she received a message on WhatsApp. It was from Gordon. Barbara immediately turned on her phone to read it. Gordon: [1 bribe bribed that jud you.]


    but it''s toote to say it now because he''s useless. Now you know that I do want to work with


    It was like this. A few days before the Nathontown modelingpetition began, Gordon wanted Barbara to win the first prize and bribed a judge. However, he still failed. When he saw the result, he was also angry.


    Barbara looked at the moon in the sky and replied to Gordon. [Got it. I''ve believed you since I agreed to work with you. But since we''re working together, you should discuss it with me before you do anything.] Barbara didn''t like her partner doing things indiscriminately.


    Gordon elegantly took a sip of wine and replied: [Okay.]


    *****


    Mona read the unfamiliar message. It was obvious that it was from Teddy. At that moment, Maxwell was sitting beside her. He could read the content at a nce. Nigel was driving in front. "Mona, cklist it!" Maxwell said in anger. Even if the message sender had no name, Maxwell knew who it was and thought, ''This Teddy is a real pain in the ass. It has been so long since he and Mona were over, but he still has the cheek to send Mona such a message. Does he think I, Mona''s husband, am just for show? ''It seems the suppression of Powers Group is too light to teach Teddy a lesson. He still has the time and guts to disturb


    Mona''


    "Yes, sure, I''ll block it. Even if you don''t say it, I''ll block it." Mona had already taken action as she spoke and blocked the number.


    Maxwell was still worried. Teddy had sent this message to aim at Mona. Maxwell reminded Mona, "From now on, block all the messages he sends you. Don''t ever believe what he says. He''s lying to you."


    Mona seemed to know Maxwell was feeling ufortable. She nodded in agreement and said immediately, "I know. I know. My heart is all about Maxwell now. What the hell is Teddy? Everything he says is a lie."


    Upon hearing that, Maxwell hugged Mona in his arms with satisfaction. He held Mona''s hand with his. "It''s not easy for Mona to be with me. I won''t let her go. Maxwell thought.


    When Nigel h


    I heard their conversation in the front, heined in his heart, not expecting Maxwell to speak like a jealous man, and quickly drove the car to the gathering ce. The gathering was for Mona''s design of work to have won first ce in Nathontown''s designpetition. Mona could participate in the contest between cities next year. With that thought in mind, Nigel stepped hard on the elerator and soon arrived at the bar.


    Maxwell


    Maxv I opened the door for Mona like a gentleman and held her hand to let her out of the car. Nigel watched from the side, thinking they must have fallen in love through their arranged marriage. "Nigel, how about joining us?" Maxwell led Mona to take two steps forward. Only then did Mona realize that Nigel was still stunned in the distance. "Mona said it. Let''s go together," Maxwell said calmly.


    Nigel nodded and followed the two of them. ''I''m just an assistant. Usually, I will sit in the car and wait for Mr. Carter to finish his dinner or other gatherings. I''ve never been invited to join them before.'' Nigel thought and looked at Mona gratefully.


    Fortunately, Maxwell did not like gatherings. During gatherings, he would always ask Nigel to go home first. So, Nigel had rarely waited outside.


    The


    three of them walked to the top floor. Mona found the private room number given by Artemis and knocked twice.


    The person who opened the door was ra. When she saw Mona, she was so excited that she almost pounced on Mona. However, when she saw two people behind Mona, especially Maxwell, who was a little terrifying, ra retracted her outstretched arm and muttered, "Mona,e on in."Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ra was extremely excited that Mona''s design had won first ce.


    "Okay." After Mona entered, she realized everyone was already in the private room. when When she


    saw


    Ava blocking Bud in the corner with a ss of wine and looking like she wanted to drink with him, Mona felt sorry for Bud.


    When Mona sat beside Ava, Ava finally noticed her. Ava ced her wine ss in Bud''s hand and threw herself into Mona''s arms. "Mona, you''re finally here. You''re amazing. You won first ce. You are indeed my best friend." As Ava spoke, Bud looked at Maxwell with a pleading gaze. It seemed to be saying, "Help me, help me. I don''t want to sit here anymore."


    Maxwell ignored Bud''s gaze and sat beside Mona. He looked at Ava in Mona''s arms and frowned slightly.


    "Of course. I''m Ava''s best friend. I can''t embarrass her." Mona patted Ava''s back gently.


    Seeing everyone was there, Artemis raised her wine ss and said, "Alright, since everyone is here, we can party and celebrate our sess. Cheers!" Everyone joined in. "Cheers, cheers..."


    Ava finally got up from Mona''s arms. Maxwell''s furrowed brows finally rxed, and he pulled Mona to his side. Noticing Maxwell''s actions, Mona could not help but find it funny. She thought, ''Maxwell is so easy to get jealous!'' The party was about singing and drinking. Since Mona was the key to winning the designpetition, everyone unanimously invited her to sing first. Mona had no choice but to stand in the front and say honestly, "Guys, seriously, I''m a terrible singer. Are you sure you want me to sing?"

 Chapter 114

    When Mona said that, the people around her thought she was evading it. After all, she was good-looking and had a pleasant voice. How could she be a terrible singer? Everyone nodded in unison and let Mona continue. Mona had no choice but to pick a song she often listened to. She listened to the tune and slowly sang along.


    In the beginning, Mona only sang a few lines to the beat. Although it was not as pleasant as she had imagined, it was eptable.


    When it reached the climax, Mona''s voice shot up. The people below wanted to cover their ears.


    ''Is this the voice they have imagined?'' Everyone thought, ''It doesn''t look like it at all.


    Only Ava felt it was nothing surprising. When everyone wanted to listen to Mona sing, she knew what would happen.


    Even so, one person listened especially attentively, and that was Maxwell.


    After the song ended, Mona smiled mischievously. She had warned everyone that her singing was out of tune, so it was normal for her to sing like that.


    Ava led the apuse and shouted, "Good job. Sing another song!


    Bud covered Ava''s mouth. He was feeling unwell drinking with Ava. He would probably vomit if he listened to Mona''s terrible singing again.


    Regarding Bud''s sudden approach, Ava felt it was a sign of their rtionship warming up. She leaned her head on Bud''s shoulder, and the corners of her lips curled up unconsciously.


    Bud pushed Ava''s head away and took a sip of wine from the ss on the table.


    He also felt Ava had a good impression of him, but the key was that he did not want to start a rtionship yet. Getting married and having children was too troublesome. If that happened, he would not be able to live freely. Therefore, he was still unwilling to settle down. Ava was already used to Bud''s actions. However, after being pushed so many times, she could not help but feel a little sad.


    When Artemis and the others were singing, Ava was drinking alone. Seeing that, Mona picked up the wine ss beside her and drank with Ava.


    Ever since she met Ava at the hospital and left the ward with a smile, she had not heard Ava mention her rtionship with Bud. Mona thought, ''It seems it''s not easy for a woman to chase after a man.


    When the gathering ended, Mona and Ava were drunk. The two of them helped each other out. Maxwell was worried and walked beside Mona to prevent her from falling.


    When they reached the door, Maxwell heard Mona boasting shamelessly. "Ava. Come, take my car. I''ll drive you home."


    Seeing Ava was about to nod and agree, Maxwell immediately pushed Bud over and said, "Bud is free and will take you home."


    Upon hearing that, Ava took a step forward and stared at Bud''s eyes with her beautiful eyes. "Really? Will you take me home?" There was doubt and disbelief in Ava''s tone.


    Bud wanted to refuse, but before he could say it, Maxwell punched him from behind and said in a threatening tone, "Take her home. I''ll give you one week off."


    Just then, Ava had let go of Mona''s arm. She tightly clutched Bud''s suit jacket, waiting for him to answer. Bud''s eyes met


    Ava''s teary eyes. For some reason, he nodded.


    1., 87%#Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, Ava pulled Bud forward. Bud turned around and looked at Maxwell reluctantly but was frightened away by Mona''s singing.


    After Ava and Bud left, Mona''s gazended on Maxwell. She hugged Maxwell''s arm and muttered, "Maxwell, I''ll sing you a song to express my love for you."


    Maxwell nodded and enjoyed the feeling of being approached by Mona. He felt content and did not notice Bud''s reluctant gaze at all.


    A momentter, Mona''s loud voice was heard in the quiet night. For a moment, Maxwell noticed that everyone was looking in his direction. Thinking of Mona''s face, he covered Mona''s mouth and whispered into her ear, "Mona, sing when we get home." The drunk Mona was not as easy to talk to as the sober Mona. She shook her head at Maxwell and said recklessly, "No, I want to sing here. I want to express my love for you here."


    As soon as Mona finished speaking, she opened her mouth and bit Maxwell''s hand. Maxwell was in pain and subconsciously removed his hand from Mona''s mouth.


    Then, Mona''s song rang out in the quiet night.


    Nigel drove the car over and happened to hear Mona''s wildughter. He looked at Maxwell beside Mona and seemed to feel his helplessness, thinking Maxwell would have such an expression. Nigel said, "Mr. Carter, get in the car."


    Maxwell nodded at Nigel. Then, he said to Mona, "Don''t sing yet. We''ll sing in the car."


    Mona had not sung so happily for many years. She just wanted to follow her heart. She could not help but shake her head at Maxwell. Her singing was even louder.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s drunken look and could imagine Mona''s regret the next morning. Without much thought, he bent down and picked up Mona before walking toward Nigel.


    When she got lifted, Mona felt the world before her eyes had turned upside down. She was a little afraid. Monaid on Maxwell''s shoulder and grabbed his suit jacket tightly. She exploded, "Maxwell, what the hell are you doing? Put me down!" Maxwell acted as if he did not hear what Mona said. He carried Mona and strode forward.


    The warm street lights shone on Maxwell''s face, giving his cold face a golden glow. If one looked closely, they could even see a smile on his lips. In his heart, he enjoyed Mona''s unreasonable behavior.


    On the other side, Ava was sleepy after Bud took her home. Bud looked at his assistant in front of him and wanted him to carry Ava into the house, but he realized that Ava, who had just leaned against the seat, had already fallen on his shoulder.


    Atst, Bud could not bear to leave Ava to someone else. He opened the car door and got out. Bud looked at Ava lying on the seat and sighed helplessly. Finally, he carried Ava and walked out.


    When he carried Ava on his back, Bud wondered what sins he hadmitted to have made him carry Ava home as punishment.


    Ava, being carried, seemed to feel ufortable. She swayed her around on Bud''s back, trying to find afortable position.

 Chapter 115

    Bud felt someone rubbing against his back with a sligh back, "Don''t move, or I''ll throw you down."


    itch. He immediately felt ufortable and shouted at Ava on his


    "If you dare, I''ll blow your head off," Ava muttered. Her hand tightly wrapped around Bud''s neck, fearing Bud would throw her down.


    Ava thought, ''How bold he is to throw me down."


    That was the first time Bud had been threatened. He could not help but feel it was a little strange.


    After saying that, Ava disappeared from Bud''s back. She slowly loosened her grip on Bud''s neck.


    Bud felt she was about to fall. He lifted Ava back and carried her back to her room. He put Ava on the bed in the dark.


    The moment he put Ava down, Ava immediately opened her beautiful, confused eyes. She still tightly held Bud''s neck. When she saw the face she had been thinking about day and night, she muttered, "How good. I dreamed of you today." Without giving Bud a chance to react, she grabbed Bud''s neck and pulled him onto her. She raised her head and pressed her lips against Bud''s.


    The moment he was kissed, Bud widened his eyes in shock. He looked at Ava in confusion. Just as Bud was about to push her away, Ava bit his lower lip and said, "Why are you so cold to me? I''m punishing you."


    After biting him, Ava let go of Bud''s neck and circled her bed. She hugged the nket and fell asleep.


    Bud was left standing alone by her bed. No one knew what he was thinking. After a long time, he raised his hand and touched the spot where Ava had bitten him. He had a strange feeling. Then, he looked at Ava on the bed. When he wanted to wake her up, Bud couldn''t no matter how hard he tried. He raised his palm and looked at Ava on the bed before putting it down unwillingly..


    He thought, ''She''s already so drunk that she probably won''t remember what happened today. I''ll pretend the kiss has never happened. Otherwise, it will be too awkward for us to be like this.


    After figuring it out, Bud quickly escaped from the room. When he arrived at the living room, he realized he had not covered Ava with a nket. Moreover, it was almost winter.


    ''If she slept without a nket for the night, she would fall sick tomorrow morning. As he thought about it, Bud had turned around and walked back.


    Bud opened the door to Ava''s room and looked at her on the bed. She was sleeping freely and had a nket between her legs. However, she looked cute.


    After watching for a while, Bud covered Ava with a nket before quietly leaving the room.


    The moment he left Ava''s ce, Bud felt his heart racing. Moreover, he seemed involuntarily thinking of the kiss and Ava''s red lips. He must be afraid of being badgered by Ava.


    *****


    In the early morning, the winter sun was cold. As it shone on the bed, the hungover Mona slowly opened her eyes and saw Maxwell looking at her with his eyes wide open. Mona smiled at him. Then, she saw a few teeth marks on Maxwell''s face, wondering what had happened. ''Did I bite him?''


    She couldn''t help but touch Maxwell''s cheek and ask, "Did I bite you?"


    "What do you think?" Maxwell asked coldly.


    The drunk Mona''s temper was different from the usual Mona''s. The drunk Mona was as stubborn as a donkey.


    The night before, Maxwell and Nigel had listened to her terrible singing along the way. Finally, Maxwell had got Mona home and thought he was safe.


    However, things were different from what he had imagined. Mona hugged his waist tightly as soon as they returned to the room. As she cried, Mona said she did not want him to die. Mona said that it was painful to fall from the top floor. Then, as if possessed, she looked at Maxwell and shouted, "Maxwell, it''s good that you''re still alive."


    After saying that, she bit her hand and said it didn''t hurt. Then, she looked at Maxwell and impatiently bit his face a few times. As she bit Maxwell, she asked him if he felt anything or if it hurt.


    After Maxwell said it hurt, Mona nodded and then bit his neck. It didn''t hurt very much. It itched a little. The air seemed to be heating up. He almost couldn''t control himself. At the critical moment, Mona got tired of ying and fell asleep. He looked at Mona who was sleeping soundly and could only go to the bathroom silently. Maxwell thought, "The drunk Mona is too scary!''


    Looking at Maxwell''s expression and hearing his voice, Mona knew she had left the bite marks on his face. She felt a little guilty and said, "I''m sorry. Does it still hurt?"


    She still had a headache, and her memory of the previous night was blurry. She only remembered drinking with Ava. Later, Bud took Ava away. Then, Mona remembered she seemed to be carried by Maxwell.


    Maxwell could not stand Mona''s cautious tone. He said, "It doesn''t hurt anymore, but Mona, don''t drink when I''m not by your side."


    "What''s wrong? Did I do something else yesterday?" Mona asked, having a bad feeling in her heart.


    "Nothing much. It''s just that you wanted to sing on the street to express your love for me," Maxwell said lightly. He felt a little happy when he thought of what Mona had done the day before,


    "What? That was so embarrassing. It''s not like you don''t know I''m a terrible singer. And I even sang on the street. It''s too scary to be drunk," Mona said shyly. After Maxwell said that, some images appeared in her mind. She sang loudly. While recalling it, Mona couldn''t be more embarrassed, thinking it couldn''t be more embarrassing.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell looked at the blushing Mona and rubbed her soft hair with his big hand. "It was not embarrassing. Not many people heard it. I carried you away. Only Nigel and I heard it all the way."


    After listening to Maxwell, Mona covered her head with the nket. "This time, I''ve lost my face and all my pride. Gosh, I''ve been singing all the way. So energetic!''


    Maxwell knew from the night before that Mona would regret it when she sobered up. It turned out he had guessed it right. He pulled Mona out of the nket and said, "It was not embarrassing. I think you have a good voice. Nigel won''t spout nonsense." "Is that so?" Mona asked unconfidently.


    ''My entire family says I always sing out of tune. Even Grandma believes I don''t have the talent to sing. ''Mona wondered, ''But Maxwell told me my singing was not bad. Can I trust him?''

 Chapter 116

    Maxwell met Mona''s puzzled eyes and nodded sternly. "I think your singing is not bad. I''m happy to be your audience."


    After listening to what Maxwell said, Mona''s heart thumped non-stop. She smiled shyly at him.


    ''Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Even if I sang out of tune, Maxwell would like it. Mona was touched as she thought.


    Since it was Nathontown''s designpetition the day before, Clem Group gave the employees of the Design Department two days off. After waking up, Mona woke up andy on the bed for a while before getting up. Meanwhile, Maxwell had left for Carter Group. After she cleaned up, Mona ate the breakfast cooked by Maxwell with a warm heart. Then, she heard the doorbell ring.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    After Mona opened the door, she saw Martin standing at the door. Then, Martin moved to the side, and Richard appeared. Mona subconsciously greeted Richard.


    Richard nodded and went into the living room. Martin followed behind him. Mona closed the door and followed him in. As soon as she walked in, Mona saw Richard sitting on the main seat of the sofa with the attitude of a superior. Mona smiled and asked, "Richard, would you like some coffee?" Richard nodded. "Yes, please."


    When Mona went to make the coffee, Richard looked at her back and thought about what to sayter.


    It was not until Lydia was arrested by the police that Richard found out Lydia had kidnapped Mona. Richard was furious. But he had watched Lydia grow up and couldn''t bear to see her go to jail. So, he shamelessly came to talk to Mona. After making the coffee, Mona ced the cup in front of Richard and sat on the sofa beside him.


    For a moment, the three of them did not speak. The living room was quiet.


    After a long time, Richard sipped the coffee and said, "Mona, I came here today to ask you for a favor."


    Mona was not surprised that Richard said so. From the moment he appeared at the door, Mona guessed Richard was there to plead for Lydia.


    "Richard, hold on. Please hear me out first." Mona paused. When she saw Richard nod, she continued. "Richard, I was scared to death when I was kidnapped to the car with my mouth covered.


    "Then, I woke up in a dpidated warehouse. In front of me were three men I didn''t know. They were strong, and I was tied up. For a moment, I was in despair, wondering if it would be the day of my death."


    Speaking of it, Mona was already sobbing. "Richard, I swear I didn''t do anything to hurt Lydia, but she kidnapped me. If you were me, would you let Lydia off so easily?" Towards the end, tears welled up in Mona''s eyes. Richard was embarrassed to plead with Mona in the first ce. Now that Mona said so, Richard felt even more so.


    However, when thinking of Lydia, who was still in prison, Richard gritted his teeth and said, "Mona, you''re right. If I were you, I wouldn''t let Lydia off, either. But I can''t bear to see Lydia suffer in prison, so can you please forgive her this time?" After saying that, Richard was embarrassed but felt much better.


    "Richard, I''m not a saint. I will bear a grudge," Mona said coldly. If one listened carefully, one would realize Mona''s voice was filled with determination.


    LO 00 87%L


    "Then, how about I get Eydia to apologize to you? Or you can ask for anything," Richard said subconsciously. He knew there was no point in apologizing after this. However, other than saying so, he did not know how to resolve Mona''s hatred toward Lydia. Mona took a deep breath and said, "Richard, I''ve said so much just now. What I mean is that I won''t forgive Lydia. If she did something wrong, she has to be punished. Otherwise, what''s the use of thew? So we''re done talking here. If you have the time, you might get her a goodwyer."


    After traveling back in time, Mona decided to put away her sympathy. She sympathized with others, but no one would feel the same for her. Otherwise, she would be the one who would be hurt in the end. "Mona, this..." Richard added, not knowing how to persuade Mona.


    He thought, ''My request is already unreasonable. If someone asked me for forgiveness after the kidnap, I would never agree.


    ''I''ve done my best for Lydia. As Mona said, I should get a goodwyer for Lydia and see if Lydia can stay in prison for a shorter time.''


    After Richard thought it through, he left Mona''s ce and brought hiswyer to the prison to tell Lydia the news.


    When Lydia saw Richard in prison, she felt extremely wronged. She, the dignified darling daughter of the Reed family, had spent the night in jail. Just thinking about it made her feel she was going crazy.


    "Mr. Carter, are you here to get me out? I don''t want to stay here anymore," Lydia sobbed. The handcuffs on her hands rattled as she shook them.


    Looking at Lydia''s expectant expression, Richard did not know how to tell her.


    Seeing Richard say nothing, Lydia quickly apologized, "I know I was wrong. Kidnapping is illegal. I''ll apologize to Mona. I won''t do such a thing again."


    "Lydia, I..." Richard sighed and continued, "I have no choice. Stay here for a while longer. I''ll get you a goodwyer. If you behave yourself, your sentence will be reduced."


    After Richard finished speaking, Lydia was dumbfounded. Knowing Richard meant she still had to stay in the terrifying prison, Lydia quickly held Richard''s hand and said anxiously, "Mr. Carter, you mean I still have to stay here, huh? No, I don''t want to. Mr. Carter, please figure out something to get me out of here. Please."


    Richard sighed and said, "Sorry, I have no choice."


    Richard pondered, ''Lydia got arrested because Maxwell called the police. If I got someone to bring Lydia out of jail forcefully, wouldn''t that tell others the Carter family is not united?''


    Richard could do nothing about Lydia''s imprisonment for the sake of the Carter family''s reputation.


    After Richard and thewyer left, Lydia looked at the empty room and felt a chill in her heart.


    Lydia disregarded her parents'' objections and insisted on returning to the country for Maxwell. Now that something like this had happened, she couldn''t ask her family for help.


    ''However, under such circumstances, if I don''t want to be in prison, I can only seek help from my parents. At most, I''ll be grounded at home after returning. But it''s better than staying in the prison. After thinking it through, Lydia contacted her family in Yosneosnd and exined her current situation.


    0

 Chapter 117

    When Maxwell returned at night, Mona told Maxwell about Richard''s visit in the morning. In the end, Mona asked, "Do you think I made the wrong decision to reject Richard?" Mona felt she did nothing wrong, but Richard was Maxwell''s grandfather. She feared Maxwell would feel ufortable because of her decision. Right then, she just wanted to love Maxwell and repay Maxwell for the kindness he had shown her before. did something wrong and must be punished. Also, if there''s something you don''t want to do, don''t. I will support you." Maxwell hugged Mona in his arms. Mona was the light tin his Just like that, the Nathontown designpetition and Mona''s kidnapping came to an end. Life was peaceful. Mona and Maxwell''s wedding was on the schedule as autumn passed and winter came.


    neart.


    "You did the right thing. Ly Maxwell was already happy that Mona would be with him. Mona could do whatever she wanted, and Maxwell would be on her side without any objections.


    On Saturday, Maxwell well brought the Carter family to


    to the Clem family to discuss t the wedding.


    Bernard and Jane were satisfied with their grandson-inw, Maxwell. Knowing the Carter family would visit, they told Polly and the maids to buy groceries and prepare lunch early in the morning. When Maxwell and the others arrived, lunch was almost ready. Mona had been living in the Clem family for the past two days. When she heard Maxwell was there, she went downstairs to wee him.


    Perhaps it was because she had lived with Maxwell for many days, Mona had gotten used to having someone by her side when she slept. She had slept on the big bed for the past two days, feeling ufortable as if something was missing. When she went downstairs, Mona saw Maxwell among a group of people. He was tall and handsome, and he was often the most attractive.


    Mona smiled at Maxwell and then greeted the elders beside Maxwell. Ever since Mona rejected Richard''s request, the two of them had not seen each other again.


    Mona originally thought Richard would be angry with her, but Maxwell had always said Richard would not. Now that Mona saw Richard again, she felt Maxwell was right because when she greeted Richard, Richard responded kindly. The entire family sat on the sofa in the living room. Polly served coffee to everyone, and the two families began to discuss the wedding details.


    Mona and Maxwell sat together. During this period, Maxwell secretly held Mona''s hand in his. After not seeing her for two days, he whispered in her ear, "I miss you."


    Mona smiled, and the corners of her mouth subconsciously revealed a faint smile.


    In the end, their wedding was set for the 19th of December. It was a good day to get married and engaged. Then, they began to discuss and prepare the details of the wedding. After Maxwell and Mona registered their marriage, Maxwell had Mona''s wedding dress ready, so the workload was reduced a


    fot.


    lot.


    Both Mona and Jane gave Maxwell a thumbs up, and Jane said, "Well done."


    In Nathontown, the marriage between Maxwell and Mona was a big deal. After confirming the wedding time, Maxwell asked Nigel to post the wedding announcement online.


    For a moment, the Inte was in an uproar. It hadn''t been long since the two of them got engaged. Was it because they were in love or because of a marriage alliance? Of course, everyone was more inclined to thetter. After all, it was a hot topic in Nathontown that Mona had publicly changed her fiance.


    Mona did not pay much attention to this gossip. The best way to stop the rumors was to use practical actions. The rumors would naturally break down after she married Maxwell and lived a good life.


    Mona did not participate much in the wedding preparations. Someone was there to provide her with clothes and jewelry. She just needed to make a choice.


    She spent her time at home, staying with her grandparents and shopping with Ava. The wedding dress Maxwell had ordered was in her fitting room.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    On this day, when Ava and Artemis came to the Clem family for Mona, Mona first showed the two around the Clem family beforeing to the fitting room. iamond-studded wedding dress hung high in front of them. Ava and Artemis were so shocked that they could not say a word.


    The


    After a long while, Ava eximed, "I can''t wait. How I wish it were the wedding day today."


    With a


    Mona covered her face a smile in her eyes. She didn''t even know when Maxwell had got the wedding dress. The wedding dress would take a long time to make. Artemis looked at the letters on the neckline of the wedding dress. She stretched her hand and put it down. "Mona, can I feel the dress a bit?"


    Artemis wasn''t sure if she was seeing things. After all, Danielle Dalton rarely designed clothes anymore, not to mention making such a tedious wedding dress. "Of course, feel free," Mona said generously.


    When Maxwell asked someone to send the wedding dress over, Mona liked it very much with just a nce. The wedding dress was filled with diamonds and was dazzling. However, because of the special design, it did not look exaggerated at all. Instead, it was stunning. After getting permission, Artemis slowly stretched out her hands and felt the cor of the wedding dress. She stared at the two letters without blinking. After a while, Artemis said in surprise, "Yes, Danielle Dalton designed it. Do you know Danielle Dalton? She''s especially popr domestically and overseas. However, she''s designing very few clothes now, but she designed this wedding dress."


    Mona knew the person Artemis was talking about. Danielle used to be Mona''s favorite designer and idol. After Artemis said that, Mona also saw Danielle''s unique mark and was especially excited.


    Mona did I not expect the wedding dress she would wear to be her idol''s work. Her emotions were indescribable.


    Mona


    "I know who Danielle is. I love her design. No wonder I liked this wedding dress the first time I saw it," Mona said happily, wondering how Maxwell had got Danielle to design a wedding dress for her. After discovering the small surprise, Mona looked forward to the wedding even more.


    After Mona sent the two off, she turned and saw Teddy in the vi. She did not want to talk to Teddy. She tried to walk around Teddy and enter, but Teddy dragged her back.


    04.87%¡ã


    Mona looked at Teddy as if she were looking at a fool and fumed. "Why are you pulling me back? Are you crazy?"


    Life had been different. Teddy had not pushed Mona down the top floor or gone against thew, so she could not send him


    to prison.


    "Mona, are you going to have a wedding with Maxwell?" Teddy asked in disbelief. He couldn''t believe his eyes when he saw the news online the day before.

 Chapter 118

    "Maxwell and I have registered our marriage. Why don''t we hold a wedding?" Mona asked Teddy back mercilessly. Then, she struggled to break free from Teddy''s restraint and walked home


    Teddy watched as the arm in his hand slowly slipped off. His eyes shed with reluctance and jealousy.


    He was jealous that Maxwell could have a wedding with Mona. Holding a wedding with Mona was thest thing Teddy wanted to do in the past, but at the moment, it was indeed something he longed for but could notplete. Seeing Mona was about to reach her house, Teddy grabbed Mona''s hand and pulled her out.


    Mona struggled twice, but Teddy didn''t let go. So, Mona hit Teddy''s hand with her other hand and said furiously, "Teddy, are you crazy? Let go of me!"


    No matter how Mona hit his hand, Teddy did not let go. He kept pulling Mona out. "Yes, I''m crazy. I let you were in love with me before. Now, you don''t like me, and I can''t stop thinking of you." down when


    you


    Mona wanted tough when she heard that. ''He can''t stop thinking of me? Holy shit! What a joke. If he had even cared about me in his heart, I would not have fallen off a building in the past.


    The thought made Mona angry. Her heart was filled with hatred as she swung her hand forcefully. Teddy didn''t brace himself and let Mona struggle away. When he wanted to drag Mona back, Mona pped him in the face. Mona already hated Teddy to begin with. And Teddy dared to provoke her. The p could be said to be full of strength. After the pping, Mona felt good. She wished she could p Teddy a few more times to vent her anger.


    Teddy pressed his tongue against his cheek and looked at Mona in disbelief. It was as if he wanted to see some care and regret from Mona''s hands, but there was none.


    In the past, Teddy would lie to himself and tell himself that Mona still loved him and that she was just angry. Mona would forgive him when he coaxed her and talked nicely to her.


    However, at the moment, he knew he was just being self-righteous. Mona had let go. After four years of dating, she did not care about Teddy anymore.


    "Mona, about the message I sent youst time, I meant it. I''ve broken up with Barbara. I do want to be with you," Teddy said with thest bit of hope.


    If Mona heard Teddy''s sincerity before, she would have forgiven him. However, Mona, who had experienced death, wouldn''t be moved. Instead, she would only feel disgusted.


    Mona snorted, "It''s up to you whether you want to break up with her or not. It has nothing to do with me. I''m married." After saying that, Mona turned around and saw Maxwell rushing toward her. She did not know if it was because he was hurrying, but his steps were much bigger.


    She had found the person who loved her the most and could never fall for someone else''s nonsense.


    Mona smiled at Maxwell and ran to him. She threw herself into Maxwell''s arms and said, "Honey, someone wants to hit on me. Fortunately, I''m devoted and haven''t changed my feelings for you. I love you."


    A soft body suddenly appeared in his arms. A familiar scent came over, and Maxwell felt at ease.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell thought, ''As soon as I got out of the car, I saw Mona and Teddy so close together and Teddy''s affectionate gaze. I thought Mona had changed her mind. Fortunately, Mona still loves me.''


    "Well done, and you will be rewarded," Maxwell whispered.


    9.21 Sat,


    70


    0


    Then, he lifted Mona''s chin with his palm and lowered his head to kiss her. His big hand held Mona''s waist and he opened his eyes to look at Teddy. The corners of his mouth subconsciously curled up. Maxwell wanted to tell Teddy that Mona was his wife and that everything about Mona belonged to him. To the two of them, Teddy was just an outsider who could only watch them kiss.


    Teddy''s eyes met Maxwell''s provocative gaze. His hands hanging by his side subconsciously tightened. Things that he did not care about in the past had be something he had extremely high hopes for. After taking a few nces, Teddy retracted his gaze and left. After Teddy left, Maxwell looked up and let go of Mona. His thumb gently rubbed the corner of Mona''s lips as he asked in a low voice, "What do you think of this reward, Mrs. Carter?"


    Maxwell had kissed Mona for long. Her face was red to her ears. Upon hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona was too embarrassed to look up at him. Without answering, she turned around and walked home.


    Maxwell looked back at Teddy who had left, caught up with Mona in big strides, interlocked his fingers with hers, and walked inside.


    The two of them had set their wedding date and met their families. They were the closest people to each other.


    More than ten days went by in the blink of an eye. There were only three days left until the wedding.


    Mona had been trapped at home by Jane to try on the wedding dress and styling. She had been served by stylists who came to her door, being extremely busy.


    Under such circumstances, Mona began to feel nervous, followed by insomnia.


    The day before the wedding, Jane left Bernard behind and slept with Mona. The two of themy on the bed and chatted. They talked about the interesting things that happened in Mona''s childhood and the things that would happen in the future.


    In the past, the night before Mona and Teddy got married, Jane slept with Mona in the same way. However, she did not talk to Mona about such rxing things. Jane''s eyes were reluctant, but in the end, she kept asking, "Mona, do you love Teddy? Do you want to marry him? It''s not toote to regret it now."


    At that time, Mona''s heart was on Teddy. She replied, "Yes. I love Teddy and want to marry him. I won''t regret it."


    Mona was fully focused on marrying Teddy then. But what did she end up with? The next day, during their wedding, she found Teddy and Barbara kissing on the top floor. When Teddy and Barbara saw Mona, they pushed her down from the top floor, and Mona ended up dead.


    As they chatted, Jane brought up Beatrice, who reminded her daily to buddle up for the cold weather and often brought her food. Jane said Beatrice didn''t do it deliberately and wanted Jane to forgive Beatrice.


    It was fine if it was just one or two days. Jane still resented Beatrice in her heart. However, she was swayed as Beatrice had been persistent and kept doing it. Gradually, Jane''s hatred for Beatrice decreased.


    Jane wanted toe when she knew Mona and Maxwell would hold their wedding but was rejected by Jane because Jane knew Mona didn''t like it.


    "Grandma, Beatrice is indeed good to you now, but she has hurt my mother. No matter what she does, I won''t forgive her. If my mother were still alive, I think my mother would have the same thoughts as me. After all, my mother was so good to Beatrice when she was alive. Can you imagine how sad my mother would be to find out Beatrice had betrayed her?"

 Chapter 119

    Mona voiced out her thoughts. She would always remember Barbara''s words. Mona''s mother had died because of Beatrice and Jeremy, making her a motherless child. Mona would never forgive the three of them. And she did not know if Beatrice had other intentions, such as Clem Group''s shares. Jane was originally a little moved. After all, she had raised Beatrice for so long. However, when she heard Mona mention Emily, she lost thoughts of forgiving Beatrice. Jane thought, ''Yes, I know my daughter Emily well. She''s someone who can not tolerate betrayal. As a mother, how can my decision differ from my daughter''s?'' Mena, an ice for it her distance from That


    contact inContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    future.


    Grandma, these days, I feel my mother''s death was strange. My mother always drove steadily. How could she have gotten into a car ident and died? Have you investigated it?" Mona asked. This was the first time Mona had told Jane about Emily''s car ident yearster. In the past, she didn''t have the chance. She couldn''t just talk about her mother and make Jane sad. However, it was different. They had talked about Emily. It was time to ask and remind Jane. Speaking of it, Jane felt terrible. She said, "Your grandfather and father investigated the ident back then. They should know it well. They said the brake suddenly didn''t work, which led to the ident." When Emily got killed in the ident, Jane felt desperate, and she had heard all this from Jeremy.


    "But Mom''s


    m''s car had been maintained regrly. It was almost impossible for her to have an ident because of the broken brake," Mona said with certainty. "Could it be that someone deliberately broke your mother''s brake?" Jane asked subconsciously.


    Mona''s guess was possible. Emily''s car was regrly maintained. If


    Jane wondered, "But who would be so evil as to have tried to kill Emilynything went wrong or out of function, she would have it changed long ago. Just as Mona said, it was hardly possible that the brake led to the ident.


    Mona nodded. "I think it''s possible, so we have to investigate it from the beginning. We can''t let Mom die unjustly."


    "Mona, let''s not talk about this for now. You''ll have a wedding tomorrow. Be happy and go to sleep. I''ll find a chance to chat with your grandfather about it," Jane said as she stroked Mona''s hair.


    After hearing what Mona said, Jane thought something was wrong with Emily''s car ident. If Emily had known in advance that Barbara was Jeremy''s child, then? Was it possible... Jane didn''t dare to think deeper. They were all family members who lived together. She didn''t want to believe that people were so evil.


    Mona nodded and slowly closed her eyes. It was fine to mention it and warn Jane. Mona would have to count on Maxwell to investigate the ident. After all, so many years had passed. The next morning, Mona was gently woken up by Jane.


    After that, it was time to wash up, put on makeup, and get dressed. Mona only needed to sit in the dressing room and let others dress her. The entire vi was full of servants. The servants in the Clem family had all been on duty.


    edding dress for her.


    Mona put her hands tin-front of the dressing mirror and let the person beside her put on the Then, she put the long veil on the back of her head and let the lower part fall naturally on the hem of the dress. Ever since Mona found out that the wedding dress was designed by her idol, she felt it was a little sacred.


    She looked at herself in the mirror and felt her face unfamiliar and familiar. It looked like her and not like her.


    Let me see." Jane carefully walked around Mona''s skirt and stood in front of her. After staring nkly for a while, Jane looked her up and down silently. Finally, her gazended on Mona''s exquisite face.


    After a long time, Jane said, "Good, good, good." After saying "good" three times in a row, a smile slowly appeared on her face. Tears welled up in her eyes as Jane said, "You look like your mother. You take after her and are even prettier." "Grandma, don''t be sad. Even if I''m married, I''lle back often to visit you. Moreover, there''s one more person to visit you. Don''t you think so? My mother would be happy if she knew it in heaven," Mona said as she looked at Jane. Yes, right. You must be happy today. You must be happy in the future," Jane said. Her eyes were red as she added, "Mona, you are the most beautiful bride I''ve ever seen.''


    Mona''s eyes were also red. She held back the tears in her eyes and looked at her ring finger.


    Her ring finger was empty, but soon, she would have a ring on it. It was not an engagement ring, but a wedding ring. From today onwards, she was the Mrs. Carter that everyone knew. Suddenly, the door of the dressing room was knocked twice. When the door was opened, Albert''s face appeared in front of Mona.


    Compared to


    I to before he left, Albert had lost a lot of weight, and his skin was more tanned. His facial features were tougher, and he looked much more cheerful. "Mona, thankfully, you''re holding a wedding. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be able toe back," Albert said with a smile.


    He smiled, and Mona could see his white teeth. It was especially eye-catching on Albert''s face. Needless to say, it seemed quite useful to let him join the army. At that moment, Albert looked much better than before. "How was it in the army?" Mona asked.


    Albert walked


    I straight to Mona. He looked at Mona and said, "It''s tough. I have to leave at night. You''re wearing such delicate makeup that I almost can''t recognize you."


    "Do I look good?" Mona asked with a smile.


    She felt Maxwell would be stunned by her appearance. After all, she looked at herself in the mirror and thought she was pretty


    Upon hearing the question, Albert shook his head in disdain and said, "Nope. Even Maxwell might not even recognize you."


    Mona felt Albert had a potty mouth. One sentence from him could make Mona furious. She was so angry that she wanted to kick his a***


    KICK


    "You... shut up. Maxwell will think that I look good." Mona pouted.


    "Alright, Albert, don''t upset your sister. Today is her big day," Jane said. When she saw Albert, she felt relieved. Bernard''s decision was correct.


    At that moment, there was another knock on the door. A servant walked in and said, "Mr. Carter is almost here. Ms. Clem, you can return to your room and wait. Mona nodded at the servant. The two maids beside her immediately went forward to lift her skirt and walked toward Mona''s


    09:2


    room.


    Mona suddenly became nervous. She hadn''t seen Maxwell for the past three days. At most, she had called and video-called him. She had not told Maxwell that she was nervous about the wedding. Neither had he.

 Chapter 120

    120


    The two of them seemed to have a tacit understanding and avoided the topic of the wedding.


    However, after they parted ways, they would meet again at the wedding. Mona would appear in front of him in her wedding dress. She wondered if Maxwell would be stunned by her appearance. The maids helped Mona to her room. The bridesmaids, including Ava, Artemis, ra, and a few cousins from the Clem family were already waiting for her in the room.


    As soon as Mona appeared, everyone''s eyes could not help but be attracted to her. They moved along with her, their eyes filled with amazement.


    Everyone knew Mona was pretty, but they didn''t know that she could be so attractive. She was like a fairy who had fallen to the mortal world. She was so otherworldly beautiful.


    Her bright eyes seemed to be captivating. Below her beautiful eyes were her nose tip and hot red lips. She was smiling, revealing shallow dimples that made people like her.


    Her figure was perfect, and she had charming curves. She got what it took to be a hot girl, perfectly supporting the wedding dress.


    "Mona, it''s indeed Danielle''s design. You look really good in it," Artemis could not help but praise.


    Artemis''d always wanted to own an outfit designed by Danielle, even pajamas, but over the years, Danielle''d almost stopped designing. So, Artemis couldn''t have it.


    Looking at the wedding dress Mona was wearing, Artemis felt envious and thought, ''If I got married, my future husband must be someone who can get me a wedding dress designed by Danielle.'' "Isn''t it because I''m pretty?" Mona asked mischievously.


    "Yes, you''re right. You''re really pretty," Ava teased.


    "Of course. I''m the most beautiful today. It''s my wedding day. Don''t steal my limelight!" With the help of the maids, Mona walked to the bed and sat down, waiting for Maxwell to pick her up.


    Ava rolled her eyes at Mona in her heart. ''Even if we want to steal Mona''s limelight, we can not. She''s so beautiful today that no one present can outshine her!''


    "Of course. Mona is the most beautiful," ra agreed.


    One year ago, ra didn''t even dare to imagine that she could be Mona''s bridesmaid. However, things developed this way. She couldn''t expect it, but she liked Mona. Mona was her friend and design teacher. While they were talking, there was a knock on the door. Bud''s voice came from outside. "Hey girls, open the door. I''m here to give you gifts!"


    Ava said mischievously, "You can stuff the gifts through the window. Let''s see what you''ve got for us."


    Ava was with Mona today. She could not let Maxwell pick Mona up so easily


    When Bud heard Ava''s voice, his hand holding the gift boxes trembled unconsciously. For a moment, the touch on his lips was still there. He said with a trembling voice, "Alright, girls,e and get your gifts." As he spoke, Bud went to the window and stuffed the gifts through it. Unknowingly, he didn''t have many of the gifts left in


    his hands.


    Maxwell lowered his head. When he saw that, he frowned and pulled Bud aside, wondering if Bud was a spy sent by the bridesmaids.


    "You''ve sent them out all in one go. What are you going to doter?" Maxwell said coldly. He had indeed prepared a lot of gifts, but he could not stand Bud''s way of sending them. The gifts in Bud''s hand were almost given away, but Maxwell had yet to see Mona.


    Bud was dumbfounded by Maxwell''s words. He had not expected it. "I forgot it all of a sudden." His mind was filled with Ava''s smile and red lips, and he had identally wandered off.


    "Girls, please open the door! I''ve given out all the gifts," Bud said pitifully, hop that his giving away the gifts was not down the drain.


    the people inside could open the door and


    "Hey you, which girl are you talking to? So many girls are in this room!" Ava smiled.


    Bud answered, "It''s the one who spoke. The most beautiful one."


    When Ava heard that, she felt warm in her heart and almost opened the door. At the critical moment, Artemis stopped her, indicating that it was not enough.


    Ava immediately retorted, "I don''t believe that. The bride said that she wanted to see Mr. Carter''s good faith. Why don''t you sing a song


    On the queen-size bed, Mona grinned from ear to ear. She had never heard Maxwell sing before. She didn''t know if it was pleasant to the ear or not. Would Maxwell''s singing be as tone-deaf as her? "Maxwell, go ahead and sing. This is the mission your wife gave you," Bud said.


    Maxwell frowned. He had barely sung before in his life. He didn''t know if his singing was as good as Mona''s. If he didn''t sing well in front of so many people, he would embarrass Mona. He said, "Mona, I''m not good at singing. Open the door. I''m here to take you home." open the Mona repeated it in her heart, ''Home. To be honest, Mona missed it a little. She signaled Ava and the others to door. Ava pretended not to see it and said, "That won''t do. It''s not the time yet. Mona said you must sing. Otherwise, we won''t open the door. It won''t be good if you miss the ceremony time."


    Maxwell sighed silently in his heart andpromised, "Mona, I''ll sing. If I don''t sing as well as you, please don''tugh at


    me."


    "She won''tugh at you. Mona is waiting!" Ava said and smiled at Mona, indicating for her to pay attention.


    Mona was already prepared to listen to Maxwell sing, but the apuse outside the door sounded at the same time.


    Soon, the sound of the door opening could be heard. Maxwell was singing the same song Mona sang in the private room of the barst time. His voice was low and carried a hint of coldness. Although the lyrics were unfamiliar, it was exceptionally pleasant to the ears. He only sang a few lines, but it lingered in everyone''s ears for a long time.


    "Mona, I''m done singing. Can you open the door now?" asked Maxwell.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    On the other side, Mona was still immersed in Maxwell''s singing and could note to herself for a long time. After a while, she smiled and said, "Sure, but you have to sing for me next time."


    She didn''t know Maxwell could sing so well. She liked his voice.


    "That''s for sure. I''ll sing whenever you want," Maxwell said honestly. He would agree to any of Mona''s requests, let alone something petty like singing.


    Mona, the bride, agreed. The door slowly opened.

 Chapter 121

    After a long while, Maxwell retracted his gaze and walked to Mona. He said sincerely, "Mona, you look stunning today.


    When Albert, who was beside Mona, heard Maxwell''s words and looked at his affectionate gaze, he believed that beauty was in the eye of the beholder. Albert thought, ''Is Mona pretty? I can only say she''s average. Moreover, I almost couldn''t recognize her today. How stunning can she be?


    smiled


    shyly at Maxwell. She had indeed stunned him.


    Mona smile After that, everyone let Maxwell and Mona y a few small games before Maxwell brought Mona down to meet Jane and the others. The wedding dress was heavy, and the hemline wasplicated. It dragged down Mona''s footsteps. Fortunately, with the help of the maids, Maxwell also cooperated in Mona''s footsteps and sessfully went to Bernard and Jane. Jeremy was with them. Mona and Maxwell greeted the three of


    of them. After receiving their blessings, they prepared to set off for the wedding venue.


    The wedding was held in Nathontown''s castle. It was Maxwell''s private property. Usually, it was only open to members.


    Mona


    a looked at her grandparents who were standing in the living room reluctantly. Then, Maxwell carried her to the door. There were manyyers to the wedding dress, and the workmanship was exquisite. It added a lot of weight to Mona However, Maxwell carried Mona in his arms. He looked rxed and did not seem to make any effort at t all.


    The bridesmaids beside them lifted the hem of Mona''s wedding dress to prevent it from getting dirty or tripping. Mona nestled in Maxwell''s arms. Looking at his exquisite jawline and slightly smiling lips, she felt extremely blissful.


    As soon as they stepped out of t


    f the door, Mona saw snowkes falling from the sky like goose feathers. It was indescribably beautiful. "Maxwell, it''s snowing!" "Mona said excitedly.


    The night before, the weather forecast did not show any signs of snow. Surprisingly, it was snowing heavily. "Yes,


    Mona. It''s snowing. You are marrying me." Maxwell looked down at Mona''s beautiful face, believing it was his happiest day.


    He had married the girl he had been thinking of, which was something he had never dared to imagine, not even in his dreams.


    The car drove steadily into the castle. The wheels made intimate contact with the snow on the ground, making rustling sounds. Mona''s vision was covered in white as if she was in heaven.


    Suddenly, the car stopped. Maxwell held Mona''s hand and got off.


    The space was endless. The extravagant-looking castle stood independently on the empty grasnd. Ava and Artemis, who had arrived first, went forward to tidy Mona''s skirt. Meanwhile, Mona''s grandparents were waiting at the side of the red carpet outside the door. At that moment, the snow had also stopped. It was as if the snow was just to wee their wedding. "Mona, let''s go in and touch up your makeup," Jane said as she walked forward. Meanwhile, she nced at Maxwell who was


    A


    09:10


    beside Mona...


    Mona nodded. Under the protection of the bridesmaids, she let go of Maxwell''s hand and walked in.


    In the dressing room, someone took off her shawl and carefully tidied the hem of her wedding dress before carefully touching up her makeup.


    Then, a guard guarding the door opened the heavy door for Mona. The long red carpet entered through the door, and piano music slowly came from inside.


    A voice sounded. "Mona?"


    Mona turned to look at Bernard, whose eyes were slightly red. After taking a deep breath, she smiled and held his arm tightly.


    Logically speaking, Jeremy should have walked down the aisle with Mona and handed her to Maxwell. However, everyone in the Clem family knew Jeremy was not Mona''s biological father. Compared to him, Bernard seemed to be more suitable. The fact that Bernard walked his granddaughter down the aisle and handed her to Maxwell only showed how much Bernard loved Mona. Outsiders would not say anything if they saw it.


    The moment She could only see Maxwell''s tall back, the rose petals under the chandelier, and the red carpet.


    t she stepped onto the red carpet, Mona''s ears automatically blocked out all the sounds around, as if she could not see the guests standing around her.


    Suddenly, Maxwell turned around. Mona felt her breathing stop, and her hands holding the bouquet tightly clenched.


    The closer she went to Maxwell, the faster Mona''s heart was beating. In the veil was casually spread out and dragged on the long red carpet. The strong contrast between the white and red colors gave people a visual conflict.


    She looked at Maxwell through the veil. She could not see his expression, but she knew in her heart that Maxwell must feel like she did. He must be nervous, excited, and happy. All kinds of wonderful emotions umted. end, her legs were a little weak. She could only pretend to be calm and follow Bernard.


    intertwined. The


    On the long red carpet, silk and white gauze were naturally intert


    countless fine diamonds on the unbuttoned hem of her dress. Under the light, they were especially dazzling, looking extremely extravagant.


    There were countless fine


    The journey seemed to be long, but it also seemed to be fleeting. In the end, Mona walked to Maxwell. Her eyes were still in a daze.


    Bernard''s heart was filled with jealousy and relief. He held back the tears in his eyes and said nothing. He handed the hand on his arm to Maxwell, who was standing in front of him. He looked up at Maxwell solemnly and slowly let go of his hand. When he turned around, Bernard couldn''t hold back the tears anymore. He quickly turned and left the stage, leaving the ce to the young couple.


    Bernard couldn''t bear to see Mona get married, but he had no choice now that Mona had grown up.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As soon as Bernard ced Mona''s hand into Maxwell''s palm, Maxwell held it tightly. Through the thin silk gloves, the warmth of Maxwell came from her fingers.


    Her heart was still beating rapidly, but it was gradually calming down. The moment she was held by Maxwell, she felt she was having the wedding.


    They said their marriage vows and exchanged wedding rings. After going through the two processes, Mona''s eyes were already filled with tears. After Mona put the wedding ring on Maxwell''s finger, he heard the priest say, "Now, you can kiss the  bride."


    213


    As soon as the priest finished speaking, Maxwell removed Mona''s white veil elegantly. Without the cover of the white veil, the two of them looked at each other more clearly. Maxwell''s gaze on Mona paused. The fine lightnded on her face, veil, and wedding dress. She seemed to be covered in ayer of light.


    Meeting his gaze, Mona smiled at him. There seemed to be tears in her eyes, but her smile was exceptionally bright.


    Mona''s smile made Maxwell''s heart tremble violently. He thought as long as Mona was happy, he would do anything for her without a second thought.

 Chapter 122

    "Mrs. Carter, I love you till death do us part," Maxwell said after a long while.


    The tears in Mona''s eyes had yet to fade. She looked up at Maxwell, who had avenged her in the past.


    He wore a ck suit with a ck and white tie around his neck. lis hair was also exquisitely styled and looked even more abstinent than usual. His cold voice was unknowingly tainted with a hint of pampering when he spoke. While Mona was looking at Maxwell, Maxwell also looked back at her. Their gazes met as if they had gathered thousands of words.


    Maxwell''s palm gently cupped Mona''s cheek. The fingers of his thumb gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and he sighed. "Don''t cry. Seeing you cry breaks my heart." Maxwell said it softly for Mona to hear. Just as Mona was about to nod, Maxwell grabbed her slender waist and lowered his head to kiss her.


    Their lips were pressed tightly together, and the music in their ears became lively. They were surrounded by lights and flower petals.


    Mona closed her eyes, and her thick eyebrows trembled slightly. She ced her hand on Maxwell''s shoulder and enjoyed the kiss to her heart''s content.


    Sitting in thest row, Barbara watched the couple kissing and hugging. Her hands were tightly clenched, and the nails were embedded in her flesh, but she did not feel any pain.


    Barbara swore in her heart. ''I hate it. Why is everyone so attracted to Mona? Maxwell is head over heels for Mona. So is Teddy now. I''ve been chased out of the Clem family. I can not watch Mona live so happily. Moreover, Maxwell is the man I''ve taken a fancy to.'' At the same time, a private ne set off from Nathontown Prison and flew to Yosneosnd.


    After the kiss, Maxwell stepped back slightly and leaned over to press against Mona''s forehead. "Mona."


    Mona''s slender eyshes fluttered, and then her eyes opened slightly.


    Maxwell had no time to care about his irregr breathing. He could only try his best to suppress the reaction of his body. This was thest time.


    ***


    Just like that, the wedding gradually ended. The partysted until ten o''clock at night. The guests were satisfied, and the newlywed were happy. The wedding ended perfectly.


    The only w for Maxwell was that Mona was drunk. He was afraid Mona would sing in front of everyone to express her love for him likest time. When she sobered up, she would regret it. Before Mona was out cold, Maxwell took her home. Because of this, Mona was unhappy.


    Maxwell knocked on the door and entered the room. He saw a slender figure lying on the sofa. She was wearing red silk pajamas, revealing her sexy ankles. She was scrolling through a short video.


    Hearing the door open, Mona looked up and snorted at Maxwell. Then, she retracted her gaze.


    She was drinking happily with Ava and the others. They had just had a good drink, but Maxwell brought her home without a word, making her angry on their big day.


    When Maxwell heard Mona''s snort, he knew she was pissed and that he needed to coax her.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    B


    He sat beside Mona antheld her ankle. It was a little itchy, Mona wanted to pull her ankle back, but Maxwell gripped it tightly. "Maxwell, you, let go of me," Mona said anxiously.


    Maxwell was holding her ankle and rubbing it gently with his thumb. Mona wondered, ''Doesn''t he know how itchy it is?''


    Maxwell shook his head and said, "No."


    Then, he pulled her into his arms and coaxed her softly, "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to stop you from drinking. I was afraid you would sing again when you got drunk and embarrassed yourself


    When Maxwell brought her out, Mona was a little angry. After all, it was her wedding day. What was wrong with drinking a little? However, as soon as she got into the car, she figured out why. But she was already angry. She couldn''t talk to Maxwell herself, right? Of course, Maxwell had to speak to her first.


    Mona nestled in Maxwell''s arms like a cat. She stretched her slender fingers to touch his Adam''s apple and said, "Mrs. Carter is magnanimous. I''m not mad at you. Go and take a shower quickly. You smell like alcohol."


    "Bathe with me," Maxwell said in a deep voice.


    After saying that, he carried Mona into the bathroom. He was not asking for her opinion, but affirming it.


    Mona hurriedly struggled when Maxwell picked her up, and she said, "No, no, I''ve showered. You can shower yourself!" When Maxwell picked Mona up, he did not think of making her wait outside. Ignoring Mona''s objection, he brought her into the bathroom. The bathroom was spacious, enough for two people to move around inside.


    The moment Mona got put down, she wanted to escape. Maxwell hugged her in his arms and poured the showerhead on the two of them. The two got separated only by a thinyer of clothes, their skin tightly pressed each other. It was getting hot and sexual arousal. Maxwell''s low voice sounded in Mona''s ears. "Mona, I''ve waited long enough. I don''t want to wait anymore today."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Maxwell''s kissnded..


    Maxwell''s kiss this time was extremely different from the previous ones. In the past, Maxwell''s kiss seemed to be restrained, but today, it was extremely aggressive. It was as if he could not wait a moment longer.


    Mona was dizzy from the kiss and was already feeling light-headed. After an unknown time, Maxwell finally let go of her, while Mona was already on the verge of suffocation.


    After experiencing a lot, Mona finally realized that kissing could be like this. She felt like she was floating in the clouds. Her feet and the ground were distant, feeling like she was rising.


    After such a long time, Mona was upied by a horny guy before she could even step out of the bathroom. Maxwell didn''t have any scruples at all. He vividly disyed the word ''insatiable. In the end, Mona copsed in Maxwell''s arms. She did not even have the strength to return to the room.


    On the other hand, Maxwell was different. He kissed Mona''s lips in satisfaction. He looked especially refreshed. Even when he carried Mona back to the room, he had a faint smile on his lips. "Maxwell, what''s the smile for?" Mona fumed. When her feet touched the ground, she could not help but tremble. Her body. was also burning with pain.


    Maxwell retracted his smile and lowered his head to kiss Mona''s forehead. "No smile. Mrs. Carter, isn''t this letting you see if I can do it? Otherwise, you''ll listen to other people''s nonsense again." Speaking of it, Mona was embarrassed. She thought, ''If Maxwell couldn''t do it, no one could.

 Chapter 123

    Maxwell walked to the bed and carried Mona with one hand. He lifted the nket and put her in. "Alright, let''s not talk about it anymore. Go to sleep. I''ll go tidy up."


    As soon as Mona got into bed, she turned over and nodded. She snuggled under the nket and closed her eyes to sleep. Although she did not check the time, she knew it waste.


    After Maxwell tidied up the bathroom and came out, Mona was already asleep. She was as quiet as a cat.


    His eyes fell on Mona''s exposed skin. The bruised marks on it were eye-catching. It was Maxwell who left the marks.


    Maxwell turned off the lights and slept beside Mona in satisfaction. He hugged her in his arms and lowered his head to kiss the corner of her lips.


    The light had already reached the darkness, illuminating itpletely.


    Mona didn''t seem to be sleeping tight. She groaned softly in Maxwell''s arms.


    With just one sound, Maxwell''s thoughts subconsciously drifted to the bathroom. Looking at Mona''s face, he was satisfied.


    *****


    The next morning, Mona turned over and felt pain all over. When she opened her eyes, she met Maxwell''s eyes. She did not know when Maxwell woke up but found him admiring her sleeping face.


    Thinking of what happened the night before, Mona could not help but blush, and her heart beat faster. She had begged Maxwell for mercy. But Maxwell was a big bad wolf in sheep''s clothing. He agreed verbally, but his action was the opposite of what he said.


    At the thought, Mona reached out her hand to yfully punch Maxwell. When she hit him, the silk pajamas naturally slid down. Mona looked at her arm and was surprised, wondering why her arm was red.


    Perhaps it was because her skin was tender, and a light touch would leave some marks. However, she remembered no marks on her arm when she sleptst night. She thought, ''Where were the marks from when I woke up.''


    Mona''s gazended on the man beside her and questioned, "This, you did this?"


    Maxwell rubbed his nose and nodded. ''Isn''t that obvious?''


    "You, you..." Mona did not know what to say to Maxwell. She turned her head away shyly.


    If Gordon told her that Maxwell couldn''t do it, Mona would p Gorden and question him.


    "Please, Mona, don''t be mad. I was too excited this time. It won''t happen again." Seeing Mona angry, Maxwell hugged her from behind and coaxed her in a low voice.


    Mona was pissed. "You''re not allowed to do this again. Fortunately, it''s winter now. If it were summer, I couldn''t face anyone." Mona thought, ''If others saw this, it would be too embarrassing!"


    "Okay, okay, I promise." The most important thing was to calm Mona.


    After resting in bed for a while, they got up. On the first day of their marriage, they had to go to the Carter Mansion for lunch, which was the rule of the Carter family.


    Mona looked at the bruised marks on her neck, which were especially eye-catching. She found a turtleneck sweater and put it on,pletely covering her slender neck. Only then did she start to dress herself up. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After putting on her wine-red coat, Mona endured the pain in her body and went downstairs. Maxwell had prepared bread and milk.


    Seeing Mona descending the stairs, Maxwell walked upstairs in a few steps and carried Mona up. He said softly, "Why didn''t. you tell me when you came down? Does it hurt?"


    Since the day before, Mona had adapted to Maxwell''s sudden hug. She wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck and whispered, "I saw you were busy, so I came downstairs myself. It doesn''t hurt much anymore."


    "I''m sorry. It''s all my fault. I won''t do this again." The day had arrived, and Maxwell had returned to his usual cold and elegant self. Of course, his thoughts were the same.


    Maxwell only realized he had lost control when he thought about his madnessst night.


    Mona nudged Maxwell and said shyly, "It''s all in the past. Let it go. Also, I can walk by myself. You don''t have to carry me."


    She wasn''t a doll. She wasn''t that fragile.


    ''If that were the case, would I still need Maxwell to carry me when we go to the Carter Mansionter?'' Mona thought, ''This is impossible. Even if Maxwell wants to, I can''t stand the embarrassment.'' Maxwell carried Mona to the dining table and sat down. He hummed softly and went to the kitchen to get the brunch that he prepared.


    Mona looked at Maxwell''s back, and her thoughts drifted to before.


    In the past, she learned how to cook to please Teddy, hoping Teddy would pay more attention to her. She always remembered when she, Ms. Clem, who did not need to do any chores, learned to cook for him, and the boiling oil sshed on her hands, she retreated in pain.


    When she recalled how Teddy would be touched by her cooking, Mona immediately felt getting burned by boiling oil was fine.


    However, in the end, she only received Teddy''s cold gaze. The food she made for the first time was sadly eaten by herself. After getting together with Maxwell, as long as Maxwell had time, he would cook. If she cooked once in a while, he couldn''t bear to see her get her hands dirty.


    Perhaps that was the difference between loving someone and not. Someone who loved way possible, but someone who didn''t love you would turn a blind eye to whatever you you did.


    in would care about you every


    Soon, Maxwell ced the breakfast in front of Mona and poured her milk. "Why are you in a daze? Hurry up and eat."


    Maxwell thought, ''She should be hungry at this hour."


    Mona nodded and smiled at Maxwell before starting to eat the breakfast in front of her.


    By the time the two of them finished breakfast and arrived at the Carter Mansion, it was almost noon.


    Maxwell led Mona through the garden and into the living room, where the Carter family was waiting.


    When Stephanie saw Mona, she sneered, "You came sote on your first day of marriage. Aren''t you afraid of beingughed


    at?"


    Stephanie did not agree to Mona and Maxwell''s marriage in the first ce. Coupled with the fact that Mona did not forgive Lydia, she hated Mona to the extreme. When Mona tried to say something, Maxwell beat her to it and said, "It''s all my fault, Grandma. I''ve kept you waiting."


    On the first day of their marriage, Maxwell didn''t want things to tense up. Besides, Gordon and the others were all there. It wouldn''t be good if they made a scene.


    "Alright, Maxwell, Mona is here, Quick, take a seat." Richard said and asked the servant beside him to serve coffee.


    Then, it was time for Mona and Maxwell to greet the elders of the family.


    The two of them first greeted Richard and Stephanie. Richard was kind and did not make things difficult for Mona. He nodded and gave Mona a bracelet. From what he said, the bracelet was passed down from the Carter family''s ancestors. When it was Stephanie''s turn, Mona vaguely felt it was not that simple. After Maxwell greeted Stephanie, Mona also stood up and turned to her. "Stephanie, how are you doing?"

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    Mona bent over and raised her head. She was waiting for Stephanie to respond to her greeting. Her posture made it hard to keep on.


    After a long time, Mona still did not hear Stephanie''s voice. She knew Stephanie was deliberately making things difficult for her and pretending not to hear her.


    Mona said loudly, "Stephanic, how are you doing?"


    Mona''s voice was loud enough that even the servants far away could hear her. If Stephanie did not say anything, it was obvious that she was deliberately making things difficult for Mona.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Stephanie hummed softly and turned to look at Mona. For some reason, she threw her coffee cup to the ground and said sternly, "Why? Why are you so loud? Are you yelling at me the first day after you marry into the Carter family?"


    Hearing Stephanie''s words, Mona silently rolled her eyes in her heart and thought to herself, ''If she didn''t want me to speak so loud, why hasn''t she responded in the first ce? So pretentious!"


    The burning cup hit the floor, and the coffee sshed on Mona, sshing on her ankle. At first, it was rtively hot, butter, the coffee turned cold. Even Mona''s pants were a little wet and stuck to her skin. She found it ufortable to wear it. Seeing that, Maxwell wanted to stop it, but Richard gave him a look, indicating for him to stand still.


    Since Mona had married into the Carter family, everyone in Nathontown knew about it. In the Carter family, she had to follow some rules, just like meeting the elders like today.


    Helpless, Mona asked the servant beside her to serve Stephanie another cup of coffee.


    She respectfully handed the cup to Stephanie and said loudly, "Stephanie, here''s your coffee."


    Stephanie took the coffee cup from Mona''s hand. Seeing her frown, Mona said, "Stephanie, I''ve just tested the temperature of the coffee. It''s neither hot nor cold. It''s just right."


    Mona said what Stephanie wanted to say. Stephanie could only swallow the words that were about toe out of her mouth. She slowly took a small sip and handed the gift to Mona. However, there was still displeasure in her eyes. Mona did not care. After what happened that night, Mona could no longer like Stephanie.


    Later, they would meet Donald and Juliet. With Richard around, even if Juliet disliked Mona, she would not show it. Greeting Donald and Juliet went smoothly.


    When everything was over, the wedding would be over. The family sat in the living room and chatted. Mona felt her pants were wet and cold. It felt very ufortable to stick wetly to her legs.


    She unconsciously touched her pants and pulled them out, not wanting them to stick to her skin.


    Everyone was sitting there talking. Mona was too embarrassed to say that she wanted to get a hairdryer to dry her pants. She wanted to wait for the conversation to end.


    Mona did not like the feeling of chatting like this. Everyone did not like each other in their hearts, but they still acted like they were close.


    It was just that there was a fixed time every day to sit there and talk. What was the point of saying things that were not in their hearts? They would not be intimate with each other. Maxwell noticed Mona''s actions and realized Mona''s pants were wet. Without much thought, he told Richard and took Mona upstairs.


    9.09.


    Mon,


    It had been a long time since the two of themst visited. The room had already been cleaned by the servants. The bedsheets had been changed, and the bathroom door had been changed. "Why didn''t you tell me your pants were wet?" Maxwell said as he picked up the hairdryer.


    "I thought I''d wait until the end of the conversation." As Mona spoke, she saw Maxwell squatting down with the hairdryer. She quickly said, "No, I''ll do it."


    Before she could finish speaking, Maxwell had squatted down. He turned the hairdryer on the hot air and started drying Mona''s pants.


    "I''ll do it. Mona, I''m sorry to put you into this again today. Greeting the elders is a process. I just want to humor Grandpa." After all, Richard did not object to Maxwell''s wedding with Mona. Instead, Richard had tried his best to organize it. "Oh, it''s fine. I understand." Mona looked down at Maxwell who was squatting beside her, understanding what he was thinking.


    The hot wind passed through her pants to her calves. It was warm andfortable.


    In particr, Maxwell''srge hand rubbed against the skin of her calf from time to time, bringing a lot of numbness from her calf to the bottom of her heart. If Maxwell had not moved his hand quickly, Mona would have thought he did it on purpose.


    After Maxwell dried Mona''s pants, Mona felt her face begin to burn inexplicably. She thought, "This abstinent man is so alluring!


    When the two of them went down, it was time for lunch. Mona consciously waited for the Carter family''s elders to take their seats before sitting in front of Maxwell.


    Mona sat down and looked at the dishes in front of her. She frowned slightly. They were all crabs, prawns, and some shelled food. She wondered, ''Are they going to let me peel the prawns myself? Don''t they know girls'' nails are all precious?''


    In the Clem family, the servants always peeled the prawns and served them. In the past, she loved Teddy and tried to please him, but she had never peeled prawns for him because she knew how precious her nails were.


    During the meal, Juliet was attentive. She kept asking Mona to eat more and even gave prawns to Mona with the serving fork, vividly portraying the loving stepmother.


    Mona was eating the vegetable dish closer to her. She did not touch any of the prawns that Juliet had given her.


    "Mona, why are you only eating vegetables? Quick, try some prawns. It is good," Juliet said with a smile.


    As soon as she finished speaking, Maxwell switched his te with Mona. There were a few prawns on his te. They did not have shells, and there were also vegetarian dishes that Mona liked.


    "This is Juliet''s house. If someone came to the Carter family for dinner, they would think the Carter family was too poor to afford to hire a servant. Don''t you know that prawns have to be peeled and served on the dining table?" Maxwell said as he wiped his hands. His tone was cold. Mona looked up and met Juliet''s stiff smile. The corners of her mouth curled up unconsciously as she thought, ''Maxwell''s words are mean!''


    "Yes, it is my negligence. I didn''t think of this," Juliet said unwillingly.


    "Alright, just get the servants to bring them down and peel them. Seeing that, Gordon spoke up for his mother and asked the servants to bring down all the food in front of Mona.


    When Gordon raised his head, his gaze unconsciously swept across Mona''s slender wrist. When Mona raised her arm just now, he noticed that her wrist was red. As a man who had been sleeping around, he knew what it was.

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    Gordon''s heart was filled with jealousy, and he thought, ''Mona should have belonged to me. Maxwell, the hatred between us has increased. I''ll settle scores with you.''


    By the time the servants served the peeled crabs and prawns, they were clean and had no shells. However, no one had touched the dishes.


    After lunch, Mona and Maxwell went straight home to get their luggage. They boarded a private ne and began their honeymoon.


    The ce was chosen by Mona. In Horieta, it was like spring all year round. It was a good ce for a honeymoon.


    As


    soon as they boarded the ne, Mona leaned on Maxwell''s shoulder and gradually fell asleep. She had slept too little the. night before.


    Seeing Mona had closed her eyes, Maxwell asked the person-beside him for a nket and covered it on Mona. His slender fingers slowly brushed Mona''s brown hair and tucked it behind her ear. Then, he slowly closed his eyes, too. Ever s since he returned to the he was either discussing a business deal or on the way to it. Finally, he had a wedding leave. He could finally rx after leaving thepany affairs to Bud. to the Carter arter family, Maxwe Maxwell had been working non-stop every day. He had no time to rest, let alone take a vacation. Every time he went overseas, he


    Meanwhile, Bud, who was busy working overtime at the office to read documents, cursed Maxwell in his heart. ''Damn it. Maxwell could get engaged just like that. He could get married just like that. He could hold a wedding just like that. He had even been on a honeymoon trip and left thepany''s matters to me. Isn''t it too much?''


    When the nended, it was alreadyte. The weather in Horieta was very different from Nathontown.


    It was a


    already winter in Nathontown, and there was cold air in the middle of the night. However, it was different in Horieta. There seemed to be the fragrance of flowers in the air, and the trees were refreshing. Mona looked up and happened to see stars twinkling in the sky. They were bright and attached to the moon. The light shone down from the sky and gave off a cold feeling.


    Maxwell followed behind Mona. He put his suit jacket on Mona and said, "Keep warm. It''s a little cold at night. Don''t catch a cold."


    Mon? nodded. When she was with Maxwell, Maxwell was always so considerate and took care of her meticulously every time.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and interlocked their fingers. He put the other hand in his pocket and got into the car. Nigel brought the two of them to the hotel he had booked in advance. soon as they arrived near the hotel, Mona weed the sea breeze intimately. It felt cold andfortable.


    As


    When they


    arrived at the hotel suite, Mona pulled open the heavy curtains and saw the blue sea. A cold moon shone on the sea, and the sound of the waves could be heard. What a sight! Mona was mesmerized by the scene in front of her. She hoped the sun would rise soon so that she could go out and experience it properly. "Maxwell, even the wind is gentle today." Mona closed her eyes and felt the cool night breeze.


    B 09.11


    Then, she jogged to Maxwell''s side and pulled him to the window.


    "Close your eyes and feel it," said Mona.


    After saying that, Mona reached out and gently brushed Maxwell''s eyes.


    "Is itfortable?" Mona whispered into Maxwell''s car.


    Maxwell nodded. "Yeah."


    That must be what it felt like to rx. Nothing was pressing down on him.


    Maxwell slowly opened his eyes and hugged Mona from behind. He held her hand and ced it in front of Mona.


    Then, kissesnded on Mona''s neck. It was gentle. His lips were warm and pressed against her skin. Mona could not help but breathe heavily. Gradually, Maxwell was a little dissatisfied. He switched positions with Mona and pressed her against the wall forcefully.


    He held Mona''s slender waist with one hand and raised Mona''s chin with the other. He lowered his head and kissed her.


    At first, his s kiss was gentle, but butter, it bec


    Mona''s


    it became possessive, as if he wanted to eat Mona alive.


    a''s ears were filled with Maxwell''s deep breathing, and the strength in his hands gradually increased.


    At the e critical moment, Mona held Maxwell''s hand and stammered, "No, I can''t."


    My body hasn''t recovered yet. If we do it again, I will have to lie in bed for a day tomorrow! How can I admire the sea outside?'' Mona thought.


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, Maxwell also felt what he was doing was wrong and too much. He looked down and saw Mona''s long legs. Wrapped in jeans, the outline of her legs could be seen, which was exceptionally beautiful. He had been lucky enough to touch those legs. They were tender and smooth, and he could almost hold them with both hands.


    Mona noticed Maxwell''s burning gaze. When she wanted to run, she was already carried by Maxwell and ced on the soft bed.


    Mona''s


    a''s s body sank into the soft bed. Then, Maxwell pressed down on her.


    The night before, the two of them did not reach thest step. Maxwell still cared about Mona''s body from the bottom of his heart. However, to Mona, there seemed to be no difference whether they did it or not. Her legs were exceptionally unwell. When Mona woke up, it was already ten in the morning. . The sea sight was still waiting for her.


    The moment she got out of bed, she saw Maxwell sitting on the sofa, looking very rxed.


    He crossed his legs naturally and took a sip from the coffee cup in his hand. When he saw Mona, he immediately walked over and helped her over. "Mona, you''re awake. Come and sit down. I''ll get you breakfast. I just made it."


    Maxwell felt this kind of life was good. Not only was he physically rxed, but his heart was also exceptionally satisfied. He was physically and mentally happy.


    Mona looked at Maxwell''s solicitous appearance, and the anger in her heart dissipated a lot.


    The Maxwell at night was different from the Maxwell during the day. It was as if he had two faces


    After the two finished their-brunch, Mona changed her clothes and walked to the beach outside the hotel. Maxwell followed behind her.


    Perhaps all girls had a yearning for the sea. It was the same for Mona. She had especially liked the sea since she was young.


    "Maxwell, walk faster. I can see the sea." Mona walked backward and waved at Maxwell.


    Excitement seemed to be contagious. When Maxwell saw Mona''s smiling face under the sun, he became happy. He took a few steps with his long legs and quickly walked to Mona.


    He whispered in her ear, "You''re energetic. Why did youin about being tired these past two nights?"This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ''How could I not say so? Maxwell looked like he wanted to eat me up. I was scared to death. Even if I said I was tired out, he would not get off me. Mona rolled her eyes and thought, ''If I did not shout that I got tired, I would probably not be able to sleep for the entire night. Mona cleared her throat lightly. "I had a good sleep, right? It''s so crowded here. Let''s not talk about this."

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    The cool sea breeze blew on them, and their feet were gently caressed by the seawater. The sound of the waves filled their ears, and they rxed a lot.


    Maxwell ran around the beach for a while before lying on the rocking chair by the beach. He put on his sunsses and looked at Mona, who was still picking up seashells by the beach. There was fresh juice, too. Mona was quite energetic. It seemed he had underestimated her


    If someone was observing Maxwell, he would notice his eyes had always been on Mona and had never moved away.


    Maxwell was in a daze and did not notice a woman was sitting beside him.


    It wasn''t until the sunlight above his head was blocked and a sweet voice sounded in his ears that Maxwell snapped out of his thoughts.


    "Maxwell," Barbara called out with a smile.


    Maxwell turned around and saw Barbara''s face. He thought about it for a while and remembered this person was someone Mona disliked. So, he chose to ignore her.


    Barbara had especially followed them there. Facing Maxwell''s attitude of ignoring her, she was not annoyed. Instead, she smiled at Maxwell and said, "Maxwell, you and Mona are also here for a vacation. What a small world!


    "Mona loves the sea. I remember that when I went to the beach with Mona, she would drag us to take many photos."


    When Maxwell heard Barbara talking about Mona, he looked at Mona who was taking photos by the sea, and listened to her


    past.


    During the four years he was abroad, Maxwell missed the chance to be with Mona.


    He thought, ''If I had refused to leave the country in high school and stayed by Mona''s side, who knew if Mona would have, fallen for me at that time? I wondered if I could win Mona from Teddy. ''Fortunately, I''m the one who married Mona, and the person Mona loves is also me.


    Seeing Maxwell was listening, Barbara continued, "I remember that when I came to the beach with Mona once, she identally fell, and her knee hit a shell. She bled a lot."


    When Maxwell heard that, his breathing trembled. He did not know how painful it was when Mona fell. Her skin was especially tender, the kind that would usually turn red after rubbing it twice.


    She was bleeding from the fall. How terrible was that? He wondered if Mona had cried then.


    "What happened next?" Maxwell asked.


    When she heard Maxwell talking to her, the corners of Barbara''s mouth curled into a smile. She answered, "After that, I went to call Teddy over. Then, he carried Mona to the hospital. I followed behind them and could see the worry in Teddy''s eyes. He did love Mona in his heart."


    After saying that, Barbara saw the corners of Maxwell''s mouth curl down. It was an expression of unhappiness. She said softly, "Maxwell, I shouldn''t have told you this. After all, you''re the one who''s married to Mona now. However, it was like this at that time. Mona was lying on Teddy''s back with a smile on her face."This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    In the distance, Mona saw a woman sitting beside Maxwell on her phone screen. She pointed the camera at the two of them and zoomed in, realizing the person beside Maxwell was Barbara.


    00:0


    000 1:000 00 00 1:1:0 1:10 1:1:000000


    She quickly put away her phone, put on her shoes, and walked toward Maxwell. I''ve just been away from Maxwell for a while, and someone is already hitting on him. This is truly intolerable! Mona cursed. After Mona rushed over, she squeezed into Maxwell''s chair and took a sip of his drink. back and eat!"


    When Mona spoke, she pretended not to see Barbara beside her.


    Honey, it''ste. I''m hungry. Let''s go


    "Mona, have fun. I was just talking to Maxwell about you. I can tell Maxwell loves you. You''re married. Live a good life!" Barbara talked to Mona while reaching out to lift the hair by her ear. Barbara had carefully searched for this angle. Looking at her from Maxwell''s angle, he could see her side profile, her pretty nose, her red lips, and the sunlight. She would look the best. Everyone loved beauty. Barbara believed she would leave a good impression on Maxwell.


    "Barbara, it''s none of your business whether I live a good life or not. Why? It''s not enough to snatch one guy from me, but you still want to snatch the second one. But give up. Maxwell and I are good. I''m afraid you won''t be able to fulfill your wish." After Mona finished rebutting, she held Maxwell''s hand and walked toward the hotel without looking back. She did not want to waste time with Barbara. She hated Barbara''s guts.


    Mona had just held Maxwell''s hand when thetter held hers tightly. For some reason, Mona felt Maxwell was in a bad mood. She quickly figured out that Barbara must have said something to Maxwell.


    "Maxwell, what did Barbara tell you just now? No matter what she said, you can ask me. I will tell you honestly," Mona said.


    When two people were together, being honest was the most important thing. Some small misunderstandings often turned into big ones that eventually became unstoppable.


    "Well, actually, she didn''t say anything. She just said that you were very close to Teddy in the past. He even carried you on his back. I felt a little ufortable after hearing that," Maxwell said honestly. Perhaps Maxwell was too petty, so petty that he wanted Mona to only have him in her heart.


    "Are you jealous?" Mona asked as she looked into Maxwell''s eyes with sparkling eyes.


    They were married. There was nothing wrong with being jealous. Maxwell nodded and said, "Yes, I''m jealous. I even regret not getting you to fall for me earlier."


    Speaking of that, Maxwell felt regretful. When he was in high school, he realized Mona was the little girl he knew when he was young. He just wanted to get close to her, but there was no way. He could only yfully pull her braids to attract her attention.


    Mon? looked around and found not many people around. She tiptoed and kissed Maxwell''s cheek. "How about this? Don''t be jealous. I love you only. I haven''t fallen for you earlier. Maybe I was blind then."


    Speaking of this, Mona wanted to chat with Maxwell. "Um, why did you keep pulling my braid in high school? I was afraid of youter on."


    Maxwell cleared his throat twice to express his embarrassment and said, "Um, I wanted you to notice me. I think I used the wrong method."


    Mona nodded and thought, ''Yeah, he did use the wrong method. At that time, Maxwell''s reputation in school was not good. Every day after ss, he would go to my ss to pull my hair and pinch my cheek from time to time. I was so scared that I even wanted to report to the teacher. How could I like him?"

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    .


    "You used the wrong method. No girl would fall for someone who bullied her every day." Mona looked into the distance and said.


    If Maxwell had used another method to attract her attention in ligh school, she didn''t know if she would have fallen for him.


    At that time, everyone around was talking about Teddy, who was handsome and from a rich family. He was the school hunk.


    Unknowingly, Mona seemed to have been affected. Perhaps all along, her feelings for Teddy were not love. She was just following suit to be attracted to Teddy.


    After Mona''s mother passed away, Teddy became her support. That was why she had been trying to please Teddy.


    At night, the Carter Group was attending a ball for the rich people of Horieta. Maxwell happened to be there, so he brought Mona to have fun.


    The sky gradually darkened as the ck Lamborghini slowly stopped in front of a private vi.


    Maxwell opened the door and helped Mona out of the car. As soon as the two of them arrived at the entrance of the vi and handed the invitation letter to the guard at the door, they were weed in. Even though Mona thought that her family was rich, she was still shocked by how luxurious it was.


    The chandelier illuminated the ce as if it was daytime. The floor beneath her feet was not the floor, but diamonds. At a casual nce, there were all kinds of antique paintings.


    No wonder so many people were guarding the door. If anyone wanted to steal one, it would be priceless.


    After the two of them walked inside, someone came over and chatted with Maxwell. Every time they talked about Mona, they could hear Maxwell say happily, "My wife, Mona Clem."


    Mona was not interested in such a conversation. She only maintained a smile on her lips.


    Suddenly, her eyes swept across a man on the sofa in the distance. His legs were casually crossed, forming a beautiful arc. He


    eyes off it. held a wine ss in his hand. His hand was like a beautiful work of art, so beautiful that one could not take their


    Looking up, it was his handsome face with thin lips and thick eyebrows. His looks wereparable to Maxwell''s.


    However, the two of them had different auras. That person looked aloof. No, he was cold. He was so cold that no one was around him. However, Maxwell was different. His aura was cold, but not unapproachable. Perhaps it was because Mona was looking at him too passionately, and she was simply sizing him up, that person looked toward Mona.


    He raised his ss to Mona from several feet away, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.


    Mona did not want to cause unnecessary trouble, so she pretended not to see it. She quickly retracted her gaze and casually took a sip of the "juice" in her hand.


    A momentter, the people who were talking to Maxwell left one after another. A guard said to Maxwell, "Sir, this is from the gentleman on the sofa beside you."


    Maxwell took the business card from that person. On it was written Brendan Conrad, a member of the Conrad family. Maxwell thought to himself, ''Is it the Conrad family in Noretin?"


    Since the person had handed over his business card first, Maxwell decided to go over. When Maxwell wanted to ask Mona to


    with him, he saw Mona-sitting on the sofa, cating and drinking ''drinks. It was very satisfying. So, he thought he should go by himself.


    Maxwell walked to Brendan and sat down casually. He ced the business card on the table beside him.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Brendan ced the wine he had just prepared in front of Maxwell. "Mr. Carter, do me a favor and give it a try, okay?"


    "Thank you." Maxwell picked up the wine ss and took a sip casually. "Mr. Conrad, good wine. This wine is quite vintage."


    "Yes, it''s been a few years. It''s rare to see you bring a date to the Ball, Mr. Carter. I wonder if I''ll have the honor of getting to know her," Brendan said as he casually looked at Mona, who was eating. No one knew what he was thinking. "Of course, my wife, Mona Clem. I''ll introduce you to herter." Maxwell also looked at Mona with burning love in his eyes.


    Maxwell didn''t like Brendan''s way of getting to know him, especially since Brendan also wanted to get to know Mona. He didn''t know what Brendan was thinking.


    "Mona Clem? Your wife''s surname is Clem?" Brendan asked, his tone containing some emotions rarely.


    "Yeah, my wife''s surname is Clem. Is there a problem?" Maxwell asked, thinking Brendan seemed too concerned about


    Mona''s surname.


    go


    Brendan raised his neck and took a sip of wine. "There''s nothing wrong. I''m just a little curious and wondered if it''s the Clem family from Nathontown."


    "Mr Conrad, are you curious about the Clem family from Nathontown?" Maxwell asked. His eyes swept across Brendan''s face, wanting to see some expressions on his face.


    However, Brendan was too good at hiding, and Maxwell did not notice at all.


    Brendan smiled. "Not really. I just want to know. Of course, I also know about the Carter family. I hope we have a chance to work together."


    Out of courtesy, Maxwell left his business card and walked toward Mona.


    He walked over and realized she was leaning on the table. Her beautiful eyes seemed to be covered in ayer of mist as she looked up at Maxwell pitifully. She did not recognize him and said, "I... I think I lost something very important." Maxwell slowly walked to her and reached out to pull her into his arms. His voice softened as he asked, "What is it?"


    Mona nestled in Maxwell''s arms. She touched her legs and said pitifully, "My tail. I can''t transform into a tail."


    Maxwell lowered his head and looked at Mona carefully. Her cheeks were red, and there were still tears in her eyes. It was obvious she was drunk again. She was a drunkard. "Tail? You have a tail?" asked Maxwell.


    Upon hearing that, Mona nodded vigorously. "Yes, before I went ashore, I had a very beautiful tail. It was aqua blue, the color of the sea, but I can''t transform it now."


    Maxwell thought of what Mona looked like when she was drunkst time. He did not dare to let her stay there any longer. Otherwise, she would humiliate herself in front of everyone. "The tail is in the hotel. Get back to the hotel with me."


    Mona did not say anything. She quietly nestled in Maxwell''s arms. After a long time, she said, "Thirsty, so thirsty. Your mermaid is thirsty."


    "Then stay here and sleep. I''ll go get water for you, my mermaid Maxwell said softly and let Mona lean against the sofa.


    When Maxwell went to the guard for water, Mona felt the light in her eyes was blocked. She opened her eyes with difficulty and realized that a bottle of mineral water was beside her. Thinking that it was her water, she reached out to take it and muttered, "Water, the water of the mermaid is here. It''s going to grow a tail."

 Chapter 128

    Mona unscrewed the cap of the water bottle and took a big gulp. She nodded. "Yes, before I went ashore, I lived in the sea."


    After Maxwell filled the warm water for Mona, he saw Brendan standing in front of Mona with a smile on his lips. Maxwell''s face immediately darkened.


    Maxwell pondered, "This Brendan has been sizing up Mona just now. Now, he''s smiling. Does he have some thoughts about


    Mona?''


    Meanwhile, Maxwell had walked up to Mona and pulled her into his arms. He looked at Brendan and said, "Mr. Conrad, I wanted to introduce you to my wife, but unfortunately, my wifes drunk. We''ll meet again. I''ll bring her home now." After saying that, Maxwell was still feeding Mona water. After taking two sips, Mona shook her head, indicating she wanted no more. Maxwell carried Mona and walked outside.


    The moment Maxwell picked her up, Mona muttered, "Are you taking me back to the sea? But I can''t go back yet. I remember it now. I have a husband."


    It was difficult for Mona to remember him when she was drunk. Maxwell was in a good mood and asked, "Who''s your husband?"


    "My husband? My husband is Maxwell. I know he loves me and will avenge me, but, but he will die in the end. I don''t want him to die. I''m sad that he will die." Mona whimpered. Unknowingly, tears had flowed out.


    Maxwell''s breathing was heavy. He gently brushed the tears beside Mona''s ear with his thumb and said softly, "Don''t cry. Your husband won''t die. He will be with you until the end of his life."


    After saying that, he lowered his head and kissed Mona lightly on the lips.


    The simple touch already made Mona''s heart unable to settle down. She raised her hands and hugged Maxwell''s neck tightly. She rubbed enthusiastically against Maxwell''s neck. "You have to keep your word. You can''t die so easily. Or, or..." Maxwell opened the car door and ced Mona on the seat. He lowered the partition to block the driver in the front row. At the same time, he blocked the light. Instantly, the closed car became dark.


    "Or what?" Maxwell asked.


    Mona thought for a moment and threatened, "Otherwise, I''ll keep a gigolo with your money. One is not enough. I want to keep two."


    Maxwell frowned, wondering if Mona still had this thought in her heart. "Then I''m afraid you don''t have this possibility anymore. I''ll live a long life with you."


    The ss in the back seat of the car was ink-ck. It was difficult for the lights around the vi to shine in. In the shallow shadows, Mona''s eyes blinked slightly. She was a little unwell. There were crystal tears in her hazy eyes that hooked Maxwell''s heart. Maxwell took a deep breath and fixed Mona''s face with his well-defined palm. Just as Mona was about to speak, Maxwell lowered his head and gently touched her trembling lips with his thin lips.


    A familiar scent and touch came over. Mona''s hands wrapped around Maxwell''s neck. She responded enthusiastically to Maxwell and hooked his slightly cold lips, tasting the wine fragrance as she swallowed something in small mouthfuls.


    At first, Maxwell restrained himself. Even if it was a kiss, he wanted to wake Mona up a little. Later, it gradually changed. The rationality in his mind was gradually reced by desire. His arms were tightly holding her slender waist through the fabric of her shirt and skirt.  B


    3Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    For some reason, Monarpushed Maxwell. She gently touched her eyes and said pitifully, "Tears. My tears are pearls. Hurry up and pack them up. Don''t spill them."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Mona began to cry with all her night. Perhaps it was because she remembered what happened before, but she felt especially aggrieved. She cried until her tears kept flowing down Maxwell''s fingertips.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s slow tears and wished he could do something. He gently wiped the tears on her face and coaxed her softly, "Don''t cry. We''ve got enough pearls."


    Mona opened her eyes with difficulty and met Maxwell''s eyes. She muttered, "That''s good. We can exchange pearls for money."


    Her brown hair draped over her shoulders, covering most of her exquisite face. Her eyshes were tightly shut, and she asionally sobbed, making her look exceptionally lovable.


    After arriving at the hotel, Nigel parked the car and got out to give the couple some space.


    Maxwell didn''t get off immediately. Instead, he sat quietly in the car for a while with Mona in his arms. He looked down and saw Mona had gradually calmed down. Her breathing had also stabilized. There was a red mark on her neck. She was still drunk and looked a little pitiful. After she fell into a deep sleep, Maxwell put his suit jacket on Mona and covered most of her face. He carried Mona out of the car and walked into the hotel room.


    1


    After waking up, Mona had a short period of memory loss. She could not remember how she came back the previous night. She only vaguely felt that she had said the words ''mermaid''.


    The next morning, Mona got up from the bed in the hotel''s master bedroom as if nothing had happened. She dressed normally. She nned to buy some gifts for their families with Maxwell. She would still give them gifts out of courtesy.


    When she walked to the living room, she didn''t see Maxwell. Instead, she saw a couture blue evening gown and a pearl bracelet. The pearls were all plump and crystal clear. They were so beautiful that Mona''s eyes lit up.


    Mona touched her head and wondered if she had asked Maxwell for anything the night before. She thought, ''Is it for me, or is Maxwell giving it away?


    At that moment, Maxwell came over with breakfast. Mona quickly went to take the milk from him. She looked at the things on the table and asked, "Honey, is it for me?"


    Maxwell nodded without hesitation and said, "Of course. Look, do you like them? Is it the blue tail you lost?"


    When Maxwell saw Mona looking at him in confusion, it was as if a ferocious beast was awakening in his heart and he was about to lose control.


    "Blue tail?" Mona asked. She did not have much memory of what happened the previous night.


    Maxwell hugged Mona in his arms and pressed his forehead against hers. He said in a low voice, "Last night, you told me you were a mermaid and went ashore for me. You even said you lost your tail and asked me for it. Also, you said your tears were pearls. Here. I got them for you overnight. Do you like them?"

 Chapter 129

    Mona was confused. Since she traveled back in time, the consequences of her drunkenness had be more serious. Last time, she sang on the streets. This time, she fantasized that she was a mermaid. "Is, is this for real? How embarrassing." Mona took two steps back and distanced herself from Maxwell. That was awkward.


    In fact, after being reminded by Maxwell, there were some fragments in her mind. She seemed to have asked Maxwell to catch her tears and said they were pearls. It was hrious to think about it. After breakfast, the two of them bought gifts for everyone in the family, including Gordon, who Mona hated the most. She had no choice but to put on a show and not let others gossip about her. Mona looked at the watch and thought it would be a gift to the dog.


    After that, the two of them toured around Horieta for two more days. Mona pulled Maxwell to take a lot of photos. Among them, they even updated their Twitter and Facebook to show off their love. The ne drew white silver lines in the sky, and Mona and Maxwell''s honeymoon ended just like that.


    The first thing Mona did when she got home was to put away her "tail" and the pearl bracelet. This was her alcoholic gift, so she had to keep it well. Perhaps when she got old, she could reminisce with Maxwell. Life returned to normal. It was almost Christmas.


    On the day before Christmas, something bad happened to the Clem family. Bernard fainted and was hospitalized.


    As soon as Mona received the news at home, she sent Maxwell a message and drove to the hospital.


    Although it would be Christmas the next day, thepany''s matters had not been settled during their honeymoon. They still needed Maxwell to settle it.


    Her grandfather Bernard was no longer young. Perhaps he had been exercising all year round, and his health had always been good. He rarely fell sick.


    For some reason, Bernard suddenly fell ill. Mona was worried sick. As she drove, she prayed to God that Bernard would beContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    fine.


    Mona treasured her life and the lives of her family. She wanted them to live well and live long. After all, the number of people who treated her well could be counted on one hand.


    As soon as Mona stopped the car, she hurriedly pushed open the door and got out. She hurriedly walked toward the hospital''s operating room.


    Bernard had suddenly fainted. No one knew what was going on, so he was still being examined.


    When Mona arrived, Jane was sitting on the chair at the door, crying. Jeremy was sitting beside her,forting her.


    "Grandma," Mona called out and sat beside her. Jane immediately held Mona''s hand and said with a sobbing tone, "Mona, your grandfather will be fine, right?"


    Bernard fainted while watching TV with Jane. She anxiously asked the servants at home to quickly bring him to the hospital. Then, Jane informed Mona and Jeremy.


    Mona hurriedly nodded and said, "Grandpa will be fine. Grandma, don''t worry."


    She wasforting Jane and herself.


    Mona had just arrived when Maxwell made it there. He looked at Mona and Jane with a worried expression.


    At that moment, the red light of the operating room turned green. The doctor walked over from inside. Mona and the others hurriedly went over worriedly and asked anxiously, "How is it going, doctor? Is my grandfather alright?"


    The doctor answered, "The patient is getting on in years. He has to pay attention to his diet. This time, he just suddenly fainted. It''s no big deal. He just needs to recuperate."


    After hearing the doctor''s words, everyone heaved a sigh of relief, especially Mona.


    When she first arrived at the hospital, Mona was wondering if it was Jeremy''s doing. It seemed she was overthinking. It was good that her grandfather was fine.


    Bernard''s fainting caused the Clem family to be extremely busy. Even Albert, who was in the army, took leave and came back.


    Mona and the others were focused on Bernard. They did not notice that Jeremy had quietly walked out of the ward and into the corner of the stairs.


    He sent a message to Beatrice. [Bernard has fainted. Can we stop the medicine?]


    If someone were to look closely, he would notice Jeremy''s typing hands trembling. It was winter, and there was still some sweat on his forehead. He was nervous.


    Late at night, after everyone fell asleep, Jeremy drove to a vi in the suburbs alone.


    He had just knocked twice when the door was opened. The woman''s gentle face was revealed. It was winter, and she was wearing ckce pajamas, revealing her perfect skin and charming corbone. She was even wearing exquisite makeup even in the middle of the night. The woman was none other than Beatrice.


    When Beatrice saw Jeremy walking over, she immediately pulled him into the vi and closed the door. Her petite body leaned into Jeremy''s arms and said, "Jeremy, you''re here. How''s Bernard''s condition? Did the doctor not find anything?"


    When she first heard Bernard had fainted, Beatrice was a little worried. She was afraid the doctor would find out something and trace it to her. However, on second thought, she had spent a lot of money to buy this medicine overseas. It was colorless and odorless, but it would gradually make the consumer lose his strength. The consumer would sleep longer than he was awake. In the end, he would die.


    1


    Nathontown''s medical skills were not that advanced. The doctors probably would not be able to find anything.


    Jeremy held Beatrice''s shoulder tightly and said, "He hasn''t woken up yet. The doctor hasn''t found anything."


    Upon hearing Jeremy''s words, the corners of Beatrice''s mouth curled up slightly. And her eyes revealed a greedy gaze.


    Then, Jeremy said, "Beatrice, let''s stop, okay? All these years, I''ve secretly transferred Clem Group''s money elsewhere. We''ve got more money than we can spend. Why do we have to get Clem Group?"


    After spending so much time with Bernard and Jane all those years, Jeremy seemed to have developed some feelings for them. When he knew Beatrice was going to poison Bernard, he disagreed. However, Beatrice kept ying the sympathy card with him, so he had no choice but to give in.


    When Beatrice heard Jeremy''s words, she immediately stopped smiling. She said sternly, "Why? Why do you think so? For so many years in the Clem family, Barbara and I worked so hard to take care of Bernard and Jane. In the end, something happened, and we got involved with Emily''s ident. Then we were chased out by them.


    I''ve been begging for Jane''s forgiveness every day. What about her? She''s so heartless. There''s no room for negotiation. I want to see how noble her family is without Clem Group."


    Towards the end, Beatrice''s eyes were filled with hatred, and her tone was vicious. She swore in her heart, ''I just want to see

 Chapter 130

    Speaking of this, Jeremy was also angry. After Beatrice and her daughter were chased out of the Clem family, he became even more careful. He was afraid that he would say or do something wrong, which gave Bernard and Jane a reason to chase him out. He spoke carefully every day to please them, but the Clem family didn''t buy it, especially Mona. Ever since Mona found out that he was not her biological father, she stopped calling him father.


    Seeing that Jeremy was already hesitating, Beatrice said, "Jeremy you know that we killed Emily. If Albert finds out, will he forgive you, his father? I''m afraid he will hate you.


    "You also know that Barbara has always wanted to rece Mona. If she knew that you gave up at a critical moment, she would not forgive you. Do you want your son and daughter to hate you? In the end, you would really be alone.


    "So you have to snatch the Clem Group. You have to continue drugging Bernard. The doctors and police won''t be able to detect this medicine. Just like Emily, he will die in an ident.-It has nothing to do with us."


    Jeremy looked up and met Beatrice''s hateful eyes. He could not help but nod. ''Yes, I''ve worked hard for Clem Group for so long. Clem Group should be mine.''


    It was the hospital ward. On New Year''s Eve, there were loud firecrackers and the sound of children ying. It was the same even at the hospital.


    However, the festive atmosphere outside had nothing to do with the gloomy atmosphere in the ward. The people in the ward were immersed in sorrow.


    On the hospital bed, Bernard slowly opened his eyes. He felt weak all over as if all the strength in his body had been sucked out. He muttered, "Water, I want to drink water."


    Jane, who was crying beside Bernard''s bed, immediately sat up when she heard Bernard''s voice. She went to pour water for Bernard. Mona, who was sitting on the sofa, was the same. She immediately woke up from her sleep and looked at Bernard with pleasant surprise. Maxwell quickly helped Mona up.


    Mona and Maxwell rolled the bed up a little to afortable angle. Mona gently helped Bernard up. Jane took a cotton swab and moistened Bernard''s lips.


    Maxwell called the doctor over. At this moment, Albert, who had just returned from the army, happened to arrive at the door of the ward and heard the news that Bernard had woken up. His heart, which had been in his throat, finally calmed down. He did not have the time to exchange too many pleasantries with Maxwell and directly walked in.


    When he saw Bernard lying on the hospital bed, looking weak as if he had aged a few years, he could not remain calm and walked over to shake Bernard''s hand.


    Although he was usually mischievous, ying games, skipping sses, and fighting, and Bernard had punished him a lot for this, he respected Bernard very much in his heart. Now that he saw Bernard like this, his heart only ached.


    "Grandpa, are you alright?" Albert asked as he held Bernard''s hand tightly.


    On the hospital bed, Bernard shook his head with difficulty and said weakly, "I''m fine. I''m just a little tired. I keep wanting to sleep.


    Perhaps because he was old, his physical fitness could not keep up. He had no choice but to admit that he was old.


    "It''s alright. Grandpa, you should sleep for a while. We are all here to protect you!" Mona quietly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.


    Although the doctor said that Bernard was just old and had unexpectedly fainted, she clearly realized that after Bernard woke up, his body was exhausted and his expression seemed to be a little serious.


    At this moment, Maxwell walked in with the doctor. Maxwell nodded at Mona, indicating that everything would be fine and telling Mona to rx. Mona walked to Maxwell to make room for the doctor. Maxwell took the opportunity to hold Mona''s hand, wanting to give her strength.


    He didn''t want such a thing to happen, but he didn''t know how tofort Mona. He could only get Nigel to contact a foreign hospital overnight to see if he could make Bernard recover faster.


    The doctor examined Bernard and said, "He''s fine now that he''s awake. It''s just that during this period of time, you have to pay attention to his dict. It''s mainly light. He''ll be under observation in the hospital for a few days. However, he fainted very strangely. He fell down just like that. You should pay more attention to him in the future."


    The Clem family came to the hospital for a checkup every once in a while. Thest time Bernard came, he was very healthy. It was very strange that he fainted for no reason. Moreover, the cause of the illness was unknown. It could only be said that life was fragile. Mona nodded and sent the doctor out. She secretly wiped her tears at the door of the ward alone. The doctor''s words were ambiguous. He meant that he did not know the cause of Bernard''s fainting and did not know what caused it.


    If they did not know the cause of the illness, it would be very difficult topletely cure it.


    At this moment, Mona saw Jeremy walking toward her with a lunch box. She quickly wiped the tears off her face.


    "Mona, I heard that Dad woke up. Is everything alright?" Jeremy asked. He was still a little worried. After he did something bad, he was afraid that someone would find out.


    Mona shook her head and said, "He''s fine." With that, she pushed open the door of the ward and walked in.


    When Jeremy left yesterday morning, they did not know. Mona had probably gone to prepare food for Bernard.


    When the two of them went in, Bernard had already fallen asleep. Maxwell looked at Bernard on the hospital bed and fell into deep thought. ''Hasn''t he been awake for too short a time?''


    Bernard couldn''t eat the food that Jeremy brought over, and the others in the ward were not in the mood to eat this meal, so they ced it on the table.


    At noon, Polly came to the hospital with food. Jane led the way into the living room and gently closed the door of Bernard''s


    room.


    Bernard lived in a high-ss ward. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom were all avable, but no one was in the mood to visit.


    After all, it was Christmas. The family could not be immersed in sorrow forever. Jane thought that this was not what Bernard wanted to see.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The family sat at the dining table. There were delicacies on the table, and just the smell alone wafted out of the ward.


    Mona helped Jane to the main seat. If one looked closely, they would notice that a few strands of silver hair had already appeared on her head overnight.


    "Quick, everyone, let''s eat. Today is Christmas Eve, and tomorrow is Christmas," Jane said as she looked at the dishes on the


    table.


    However, there were fewer people for this year''s reunion dinner. Most importantly, Bernard was still lying on the hospital bed in the next room. The food seemed to have lost its taste. 2/3

 Chapter 131

    Jane couldn''t eat, and so did the others, especially Mona. She looked at the table full of food and couldn''t muster any interest.


    Just like that, everyone began to eat the dishes on the dining table with no appetite.


    Halfway through the meal, Maxwell''s phone rang once. He nced at it and saw that it was Richard. He hung up without Halfway through the meal, Maxwell''s phone rang once. thinking. Right now, Mona needed someone to apany Carter Mansion.


    andfort her. He could not abandon Mona and return to the


    Soon, Richard sent him a message. [I know Bernard has fainted, but the Carter family''s banquet is also very important. Don''t forget toe back for dinner tonight.]


    Maxwell did not know if it was the same for other families. They had to be present at the reunion dinner every night no matter what happened, even during the years when he went overseas.


    From the corner of her eye, Mona happened to see the message on Maxwell''s screen. She whispered in Maxwell''s ear, "Maxwell, go back tonight. I can stay here myself."


    "It''s fine. We''ll talk about it tonight. Let''s eat first." As soon as Maxwell finished speaking, he picked up a piece of fish meat without any thorns for Mona. The meat looked delicious, but Mona could not bring herself to eat it. It tasted like chewing wax as she ate it. In the afternoon, Bernard woke up again. This time, he woke up a little longer than in the morning. When the doctor saw this, he directly gave Bernard a nutrient solution and did not let Bernard eat.


    When Jane found out that Maxwell was going back to the Carter family, she thought, ''Since it''s Christmas, we should be polite. Otherwise, wouldn''t others say that we don''t have a proper upbringing?"


    She said to Mona, "Mona, you and Maxwell go back to the Carter family first. Come back tomorrow morning. I''ll stay here, with your grandfather. Albert is here. It''ll be fine."


    Mona was still hesitating. She still wanted to apany Bernard here. When she was hesitating, she was pushed out of the ward by Jane.


    Maxwell looked at the closed door of the ward. He held Mona''s hand and said, "Mona,e back to the Carter family with me. Take it as a walk. We''ll be back tomorrow morning."


    Mona thought that Jane was right. She was not of much use here. She just sat on the sofa and apanied Bernard. Thinking out it, she might as well go out with Maxwell to calm her emotions. "Okay, then we''ll be back in the morning." Maxwell nodded and led Mona to the elevator.


    The two of them drove to the Carter family. On the way, Mona leaned against the passenger seat and thought about Bernard. She was afraid that something would really happen to Bernard.


    The streetmp beside her shone on Mona''s exquisite face through the ck car window. The colorful light from the fireworks outside was faintly discernible, giving her cold face a hazy feeling


    Maxwell looked at Mona who was in a daze in the front passenger seat through the mirror and said, "Mona, I''ve helped Grandpa contact a doctor overseas. If nothing goes wrong, the doctor will be here the day after tomorrow. He has some medical research. When the timees, listen to what he has to say. Don''t think too much about it. Grandpa will be fine."


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona''s mood improved a little. She could only ce her hopes on this foreign doctor. "Yes, Maxwell. I think Grandpa''s fainting this time is a little strange. His body has always been very strong. He should have had


    D


    G


    symptoms before he fainted"


    She wondered if someone was trying to harm her grandfather. Nobody but Jeremy would do that.''Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell said, "Mona, then I''ll get Nigel to investigate. Oh right, thest time you asked me to investigate Jererny. Nigel brought some news."


    "What news? Tell me quickly," Mona asked. She wanted to know if there was evidence that Jeremy and Beatrice had harmed her mother. If there was really evidence, her mother would be able to rest in peace.


    "Nigel found out that Jeremy has been transferring a lot of money from the Clem Group all these years. He also found out that he bought the Clem Group''s shares privately. We haven''t found out about him and your mother yet..." Speaking of this, Maxwell remembered that he was already married to Mona and quickly changed his words. "It''s rted to our mother''s death."


    This was also found by Nigel when Maxwell and Mona were on their honeymoon overseas. He wanted to leave a good memory for Mona during their honeymoon, so he thought of telling her when they came back.


    However, he had been busy with thepany''s affairs when he came back, so he had forgotten about it. Coincidentally, he thought of it today.


    Mona was amused by the way Maxwell addressed her mother. The bad mood in her heart lessened a lot. She said, "I just feel that he''s not a good person. Thanks, Maxwell. When Grandpa recovers, I''ll tell him about this. I''ll have to trouble Nigel to continue investigating."


    She also knew that Emily''s ident had happened so many years ago. It was not something that could be found out in a day or two. This matter had to be taken slowly and could not be rushed.


    "It''s no bother. We''re already married. Your mother, no, our mother''s problem is my problem," Maxwell said. ''However, why did Mona thank Nigel? It was fine as long as she thanked me.''


    When the two of them arrived at the Carter Mansion, it was alreadyte. Gradually, it started to snow.


    When they got out of the car, it was already snowing heavily, but the temperature was not low enough. It melted as soon as itnded, making it difficult to pile up on the ground.


    Mona looked at the sky full of snow and his thoughts gradually drifted to the day of the wedding with Maxwell.


    It was also snowing that day. Bernard held her hand as they walked down the red carpet and he handed her hand to Maxwell. At that time, they were so happy, but now, he was already lying on the hospital bed.


    Life was unpredictable. She didn''t know which woulde first, happiness or danger. Therefore, she had to enjoy her life and not have any regrets.


    Maxwell held Mona''s cold hand and wrapped it in his big hand. He wanted to warm Mona''s hand and bring warmth to


    Mona.


    "Go in, Maxwell. Your hands are so hot and warm," Mona said.


    p."


    Maxwell replied, "Yes, I can warm you up."


    The two of them walked through the garden of the Carter family. When they walked inside, their heads were already covered in ayer of white snow. Maxwell did not care about the snow on his head. He cleaned up Mona first.


    "Maxwell, do you think our hair will be as white as it is now when we are old?" Mona asked. She was already thinking of spending the rest of her life with Maxwell.  G.


    90% +6


    "Yes, but I won''t be as handsome as I am now. Mrs. Carter, please don''t despise me," said Maxwell. It was such a blissful thing to grow old together.


    Mona helped Maxwell brush the snow off his ck coat and said "Of course not. At that time, I would be old and my face would probably be covered in wrinkles. You''re not allowed to despise me either." Maxwell told her, "I don''t mind. That''s the mark of time on your face. I like it much."


    very

 Chapter 132

    "Then you have to remember what you said. Maxwell, I took it seriously," Mona said with a smile. She wanted to live longer. in this life, so long that she could see the white-haired Maxwell.


    "Yes, I will keep my word," Maxwell said without thinking. This was the most passionate wish in his heart. In the past, he did not even dare to dream about it.


    When the two entered the living room, it was already adorned with twinkling fairy lights. The sofa had been swapped out for one in Christmas red and green, and songs filled the air. Even the maid''s attire was infused with a festive vibe. Mona felt the atmosphere and felt like it was Christmas. All this while, her mood had been abnormally low. After listening to Maxwell''s words and the arrangements for Christmas, her mood had improved a lot.


    "Maxwell, Mona, you''re back. Come and sit. It''s almost time to cat," Richard greeted. He did not expect Mona to be here too.


    After all, Bernard was still lying in the hospital!


    Mona and Maxwell greeted him and sat on the sofa.


    When the two of them arrived, Gordon''s family was already there. When Gordon saw Mona''s red and swollen eyes, his heart actually ached. This made him feel strange.


    He had always been a man who flirted with women but never truly fell for anyone. However, when it came to Mona, his heart was already aching before he got her.


    Gordon had a bad feeling. The reason he gave himself was because Mona had been rejecting him. That was why he could not forget Mona. ''After I sleep with Mona, this strange feeling will no longer exist. After Maxwell and Mona sat down, Richard asked about Bernard out of concern. Mona told the truth. Not long after, the servant said that dinner was ready.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked toward the dining table. The two of them sat down next to each other.


    At noon, Mona''s mood was especially bad and she didn''t eat much of the food Maxwell had served her. Now that she knew that Maxwell had contacted a foreign doctor, her mood was much more rxed. Looking at the food in front of her, she felt hungry.


    "Ahem... It''s another Christmas. This year, our family has a new member. I hope everyone can get along well. If there''s anything, we can discuss it. Also, Gordon, Maxwell is already married, so you should hurry up. I hope that next year, our family will have one more new member, oh no, two more new members." Richard''s lips curled into a smile as he looked at Mona''s be?v.


    Mona immediately understood what Richard meant. She shyly hid behind Maxwell. She and Maxwell had never thought about having a child.


    "Come, everyone, cheers. Wee Mona to our big family!" After Richard finished speaking, he took the lead and stood up. The other members of the Carter family also stood up and raised the wine sses in their hands. In the end, everyone''s attention was focused on Stephanie. Stephanie reluctantly stood up and raised the wine ss in her hand.


    All in all, the reunion dinner was quite satisfactory.


    Halfway through the meal, Gordon seemed to be drunk. He looked at Mona opposite him with hazy eyes.


    She was wearing a white dress. Due to the heater in the room, she had already taken off her red coat.


    This white dress was a little slim. From his angle, he could see Mona''s waist and her bulging chest. As she wiped her mouth,


    G


    he felt that her lips were exceptionally charming.


    @ 90%This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Perhaps it was because of the alcohol that Gordon was bolder. Or perhaps it was because he kept thinking about Mona, but he just couldn''t get her. He picked up his wine ss and stood up. Then he walked to Mona and sat beside him. +5


    Mona turned around and saw the drunk Gordon sitting beside her. She did not know how much he had drunk, but his face was frighteningly red. His arm was even on the armrest of her chair.


    "Come, Mona, have a drink with me! Let me toast you!" Gordon said as he poured wine for Mona.


    As he spoke, the smell of alcohol wafted out of his mouth and floated toward Mona. Instantly, Mona felt that the air needed to be fresher and quietly leaned toward Maxwell.


    Gordon had already poured the wine and ced it beside Mona''s hand.


    Mona did not want to drink it. She tugged at Maxwell''s sleeve and Maxwell gently held Mona''s hand, telling her not to


    worry.


    When Gordon saw Mona dodging to Maxwell''s side, anger surged on his face. He directly sent the wine ss to Mona''s hand.


    When Maxwell saw this, anger surged on his face. He took the wine ss in front of Mona and said sternly, "Gordon, Mona doesn''t drink. If you want to drink, I''ll drink with you."


    How could Gordon agree? He ced the wine ss in front of Mona and ced his arm on the armrest. He wrapped his arm around Mona''s shoulder and said, "That won''t do. Aren''t you going to show me some respect?" Mona felt his arm on her shoulder and was especially frustrated. She wanted to push his arm over, but Maxwell was one step ahead of her. He directly shook off Gordon''s arm on Mona''s shoulder.


    "Gordon, just say what you want to say. There''s no need to touch Mona." After saying that, Maxwell changed seats with Mona and let Mona sit in his seat. He sat in Mona''s seat and looked at the drunk Gordon beside him.


    If Richard was not around, Maxwell would have pped Gordon when Gordon put his hand on Mona''s shoulder.


    When Gordon saw that Mona, who was about to be in his arms, had changed her seats, his mood immediately exploded. He threw the wine ss in his hand at Maxwell.


    He even muttered, "I''m going to drink with my Mona. It''s none of your business."


    Just as the wine ss was about to hit Maxwell, Maxwell grabbed it first and threw the wine ss at Gordon''s feet with a bang.


    Gordon was only wearing a pair of cotton slippers. The ss shards of the wine ss went straight to his heels. Looking at Maxwel


    e was furious.


    Without another word, he punched Maxwell and cursed.


    How could Maxwell let him have his way? He directly ced Gordon on the table and pressed Gordon''s face tightly against it. The wine that had just spilled on Gordon''s face felt a little cold.


    "What? Are you going to hit me?" Maxwell asked in an affirmative tone. His eyes swept across Gordon with a look of disdain. Then, he said, "You didn''t fight enough when you were young, and you still want to continue now? Why don''t you take a look at yourself?" As soon as he finished speaking, he threw Gordon to the floor.

 Chapter 133

    133


    When Juliet saw Gordon fall to the floor, she quickly walked over and helped him up. She looked at Gordon with a pained expression and asked with concern, "Are you alright, Gordon?" Gordon shook his head. He felt that Juliet was blocking his way. When he wanted to push her over, Juliet blocked him and held his hand tightly. It was a little painful. He knew that Juliet did not want him to


    anything rash, but at this moment, he really wanted to teach Maxwell a lesson.


    After Ma


    Maxwell pushed Gordon down, he elegantly wiped the wine on his hand with a tissue on the table and looked at Gordon with disdain. It was as if he was saying, "If you have the guts,e over and fight me." "Alright, it''s Christmas. What are you two brothers doing? Sit back down!" As soon as Richard spoke, Juliet pulled Gordon over. Before Gordon left, he nced at Maxwell. "Grandpa, you must have seen what happened, so I won''t exin. I''ll bring Mona back first. Enjoy your meal!" After Maxwell finished speaking, he took the clothes from the clothes rack beside him and helped Mona put them on. Then, he walked out with Mona. When they went outside, Mona felt that the air was fresh. ''Is the air inside too stuffy?'' She looked down at down at their tightly sped In the Carter


    hands. They were especially gorgeous under the light of the fireworks as if two pieces of art were intertwined. used the excuse medicine and back her


    She saw the unfriendly look in Richard''s eyes when Richard looked at Gordon just now. It must be because Gordon was the one who started the incident just now. In addition, Gordon was already drunk. It would not be good if he got into an argument with Richard. As soon as they entered the room, Gordon pushed Juliet over and fell onto the sofa. He frowned and ced his hand between his eyebrows. "Son, did Son, you feel any pain the fall just


    Juliet sat beside Go


    "No, I came up with you. Don''t bother me. Let me be alone for a while."


    Gordon moved a little to the side and said iter sheforted him and said, "Gordon, don''t worry. In the future, the Carter Group will definitely be yours. Maxwell is capable now, but you will definitely have thestugh."


    Juliet knew that Gordon had just fallen and felt


    She wondered why Maxwell was so lucky. The assassination attempt in Arkenvale did not even kill Maxwell.


    Since the assassination attempt was unsessful, Maxwell would definitely be on high alert. Now that Maxwell was in the country, it was not appropriate for her to send more people.


    "Will the Carter Group be mine just because you say so? It''s not yours now. Alright, you can leave now. I''m going to rest," Gordon said impatiently.


    Juliet told him this every time, but the Carter Group was still in Maxwell''s hands.


    "Then, then I will go out first. Go to bed early after taking a shower." After saying that, Juliet left Gordon''s room. When she closed the door, she nced at Gordon through the crack of the door.


    If Gordon wanted the Carter Group, as her mother, she would hand it over to him personally.


    Tue, Oct 29 OG


    Some people were happy while others were sad. Mona was the one who was sad, while Barbara was overjoyed.


    Sitting on the sofa in her room, she casually ced her legs on the sofa. Looking at the TV in front of her, an inexplicable smile appeared on her lips. As long as Bernard continues to fain, he will pass away.


    "Then, he will not have time to exin thepany''s matters. Now that the Clem family are all concerned about Bernard''s health, who thinks about the Clem Group''s shares? If I hold a shareholders'' meeting without anyone knowing and as long as most shareholders agree, the Clem Group will be Jeremy''s. Let''s see how Mona can still be so arrogant. ''Perhaps even Maxwell will regret marrying Mona!''


    She would take over Mona''s position and be the heiress of the Clem Group. Oh no, thepany was going to change its name. It would be the Simon Group. When the time came, she would be called Barbara Simon. Thinking about it, she was really happier.


    *****


    A day after Christmas, a nended at Nathontown''s airport. Maxwell''s men quickly took him to the hospital.


    For the past two days, Bernard''s condition had worsened. He often only woke up for a while a day and often did not recognize anyone. All kinds of tests had been done, but the doctors could not find anything.


    Mona became more and more worried these two days. She could only ce her hope on the doctor invited by Maxwell. As soon as the doctor arrived at the hospital, Maxwell asked Bernard''s attending doctor to tell him about Bernard''s examination report and situation. "I roughly understand what you mean. Let me take a look at the patient''s physical condition first," Luke said as he took the report from Bernard. Mona looked at Luke nervously. She was really afraid of getting any bad news from him.


    Luke looked at Bernard''s at Bernard''s examination report in his hand and frowned unconsciously. His hand also flipped through it continuously.


    Mona did not know what was going on With Bernard, Looking at Luke''s expression, she felt more depressed


    After a long time, Luke''s voice sounded in empty the


    "How should I put it? This patient looks fine on all the indicators of his body, but he has been unconscious. I guess he might have been poisoned." "Poisoned?" Mona asked in disbelief. ''If Grandpa a was poisoned, who poisoned him?" She had a vague guess that it must have something to do with Barbara.


    In the Clem family, the only person who could secretly poison her grandfather seemed to be Jeremy.


    "Yes, I ess so. However, we still have to do a checkup. If possible, I hope to bring the patient to Horieta for treatment. My team .er there has a higher chance of curing him," Luke said seriously.


    This was


    situation he had never encountered before. He wanted to challenge it.


    "I-I''ll go o discuss it with my grandmother. I''ll leave my grandfather to you now," Mona said solemnly.


    After


    Mona left for Bernard''s ward, Maxwell looked at Luke and asked, "Dr. Bird, are you confident in treating the patient?"


    Luke was still reading Bernard''s medical report. When he heard Maxwell''s words, he stretched out his hand and made a four. Then, he retracted his finger and made a three. He said, "30% confidence, 30%. I''ve never seen such a condition before. I''ll do my best to treat him. I dare to say that if I can''t treat him, there are almost no doctors in the country who can treat him." Tue, Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell frowned. The sess rate was too low. However, since Maxwell had spent a lot of money to invite Luke from Horieta, he knew Luke''s ability. Just as Luke had said, no one else could treat Bernard other than him. "Of course, I believe you. I just hope you can do your best. After all, it''s a life!" Maxwell said.

 Chapter 134

    Maxwell looked at Luke. He did not want something to happen to Bernard just like that, or Mona would be very sad, and his heart would ache. He also respected Bernard very much. Bernard was his elder.


    On the other side, after Mona told Jane and Albert about Bernard, the two of them agreed without hesitation.


    After all, Bernard was lying on the hospital bed now. He woke up less and less. The entire family was worried sick, especially Jane. She looked like she had aged a few years.


    That night, Mona and the others took Bernard on a private ne to Horieta, including Jeremy.


    Ever since Mona found out that Bernard was pois. 2


    she started to avoid Jeremy and did not let him get close to Bernard. She was afraid that Bernard''s condition would worsen, but Bernard was still unconscious. She had to be wary and could not let Bernard be hurt again. When the ne arrived in Horieta, it was alreadyte at night. Everyone rushed to the hospital and settled Bernard down. They stayed in the ward for a few hours.


    At dawn, Luke did another checkup on Bernard. The team studied it together and came to the conclusion that Bernard was really poisoned. This poison would slowly spread from his blood to his internal organs and eventually kill him. When Jane received the news, she almost fainted. Fortunately, Mona was by her side supporting her.


    "Is there a cure for this poison?" Jane asked worriedly. Bernard ate at home three times a day. It was almost the same as what she ate. ''How could Bernard be poisoned while I am not? Could it be that this poison was not eaten?''


    "Not yet, but our team is already working on it. Recently, the patient will fall into aa, like a vegetable. Please be mentally prepared," Luke said. This poison was far more troublesome than he had imagined.


    "Then I''ll leave it to you!" This was said by Mona. Jane had already fallen into Mona''s arms and was crying sadly.


    Seeing her grandmother like this, Mona had to pull herself together.


    Days of treatment passed just like that. Bernard hadpletely fainted. However, his face looked a little better. This was a good sign.


    For the past few days, Jane found that Jeremy had been answering phone calls. Only then did she remember that it was time to go to work. There were a lot of people in thepany waiting to do as he instructed. Thinking that she was in the hospital and there were also nurses, and Jeremy had nothing to do here, Jane let Jeremy go home first."


    Jeremy hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing. He returned to Nathontown the next day.


    After Jeremy left, Mona vaguely felt that something was wrong. If it was really Jeremy who drugged Grandpa, what''s his motive?'' After thinking for a moment, she knew that Jeremy''s goal was the Clem Group.


    However, in this situation, Bernard was lying on the hospital bed, and Jane was crying all day. Mona could not tell them


    about this.


    Moreover, this was her guess. There was no evidence, so she didn''t want them to worry for nothing.


    At night, Mona and Maxwell returned to their hotel. Mona hesitated for a moment before telling Maxwell what she was thinking.


    "Mona, you''re saying that Jeremy poisoned Grandpa so that he could obtain the Clem Group?" Maxwell asked.


    After getting married to Mona, he felt that the Clem family''s rtionship was just like their family''s. It was a littleplicated, but now it seemed that it was even moreplicated than he had imagined. 08.22


    45


    Mona nodded. "Yes. Although most of the Clem Group''s shares are in Grandpa''s hands now, Grandpa is in aa. As long as Jeremy wants to, he canpletely join forces with the other directors to empty my grandfather''s position as the chairman and be the chairman himself."


    Perhaps in her previous life, Mona was still with Teddy at this time. Barbara thought that she could get shares from Mona, so she did not hurt Bernard.


    In this life, Mona had separated from Teddy a long time ago, and Barbara and her mother were chased out of the Clem family. They had no choice but to think of this method.


    "Then what do you want to do, Mona? Are you going back home now?" Maxwell asked. He had the shares that Mona had given her, but it was not much. Those directors would not agree to let him be the chairman. Moreover, he had never thought of bing the chairman of the Clem Group.


    "No, with my grandparents'' situation, I can''t go back yet. You go back. You have the shares I gave you. You can take actions in the Clem Group. Get Nigel to keep an eye on them. Also, get someone to keep an eye on the other shareholders. As long as Jeremy wants to be the chairman, he will hold a shareholders'' meeting. You can tell me then," Mona said.


    She did not trust many people around her, and she had just entered the Clem Group not long ago. She did not know much about the management of the Clem Group, so she could only ce her hopes on Maxwell.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand tightly and ced it in his palm. He said reluctantly, "Mona, if I go back, I''ll have to part with you."


    It wasn''t easy for him to be with Mona. He hadn''t had a good time yet, and they were about to be separated. He was very reluctant.


    "Yes, we''ll be separated for a while. I''ll go back after Grandpa''s condition stabilizes. Besides, you have to manage the Carter Group and can''t keep apanying me overseas. I don''t know when Albert will return to the army. What if he suddenly leaves? I can''t leave Grandpa and Grandma here." Mona leaned her head on Maxwell''s shoulder.


    Before the wedding, she had been separated from Maxwell for a few days, and she was not used to it. Now they needed to be separated for so many days, and she was very reluctant. However, there was nothing she could do about it.


    Maxwell ced hisrge hand on Mona''s head and ran his fingers through her hair. He lowered his head and gently nted ? kiss on Mona''s forehead, saying in a low voice, "Alright, I''ll go back. I''lle and see you as soon as I have time."


    He knew that Mona wanted the Clem Group. ''Since she wants it, what reason do I have not to keep it for her?*


    "Okay, then when are you leaving? I don''t think I can bear to part with you," Mona whispered.


    At the thought that she was about to be separated from Maxwell, she felt a faint sense of loss.


    "You just can''t bear to part with me. I''ll go back in two days." Maxwell lifted Mona onto hisp and let her sit on hisp.


    The


    ment she was lifted up, Mona subconsciously hugged Maxwell''s neck and buried her head in his neck. "Okay, I... I admit that I just can''t bear to part with you. I hope Grandpa''s illness will be


    soon! That way, we can live togetherProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    again." Mona''s breath sprayed on Maxwell''s neck, bringing about a numbing feeling. Maxwell lowered his head and kissed Mona''s face.


    1

 Chapter 135

    Mona raised her head and took the initiative to kiss Maxwell''s lips. Maxwell kissed her without hesitation.


    Her lips were very soft and there was a faint fragrance. It was her unique taste.


    The two of them kissed for a while before Maxwell let go of Mona. If they continued kissing, he was afraid that he would not be able to control his body.


    However, at this moment, Mona was definitely not in the mood to do this. He thought, ''It''s better to hug Mona and sleep!


    "It''s gettingte. Take a shower and go to bed. As soon as Maxwell finished speaking, he carried Mona into the bedroom.


    The next day, when Jane found out that Maxwell was going back, she asked Mona and Maxwell to go back together because they couldn''t help much here. They just sat here to apany Jane and Bernard.


    Mona immediately refused and said that she would apany them overseas. How could she bear to see their families stay overseas?


    Jane smiled at Mona and did not insist.


    Maxwell left early the next morning. That morning, Mona woke up early and did not stay in bed anymore. She got dressed and went to the airport with Maxwell.


    When Mona and Maxwell took the car to the airport, Mona realized that she couldn''t bear to part with Maxwell. She was nestled in Maxwell''s arms and holding his hand.


    Nigel, who was driving in the front row, was already used to it. He focused on driving and pretended not to see the two of them being intimate.


    If this had happened in the past, he would not have dared to imagine that Maxwell would actually hug a woman in his arms without any impatience. However, it was happening right in front of him, and he had to believe it even if he did not want to The car soon arrived at the airport. Mona and Maxwell got out of the car. Mona''s hand had Seeing this, Nigel went in first and let the two of them have some space alone.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    yet to let go of Maxwell''s hand.


    After all, he wouldn''t be envious if he couldn''t see. ''Even Mr. Carter is married, but I don''t have a girlfriend! Just thinking about it made his heart turn cold.


    Without being disturbed by Nigel, Mona wrapped her arm around Maxwell''s waist and said, "You have to call me when you reach Nathontown."


    Maxwell replied, "Alright, I''ll call as soon as I get off the ne."


    Mona reminded him again, "Nathontown is cold. Don''t forget to wear more when you go back. Remember to keep warm." Maxwell smiled. "Alright, I''ll send you WhatsApp copies of what I wear every day." "You have to video call me every day," added Mona.


    Maxwell promised, "Okay, that''s for sure."


    Mona said again, "Without me by your side to supervise you, you''re not allowed to look at other girls and only think of me."


    "Alright, even if other girls appear in front of me, I won''t be able to see them. I only have eyes for you. If I''m not by your side to watch you, don''t even think about raising a gigolo," said Maxwell.


    "A gigolo?" Mona was surprised. ''When did I say that I wanted to keep a gigolo?''


    "I don''t know who got drunk, and said that she wanted to keep a gigolo? It seems like one isn''t enough. She wants to keep a pair." Maxwell pulled Mona into his arms as if he wanted to stick close to her.


    The two of them were about to live separately. He was very reluctant and wanted to bring Mona to the ne.


    Mona said, "Really? That''s definitely not me. How can a gigolo be as good as you? You''re enough for me."


    Maxwell smiled. "Yes, I''m enough for you. Okay, it''s almost time I''m leaving. By the way, I''ve found a bodyguard for you to protect you. I''m worried about you being alone overseas."


    "Bodyguard? Is he as good at fighting as you?" Mona asked. She lead seen Maxwell fight in Arkenvale and felt that he was very powerful.


    "She''s better than me. She''s been trained like this since she was young. She''ll probably arrive at noon. At that time, you can tell her anything. When you go out, let her apany you," Maxwell reminded. It was not safe in a foreign country. It was gettingte. He still had to rush to the Carter Group for a meeting after returning to the country.


    "Alright, Hubby. Before you leave, give me a kiss," Mona said shyly and kissed Maxwell on the lips.


    Just as she was about to leave, Maxwell''s big hand held her head and slowly deepened the kiss. Mona did not take the initiative to kiss him often. It was rare, so he wanted to enjoy it.


    Maxwell controlled himself very well while kissing. He was afraid that Mona would be shy.


    After a long time, Maxwell let go of Mona. He rubbed his fingers against her lips and said, "Then I''m leaving. I''lle back to look for you in a few days when there are fewer things to do in thepany."


    "Okay, I''ll wait for you toe over." Looking at Maxwell''s back as he left, Mona waved at him until she could no longer see him. Then, she slowly retracted her hand and drove back to the hospital with a reluctant gaze.


    At noon, Mona looked at the message that Maxwell had sent her before. Thinking that her grandparents were resting and she had nothing to do in the hospital, she drove to the airport to pick up the bodyguards Maxwell had hired for her. When she arrived at the airport, Mona looked at the time on her phone and felt that she was a littlete, wondering if the bodyguard had returned to the hospital directly.


    She picked up her phone and dialed the bodyguard''s number, but no one picked up.


    At this moment, Mona happened to hear themotion around her and could not help but walk over. Perhaps people liked to watch the show, and so did Mona.


    A woman in a leather jacket kicked a man to the ground and said in awkward Horietish, "How dare you steal someone''s wallet? Hand it over quickly."


    Th


    wa


    were already many people surrounding them. The thief knew that he couldn''t escape by himself, so he threw the out. When the surrounding people looke

 Chapter 136

    "Alright, alright. I love the way you call me." Haley smiled.


    When she first received this mission, she was unwilling toe. She felt that she was being looked down on because she was asked to protect a woman. However, she was ranked seventh, so no one came. She could onlye.


    This unwillingness lessened when she saw the photo of Mona. This was because the woman in the photo was too good-looking. She actually had a faint desire to protect Mona.


    Now that she saw Mona in person, especially when she heard Mona call her name, she actually felt that this mission was quite good.


    "Ha, really? Haley, let''s go!" Mona said in embarrassment.


    To be honest, Haley looked really young. She seemed to be about the same age as Albert. At most, she was one or two years older, but she was more mature than Albert.


    "Let''s go. By the way, my employer is Maxwell. What''s your rtionship?" Haley asked. Her mission was to protect Mona from harm, so she had to understand the basic situation. "What do you think our rtionship is?" Mona asked in reply.


    Haley thought for a moment and said, "Hmm... Siblings or lovers?"


    As they spoke, they arrived at the car. Mona opened the car door and said, "Alright, stop guessing. We''re husband and wife. Hurry up and get in!"


    Haley quickly said, "Husband and wife? How old are you? You''re married so early."


    After saying that, she went to take the car keys from Mona. Since Maxwell had hired Haley, Mona was not worried that Haley would drive her car away. She just looked at Haley in confusion. "Mona. No, I have to call you Ms. Clem," Haley muttered softly. Someone had reminded her to be careful when she came, but when she saw Mona, she threw it to the back of her mind.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Call me Mona. You look much younger than me. I''m not young anymore. I''m almost 23 years old," Mona said. The name was just a form of address. She didn''t really care.


    "Oh, then you''re not much older. I''ll call you Mona then. Hurry up and get in the car. I''ll drive." Haley smiled. This was the first time she had gone out on a mission alone. She had toplete it beautifully. When she returned, she would let her brothers and sisters praise her.


    "Anything is fine. How about I drive? Are you 18 years old? Do you have a driver''s license?" Mona asked worriedly. She had seen Haley''s skills before, but she did not dare to let Haley drive. They might as well have a car ident!


    "Mona, don''t worry. If I don''t even know how to drive, do you think your husband will agree to let me be your bodyguard? I''m just 18 years old. I have a driver''s license. Moreover, I''ve been driving since I was young," Haley exined. She had already pushed Mona into the car.


    Mona was still a little worried when she sat on it. After all, Haley looked like a minor, so she was still a little afraid.


    "Then drive slowly. We''re not in a hurry to go back," said Mona. She was afraid that Haley would be anxious and drive very


    fast.


    "Mona, just rest assured. You''ll know how good my driving skills areter." While speaking, Haley had already started the car and drove toward the hospital.


    G.


    The start was very stable. Mona rxed a little, but her hand was still holding the handshake tightly.


    Haley looked at Mona''s frightened expression in the mirror and then at her own young face. It seemed that I was not a good thing to be young.


    When Haley drove Mona to the hospital safely, Mona waspletely relieved. She did not know where Maxwell had hired this lovely girl. It seemed that Haley could do anything.


    When the two of them arrived at Bernard''s ward, Jane slept in the room next door after eating. At the same time, Albert sat beside Bernard and watched.


    Although Luke said that Bernard was in aa and was fine for the time being, Jane and Mona were still worried. In other words, they had someone watch over him every moment. When Albert saw a baby-faced girl following Mona, he was surprised. "This must be the bodyguard that Maxwell has hired for Mona. She would make Mona protect her, right?''


    "Mona, is this the bodyguard Maxwell hired for you?" Albert looked at Mona in disbelief.


    "That''s right. Don''t look down on Haley. She''s much more capable than you," Mona said proudly.


    Albert looked at Haley with disdain and obviously didn''t believe it.


    Even before he went to the army, Haley was no match for him. Moreover, he had been training in the army for so long. The instructors said that he had improved a lot. No matter what, he was better than before. ''Mona said that Haley was more capable than me, but I don''t think so.


    "Mona, are you joking? Just her?" Albert looked at Mona in disbelief as if Mona was bragging.


    Although Haley''s Horietish was not very good, she knew that this person was looking down on her. She said bluntly, "I want to fight with you and give you a hell of a liking!"


    Hearing Haley''s words, Mona was helpless. She reminded Haley, "Haley, that''s


    king."


    "It''s almost the same. Anyway, it means that I''m very powerful," Haley said disapprovingly.


    "Come, let''s fight one-on-one. We''ll go now." When he said this, Albert became excited. Previously, he had been training in the army. These few days, he had been idle and he was not used to it.


    "So be it. Whoever loses will have to admit defeat," Haley said proudly.


    "Alright, it''s a deal. If you lose, respect me like your elder brother, Albert said confidently.


    Haley nodded heavily. Anyway, she had a few brothers and she didn''t care.


    This challenge was happily decided. In the end, Mona stayed behind to see Bernard on the hospital bed.


    Before the two of them left, Haley specifically reminded Mona not to run around. She would be back soon, afraid that Mona would be hurt.


    Meanwhile, Mona also specifically reminded Haley to be gentler and not cripple Albert.


    Haley agreed readily, saying that she would only let him suffer some superficial wounds.

 Chapter 137

    Afraid of disturbing the rest of the people in the hospital, the two of them went straight to the empty space in the back garden of the hospital. Haley and Albert stood opposite each other.


    Haley looked at Albert. He should be younger than her. Thinking that he was Mona''s younger brother, she wanted him to lose with dignity. She said, "You make the first move. Since you''re Mona''s younger brother, I''ll let you make three moves first, no, five!" Albert was amused by her and said, "I won''t need you to let me win."


    "Since that''s the case, let''s start. Let''s end this carly. I''m going to have lunch." Haley waved at Albert, signaling him toe


    over.


    Albert looked at this familiar scene. It seemed that when he fought with Maxwell, Maxwell had also made this gesture to him. Then, he went over and lost.


    Albert was determined not to make the first move. He imitated Haley and waved at her, signaling her to make the first move.


    Haley wanted to eat lunch quickly. She stopped talking nonsense to Albert and ran straight to him. When she was a distance away, she jumped and aimed at Albert''s head.


    At that moment, Albert felt a shadow sh before his eyes. Then, for some reason, he copsed.


    When he fell on the grass, he remembered that the shadow in front of him was Haley, the girl he looked down on. Her jumping ability was actually so good.


    "Well, you''re too weak. Admit defeat. You''re not my match." Haley pped her hands and stood in front of Albert.


    "You..." Albert was so angry that he could not speak.


    "Admit defeat. If you still don''t want to admit defeat, I can continue to fight with you," Haley said.


    "Fine, you win," Albert said awkwardly. A wise man did not fight when the odds were against him. He did not want to be beaten up by Maxwell likest time. ''Haley is probably more powerful than Maxwell. "Good, can you get up?" Haley extended her hand to help Albert up. She did not know if she had controlled her strength when she kicked him just now.


    "Yes." After Albert finished speaking, he got up in one breath.


    "Oh, then I''ll go eat. Take your time." After Haley finished speaking, she did not care about Albert anymore. She went to the ward to look for Mona. Since Albert could stand up on his own, he should be fine. Albert looked at Haley who was running faster than a rabbit and wondered where Maxwell found such a person. ''Her look


    bilities don''t match at all.''


    As soon as Haley arrived at the ward, she told Mona about how she defeated Albert. She looked like she was asking for praise.


    "Impressive. You came back at the right time. The chef just sent the food over," Mona praised without hesitation.


    When Haley saw the table full of food, she felt so hungry. She walked straight to the dining table, her face full of desire.


    "Haley, is Albert okay? Why isn''t he back yet?" Mona asked. Logically speaking, the two of them should havee back together. However, Haley had been back for so long and Albert was still not back.


    "Pretty good. He only took one kick from me. He''s moving too slowly, but he should being back soon." As soon as Haley


    ter 137


    finished speaking, Albert pushed the door open and came in. He happened to hear Haley say that she had kicked him.


    It was so embarrassing.


    Mona smiled awkwardly. "You''re back. Quickly wash your hands and eat."


    At this moment, Jane also woke up. The four of them gathered around the dining table for lunch.


    Jane liked Haley very much. She looked very likable. However, when Jane thought that Haley was the bodyguard that Maxwell had hired for Mona, Jane was a little puzzled. ''Who could Haley beat with her delicate arms and legs?'' "Grandma, don''t be fooled by Haley''s cute appearance. She''s great at fighting. Albert just experienced it." Mona knew what Jane was thinking just by looking at Jane''s expression.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Alright, Mona, stop talking. I know I''m not strong enough now. When I''m strong enough in a few years, I''lle and challenge her one-on-one. I''ll challenge Maxwell too." As Albert spoke, he took a big bite of the drumstick. Hearing Mona and Albert''s words, Jane was half-convinced. "This girl called Haley could actually beat Albert. It seems that she''s not bad.


    The chicken drumstick Haley liked was picked up by Albert. She felt a little sad, but when she saw the chicken wings beside her, her mood immediately improved.


    As she ate, she said, "You won''t be able to defeat me in a few years. I''m improving too."


    "You..." Albert was furious. He looked at the chicken wings on Haley''s te and picked up thest chicken wing. ''Humph, she''s really too infuriating.


    Haley looked at the te with grievance. The drumstick and chicken wings were gone. She looked at Mona pitifully and said, "Mona, I want to eat meat."


    This was very easy for Mona. She directly asked the chef to serve a te of chicken drumsticks.


    After thanking Mona, Haley stared at the te of chicken drumsticks with shining eyes. It was great to be out on a mission and be able to eat meat in big mouthfuls.


    Then, under the gaze of Mona, Albert, and Jane, Haley ate a te of chicken drumsticks. Mona took a rough look and estimated that there were at least five big chicken drumsticks. Coupled with the chicken drumsticks and wings, Haley had eaten a lot. +5


    "Haley, how many days have you not eaten?" Mona asked curiously. At the same time, she served some cauliflower for Haley. "Eat some more. It''s nutritious."


    Haley finished thest chicken drumstick in her hand and put the bone aside. She burped in satisfaction and said, "No, I ate breakfast this morning. Mona, I don''t really like vegetables. I just like meat, especially chicken."


    However, since this was the cauliflower that Mona had served her, she ate it without hesitation. She thought to herself that the vegetables were really disgusting. ''I really don''t want to eat vegetables anymore.''


    "I can see that, but we need meat and vegetables to eat. That''s more nutritious." After Mona said that, she used the serving fork to serve Haley some vegetables.


    Haley looked at the vegetables on her te and frowned. "Mona, can I not eat vegetables and only eat meat?"


    Mona shook her head firmly. "No, eat the vegetables." Only having meat was not good for the body.


    Haley looked at the vegetables in front of her as if they were poison. Then, she gritted her teeth and ate them in one go. She really didn''t want to eat anymore.

 Chapter 138

    In the afternoon, Jane sat by Bernard''s bed and watched him while Mona returned to her room to rest.


    Haley could not stay still. After eating, she ran around the hospital. Albert also felt bored and followed Haley to see how she exercised.


    Haley knew Albert was following her but she did not care. At first, she walked briskly, butter on, she started running rounds, not stopping at all. Albert was unwilling to admit he wasn''t as good as Haley so he followed her. Meanwhile, shortly after Mona returned to her room, she received a video call from Maxwell. Mona tidied her hair and smiled at the camera before answering the call.


    Yes,


    It had only been half a day since theyst met, but it felt like she had not seen him for a long time. She missed him very much. "Maxwell, did you just get off the ne?" Mona asked, looking at him in the car. It seemed he had just gotten off the ne. Nigel nodded, started the the car, and drove


    Just


    got off the off the ne. I''m rushing to


    thepany now for a meeting," replied Maxwell. At the same time, he gestured for Nigel to drive. Mona asked, mainly because she was worried about Maxwell''s health.


    Is it that urgent? Have you eaten?" Mve to Carter Group. He thought, ''Mr. Carter and his wife are really close now. That is why Mr. Carter called her the moment he got off the ne. At the same time, it made Nigel envious too.


    "I''ll eat after the meeting. It won''t take long. It''s past 10 o''clock here, which means it should be afternoon on your side, right? Mona, did you see the bodyguard I hired for you? Do you like her?" Maxwell asked several questions at once. He had chosen Haley as a bodyguard for Mona because he felt it was suitable. No one would think the girl following Mona around was a bodyguard. It would take everyone by surprise.


    Mona


    was especially excited at the mention of this. She had a very good impression of Haley. "I saw her. She''s very cute and I really like her.


    "She''s even good at fighting. Did you know she can eat ten chicken drumsticks in one meal and now she''s running around the hospital?"


    When Maxwell heard Mona say she liked Haley, he was relieved and said, "Although she looks young, looks like she is quite the eater."


    "That''s right. She doesn''t like to eat vegetables either. When I asked her to eat some vegetables, she ate them like she was taking medicine," Mona said with a smile. When she mentioned Haley, she always felt that Haley inexplicably made her feel good. After Mona finished, Nigel made an "OK" sign to Maxwell, indicating they had arrived at thepany. Maxwell nodded at Nigel, showing that he understood.


    "That''s not a good habit, but she''s been eating like this for a long time. Her body has probably adapted to it. But, Mona, don''t imitate her," Maxwell said.


    Mona shifted into afortable position on the sofa. "That''s for sure. I still prefer vegetables.


    A momentter, Mona looked at how long they had been chatting on the phone. She thought that it should be about time he reached the Carter Group, so she asked, "Um, Maxwell, have you arrived at thepany?"


    ue,This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell looked at the tall building outside the window and nodded. "We just arrived. There''s no hurry. Let''s talk some more. What are you nning to do in the afternoon?"


    "I n to sleep for a whileter. I woke up too early this morning. Then, I''ll take care of Grandpa and let Grandma rest for a while." Mona yawned. When she talked about taking a nap, she felt sleepy. "Alright, Mona. Go to sleep. Text me on WhatsApp when you wake up." Maxwell looked at Mona on the screen, reluctant to part with her.


    Mona nodded and waved at Maxwell. After hesitating for a moment, she smiled at the camera and hung up.


    Maxwell watched


    hed as Mona disappeared on the screen of his phone. He hesitated before putting his phone away, got out of the car, and walked into Carter Group.


    After Mona put the phone down, she felt a wave of sleepiness. Deciding she was toozy to go back to bed, she pulled the nket on the sofa over her and drifted off to sleep.


    At the same time, Haley, who was running around the hospital outside, began to feel invigorated. She continued to speed up, runningp afterp.


    Albert, who was behind her, was sweating profusely. Seeing Haley speed up, he refused to fall behind and tried to catch up to her.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if Haley never felt exhaustion. She had run so many rounds around the hospital but he never saw her stop to rest.


    When they ran around the hospital again, Albert could not take it anymore. He was perspiring so hard that he couldn''t wipe them off quickly enough and his legs felt like lead.


    He used all his strength to catch up with Haley and grabbed her arm. By then, he was so tired that he could not even stand up straight. He panted, "H-Haley... Aren''t you tired?"


    Haley looked at the exhausted Albert and thought, ''Why is his stamina so poor? No wonder he can''t win me in a fight. She replied honestly, "I''m not tired. This distance is just a warm-up for me." When Albert wher t heard


    this, he naturally did not believe it. He grabbed her arm and looked up at her with difficulty. He thought that her face had to be flushed at least, refusing to admit that Haley was better than him. However, things usually turned different from what he had imagined. Haley was not perspiring hard as he had thought. Instead, her face was only slightly red, and her breathing was steady. After running for so long, she looked as if it was nothing. Albert was shocked. He wondered if Haley was born with a talent for sports.


    Albert silently put down his hand and said, "You can continue. I can''t run anymore."


    Haley nodded and continued running. Albert, on the other hand, bought a few bottles of mineral water from a food truck by and gulped down one bottle.


    15


    Then, he found a seat in the shade and waited for Haley to run past him. He wanted to see how long Haley could run for.


    Albert stared into the distance, waiting for Haley toe, ready to count how many rounds she would run. On the fifth round, when Haley ran toward him.


    Albert thought she was done. He gritted his teeth and thought, ''She only ran five moreps than me. It''s nothing. I would definitely be able to catch up to her next time.''


    However, Haley took the bottle of water from his hand and thanked him, drinking it as she walked. When she finished the whole bottle of water, she threw the empty bottle into a trash can and continued running.


    Albert sat on the sent the whole afternoon and counted how man about to set, Albert nearly fell asleep.


    That was when Haley walked over and smacked him on his sho

 Chapter 139

    Under the light of the setting sun, Haley seemed covered in a golden halo. When Albert opened his eyes in a daze, he felt that she was a little cute.


    But when he regained his senses, he decided he had to have been still half-sleep just now. He followed her back to the ward.


    Having discovered Haley had a talent for sports, Albert said, "Haley, I want to discuss something with you."Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Tell me," Haley said casually. Her intuition told her that it was not something good.


    "Well, what do you think of me?"


    "What do you mean? Be clear."


    "Well, although you look petite, you''re very good at running and fighting. I want to train with you. Will you teach me?" Albert asked.


    He still had a few days of leave left from the army. If Haley could teach him over the next few days, he should improve. Moreover, now that his grandfather''s condition had stabilized, he had nothing to do in the hospital. Haley shook her head and said, "No."


    "Why? Don''t you find it boring to train alone? Besides, I''m not bad either. I can apany you. Let''s strive to be better together." Albert quickly walked forward and stood in front of Haley.


    Haley continued to shake her head and said, "It''s not boring to train alone. Moreover, you''re very lousy and can''t keep up with my pace. You''ll slow me down."


    Albert thought Haley''s words made sense. After all, he could not run for the entire afternoon without even panting, like she did. However, his desire to have Haley teach him grew stronger. What can I do to change your mind about teaching me?" Haley thought for a moment and rejected without hesitation, "Nothing."


    Albert''s mind spun quickly. He thought about what Haley liked chicken drumsticks. He quickly said, "If you teach me, I''ll treat you to chicken drumsticks every day. How about that?"


    "No need. Mona will give them for me." As Haley spoke, she quickened her pace, eager to have dinner.


    "I''ll treat you to food made by a chef. They''re very delicious. Just thinking about them makes me drool. It''s different from what Mona gives you. Moreover, it''s not just chicken drumsticks. There are also other delicacies. For example, steak. Will you reconsider?" At the mention of food, Haley felt that her mouth salivating. She really wanted to eat delicious food so she said, "When do we start?"


    She thought that perhaps Albert did not understand what she meant, so she rified, "When do I start teaching you? I want boin chicken drumsticks and steak."


    Albert nodded readily and said, "Alright, we''ll start tomorrow morning."


    Haley smacked her lips. Tomorrow was fine. She reminded him, "Don''t forget my chicken drumsticks and steak. I want really delicious food."


    As they spoke, they walked into the hospital''s inpatient department.


    Bernard was a special patient, and Mona was willing to pay. Thus, they rented an apartment in the hospital, ensuring enough rooms for them. When they returned, they greeted Mona, who was sitting on the sofa, and returned to their rooms to 1/3


    08:22


    shower.


    Mona looked at their backs and shook her head with a smile. Now that Haley was with them, life was a little more joyful.


    The next morning, Albert continued to sleep,pletely forgetting that he had said he would train with Haleyst night.


    Haley walked in circles outside the living room, thinking about going down for a walk. However, she remembered her deal with Albertst night. She wanted her chicken drumsticks and steak. After some hesitation, she sat on the sofa again. When the clock turned six o''clock, Haley couldn''t wait any longer and walked to Albert''s room. She was about to knock when she realized she could open the door with a push. Albert hadn''t locked the door when he went to sleepst night. Without thinking, Haley kicked the door open and strode into Albert''s room. Seeing Albert still sleeping soundly, she was furious. She walked over and shouted, "Albert, it''ste. Get up now." With that, she reached out to yank Albert''s nket off him. When Albert heard Haley''s voice in his sleep, he assumed he was thinking about Haley again. He kept dreaming about her all night and thought he was doing it again.


    But when he felt someone was tugging the nket off him, he hurriedly opened his eyes. That was when he saw Haley very close to him. With the light in his eyes, he subconsciously grabbed the nket back.


    However, he was a step toote. Haley had already pulled his nket half of him, revealing his six-pack.


    Albert felt shy at once. He instantly covered his body with a corner of the nket, and snapped, "Haley, what are you doing? Stop!"


    Haley casually nced at Albert''s abs and said disdainfully, "That''s it? That''s lousy. Besides, why aren''t you wearing pajamas when you sleep?"


    Before Haley yanked the nket, she thought Albert would wear pajamas. After all, everyone she knew wore pajamas. She didn''t expect Albert to be an exception.


    "I sleep alone. Why would I wear pajamas? Besides, you were clearly at fault. How could you simply enter my room?" Albert demanded.


    Haley let go of the nket. "Didn''t you say you wanted to train with me? Look at the time. I''ve been waiting for you than an hour. I''ll give you another ten minutes." for more


    She was angry at the mention of this. She had already waited for more than an hour for Albert. It was rare for her to be so patient.


    After Haley left Albert''s room, he looked at her back and murmured, "Why must we train so early?"


    Then, Haley''s voice came from outside. "Albert, you still have nine minutes."


    Hearing this, Albert quickly put on his clothes, thinking nine minutes was enough time to get ready.


    At Haley''s urging, Albert was ready ten minutester. He then followed Haley downstairs. As he looked at Haley''s bright and energetic face, he thought, ''She must be born with so much energy.''


    "Albert, make sure your posture is right." When they reached the hospital garden, Haley told Albert to do squats and walked around him from time to time.


    She followed how Heidi, her leader, taught her and suddenly felt a little proud. It was good to teach someone else. When Albert heard Haley''s words, he stood under the morning sun, thinking about how he had paid for this suffering and


    how good it would be if he were sleeping now instead of doing squats. It was simply too exhausting.


    Haley stood beside Albert for a while. Seeing that Albert was doing well, she practiced boxing next to him.


    Albert looked at Haley''s moves, noting that her punches were even in the correct form. When she threw a punch, she looked very cool, as though she was in an action movie. Admiration grew in him as he watched her.


    0

 Chapter 140

    Time passed day by day. Luke''s team still had not worked out an antidote. They had only stabilized Bernard''s condition and ensured no danger for the time being. But Bernard was still lying there like a vegetable. At that time, Albert was tortured by Haley every day, but he was also enjoying it. Jane''s condition was much better.


    Mona either stayed in the room working on design drafts or had a video call with Maxwell. That night, she finished the drawing andy in bed as usual, waiting for Maxwell''s call. However, after a long time, nothing came. She thought that Maxwell must be too busy. After all, he had to deal with the Carter Group''s business and find someone to monitor Jeremy.


    It was not until Mona was about to fall asleep that the vibration of the phone in her hand woke her up. She suddenly opened her eyes. When she saw that it was Maxwell, she quickly picked it up.


    As soon as the video call connected, Maxwell hurriedly said, "I''m sorry, Mona. I''ve made you wait for too long. I was too busy today. I wanted to send you a voice message, but I have something serious to tell you."


    The moment Mona saw Maxwell''s face, her sleepiness was dispelled. "It doesn''t matter. Hurry up and tell me what it is." As she spoke, she held the phone further away for a good angle.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    On the other end, Maxwell hesitated for a moment and said honestly, "It''s like this. I got someone to secretly follow Jeremy and found out that he has been buying the shares of minority shareholders for the past few days. He also secretly visited some major shareholders and even gave them gifts. The shareholders'' meeting is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. He should be taking action soon."


    Mona nodded and said, "I guessed it. But he''s quite fast."


    "Yes, it''s very fast. Moreover, many shareholders have agreed. After all, Grandpa is lying in the hospital and can''t handle anything," Maxwell sighed.


    "You''re right, Maxwell. I have something to discuss with you." Mona twiddled her fingers.


    "What?" Maxwell vaguely guessed it. She wanted him to be the president of the Clem Group.


    "Maxwell, I want to hand over the Clem Group to you. You know that I''m not interested in managing thepany. I just want to be a designer. As for Albert, you know that he''s still young and serving in the army. So our family doesn''t have a sessor now, and I can''t give this good thing to Jeremy. So, I''ll leave it to you, okay?" Mona said.


    Her grandfather was still lying on the hospital bed. She could not watch her family''s assets be upied, so she might as well hand thepany over to Maxwell first. When her grandfather woke up, she would let him make a decision. Anyway, Maxwell wouldn''t hold onto the ?lem Group.


    Mona saw Maxwell''s hesitation. After all, he still had the Carter Group to deal with. Then she continued her cute tone. "Maxwell, hubby, please."


    Maxwell could not stand Mona''s sweet voice and expression. If he was beside her, he would directly press her into his arms. However, they were only on a video.


    "Alright, stop it. I promise you," Maxwellpromised.


    "Hubby, you''re so nice. Let me give you a kiss." Mona smiled and nted a big kiss on the camera.


    After the two of them hung up, Mona thought for a moment and knocked on Jane''s door. At this time, Jane had just finished wiping Bernard''s body. Now the caregiver was watching and she was ready to sleep. Now that a few days had passed, Jane''s mood had stabilized a lot and she was no longer as pessimistic as before.


    Mona decided to tell Jane about Jeremy''s attempt to snatch the Clem Group.


    As soon as she knocked on the door, Jane immediately opened it and warmly invited Mona in. "Mona, what''s wrong? It''s so


    Mona sat on the sofa and said to Jane, "Grandma, I have something to tell you. It''s rted to Jeremy."


    "Oh, he''s quite good. Thepany is so busy, but he''s still concerned with your grandfather and me," Jane said.


    Although Jeremy was not overseas, his heart was still there and he called them every day.


    Mona knew that Jeremy was no longer her biological father, so she did not even call him father. But Jane wouldn''t force her. She just wanted to see this girl happy.


    Jane''s attitude made Mona hesitate whether to tell her or not. However, if she put herself in Jane''s shoes, she would rather know than live soberly with pain if the person she had always trusted was lying to her.


    Thinking about this, Mona showed Jane the photo that Maxwell had just sent to her phone and said, "Grandma, take a look at this. I got someone to take this photo in Nathontown."


    Mona did not put it bluntly that she had asked Maxwell to take this photo, afraid that Jane would misunderstand that Maxwell was coveting the Clem Group.


    The photo showed Jeremy giving a gift to a shareholder of the Clem Group. The two of them seemed to be discussing something while Jeremy had a ttering smile on his face.


    "This..." Jane was puzzled. ''Why would Jeremy give someone such a gift? Jewelry, so expensive one.


    "Grandma, this might not be clear enough. Let''s watch a video!" After Mona finished speaking, she yed a video.


    It was taken from the side so the faces couldn''t be seen clearly, but after seeing that photo, Jane could tell that the person in the video was no one else but Jeremy, as well as the shareholder of thepany. Jeremy bowed. "Please ept it."


    That shareholder took the box. "Mr. Simon, you''re quite sincere.


    Jeremy asked tentatively with a fawning smile, "Then the shareholders'' meeting..."


    That shareholderughed and nodded. "Mr. Simon, you''ve always been in charge of thispany. Now that something has happened to Mr. Clem, it''s naturally best if you can take the lead. I''ll definitely stand on your side." "Then, wish us a pleasant cooperation!" Jeremy''s smile expanded.


    The video was quite short, but Jane had realized what Jeremy meant. He wanted to control the Clem Group while Bernard was hospitalized. He had been respectful to the two of them and treated them just like his parents for so many years. It seemed that he was just targeting their assets.


    Now that Jeremy had probably premeditated everything, he might also be the one who had poisoned Bernard. Thinking of this, Jane''s hands shook and she didn''t dare to continue her spection. Instantly, she lost all feelings for Jeremy. All the left was hatred.


    If that was the case, Bernard would probably not be lying in the hospital due to the crisis in thepany. Now Jane clenched her fists and trembled with regret.


    "Mona, Jeremy wants to upy the Clem Group? Your grandfather is still lying here. What should we do?" Jane asked anxiously.


    The Clem Group was the painstaking effort of generations. She wouldn''t let Jeremy''s goal seed.

 Chapter 141

    Mona held Jane''s hand tightly and said, "Grandma, Grandpa is unconscious now. In the Clem Group, you have the biggest voice. Tomorrow afternoon, Jeremy will hold the shareholders'' meeting. If you can be present, we will definitely win." "Can... Can I?" Jane asked softly. She had been protected by Bernard her whole life and rarely been to thepany. Now that she was left alone and had to stand out, she could not help but ask herself, ''Can I?'' "Grandma, you can do it. Everyone in thepany knows who you are. You represent Grandpa, and your words carry as much as his do," Mona encouraged.


    "Well... alright. I''ll hand thepany over to you first?" Jane asked. She was too old to manage thepany while Albert was still so young and serving, also unable to do anything helpful. "Grandma, leave it to Maxwell. He He can manage it. I''m capable. After we got married, I gave my shares to him," Mona said. That''s true. You''re a couple now. So it makes no difference whether it''s you or Maxwell," Jane muttered.


    "Oh, I see. the two of them settled on this matter and booked the flight back the next morning.


    Just like that. hal, the


    Just


    Now,


    Bernard''s situation had basically stabilized. Sometimes, Albert and Haley woulde and stay to watch him. There were also caregivers, which made the two of them feel more at ease. The next morning, when Albert and Haley found out that Mona and Jane were going back home, they expressed shock and asked for the reason. Mona thought for a moment and told A


    "Is that true? He''s too b Albert said in disbelief.


    Albert about Jeremy''s n. After all, Albert was not a kid anymore. He had his own judgment while Jeremy was still his father, so he had the right to know.


    have to win. You can''t let him really snatch away Grandpa''s life''s work. By the way, I still have some shares. When the timees, I''ll stand on your side."This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    In Albert''s heart, Jeremy was always a timid person. He did not even dare to decide on thepany''s matters alone. Now, he actually dared to join forces with other directors to seize thepany. Then, he add


    he added, "Mona, you


    Although Jeremy was Albert''s biological father, it had always been Bernard who educated and raised him. So Albert had always felt that he was a part of the Clem family. And this was why he expressed his stance without hesitation.


    Alright, that''s my boy. Stay here and I take good care of Grandpa Grandma and I will be back soon," Mona said.


    The ne left a white scar in the sky as it took off from Horieta to Nathontown. Itnded at noon and Maxwell was already waiting at the airport.


    Ever since he found out that Mona wasing back, he spent a sleepless night in excitement. There were still two hours before the nended at Nathontown, but he had already finished thepany''s matters and was waiting at the airport.


    Mona supported Jane as they got off the ne and saw the man standing in the crowd, who was wearing a silver suit and a ck tie with arge bouquet of roses in his hand. He stood upright with a faint smile on his lips. The light shone on him, like a halo. Their gazes met, and their eyes were filled with longing for the past few days.


    Mona ran into Maxwell''s arms and wrapped her arms around his waist. She leaned her head against his chest and listened to his racing heartbeat.


    Meanwhile, Nigel, who was supporting Jane, immediately took her away wisely, leaving more space for this couple.


    2/2 212


    B BO


    "Maxwell, I miss you so much," Mona said bluntly. It had been quite a few days since shest saw Maxwell. No words sufficed to describe how she missed him.


    Maxwell held the flowers in one hand and stroked Mona''s hair with the other. His heart was blooming. "Mona, I miss you very much too."


    If not for Jeremy''s n, Maxwell would have decided to fly straight to Horieta to see her. He just missed Mona too much. The kind of longing that went deep into his bones.


    The two of them did did not hug at the airport for long because they were interrupted by Nigel''s loud voice. "Mr. Carter, bad news. The shareholders'' meeting started in advance. It has already begun."


    Hearing this, Mona and Maxwell hurriedly let go of each other and quickly walked towards the car.


    If they did not make it in time for Jeremy''s meeting, it would be difficult to take back thepany once it really fell into Jeremy''s hands.


    Nigel


    had just received the message at thest minute. Jeremy was definitely afraid of uncertainties that a long dy might cause trouble. and directly drove to the Clem Group. Along the way, they drove as fast as they could.


    They skipped lunch


    "Mona, calm down. Eve Even if Jeremy swallows the Clem Group, I will make him spit it out," Maxwell said confidently. He tolerated no one who dared to snatch something that belonged to Mona.


    "Yes, I


    but I still want to catch up," Mona said bluntly.


    Jane was anxious. After all, this was Bernard''s life''s work. She did not want it to be taken away by others, especially Jeremy, an ingrate.


    Nigel sped up when they were talking. The car stopped safely at the entrance of the Clem Group soon.


    Jane asked Mona and Maxwell to run in first, afraid that the meeting would end. Nigel supported her behind them and walked slowly.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked towards the elevator. Unfortunately, when the two of them arrived, the elevator had just left. Mona stamped her feet in frustration. Maxwell had no way but to pull her into the CEO''s private elevator. No matter how crowded the elevator was, the employees did not dare to take this one. The two of them smoothly and pressed the button for the highest floor.


    got


    into the elevator


    When the employees saw that Mona was taking the private elevator, no one dared to say anything. They just remained silent with envy. After all, she was the granddaughter of thispany''s president.


    At times like this, waiting was usually very stressful. This was what Mona was feeling right now. Just a few seconds to a minute was so long like an eon.


    Ding! The elevator stopped at the top floor. The door had just opened a crack when Mona couldn''t wait anymore and ran out directly. It was a race against time.

 Chapter 142

    After exiting the elevator, Mona hurried straight to the conference room. Even before she entered, she could faintly hear Jeremy''s voice saying, "Since everyone has agreed, I will live up to your expectations-"


    Before Jeremy finished speaking, Mona and Maxwell walked in, breathing heavily. "I disagree," she said. Then, under the watchful eyes of the board members, they slowly approached Jeremy and dered, "My grandpa didn''t even attend this meeting. Is it eptable for all of you to transfer leadership of such argepany like this? I don''t think so."


    As Jeremy saw thepany about to be in his hands, he was infuriated by Mona''s unexpected interruption. However, he wanted to portray a friendly father-daughter rtionship before the board members. With a warm tone, he asked, "Mona, weren''t you abroad with your grandpa? What brings you back?"


    "What do you mean, ''what brings me back? If I hadn''te back, I wouldn''t even have known Grandpa was in the hospital, and here you are, thinking about the position of chairman," Mona shot back directly.


    were now adversaries. It didn''t matter who


    Since Jeremy had already made his intentions clear to be chairman, they w brought up the issue first.


    Hearing Mona''s words, Jeremy smiled awkwardly. "Mona,e on, we''re all family. Thepany is managed by all of us together," he replied. The implication behind his words was that having thepany in his hands was no different from having it in Bernard''s hands. Mona scanned the board members, a slight smile forming as she nodded. "It seems there''s some truth to what you''re saying, Dad


    Hearing Mona''s words, Jeremy felt a bit more at ease. Although she was married to Maxwell, she still seemed like the same na?ve girl without any ulterior motives.


    Just as he began to rx, Jeremy heard Mona''s tone shift. "Since that''s the case, I''ve already married Maxwell and transferred my shares to him. It would be better to let Maxwell manage thepany.


    "After all, he oversees the Carter Group and has more experience than you do, Dad. He''ll take thepany to greater heights, and you can finally take a proper break. Don''t you think I''m right?"


    Jeremy thought, ''Handing the Clem Group over to Maxwell?'' Before Jeremy could react, one of the board members standing next to Mona spoke up directly.


    "No, I disagree. The Clem Group is a family business; it can''t be handed over to an outsider." As soon as he said this, the other minor board members began to echo his sentiments.


    Jeremy immediately nodded, agreeing that the board member had a point. He had been lying in wait within the Clem family for so many years for the sake of thepany; he couldn''t let the opportunity slip away.


    "Exactly, Mona. Maxwell is already managing the Carter Group. If he were to take on the Clem Group as well, he''d be too busy and probably wouldn''t even have time to spend with you. Besides, I''m still young and capable of handling things," he said.


    At that moment, Nigel helped Jane, who stood coolly at the conference room entrance. One sharp-eyed board member recognized her and promptly invited her in, seating her in the leading position.


    for a whil


    Even though Jane had not beening to thepany whenever Bernard attended events or gatherings, it was always Jane by his side. Over time, everyone developed a habit of showing respect whenever they saw Jane.


    Despite her quiet and demure appearance, she exuded an inexplicable aura of authority that made people feel the presence of someone in a position of power.


    "Mom, you''re here too?" Jeremy asked nervously. Mona''s appearance had already put him on edge, and now Jane''s


    D


    G


    <3


    unexpected presence at the meeting intensified his anxiety.


    0


    However, with things having reached this point, there was no room for retreat. Since Jeremy had decided to convene the board meeting, he was determined to secure the position of chairman.


    Looking at Jeremy, who showed her respect, Jane felt deceived over the years. With a loud thud, she mmed the documents from the table to the floor, shocking all the board members present. She always appeared cheerful at every event, seemingly incapable of getting angry. Some people had this quality: they appeared exceptionally calm and approachable when they weren''t angry, but once they lost their temper, they could instill a sense of inexplicable intimidation. Jane was one of those people.


    "You irresponsible fool! Your father is still lying in hospital, and all you can think about is seizing authority?" Jane growled, and her face reflected her fury.


    Jane wore a ck embroidered dress, having already removed her down jacket upon entering thepany, as it was too warm with the heating. A pearl ne adorned her neck, giving her an air of elegance that felt unattainable. Her appearance showed that time had done little to diminish her beauty.


    "Mom, I..." Jeremy stammered, feeling like he had been caught red-handed for something wrong. He hadn''t informed Jane about the shareholder meeting, which was a betrayal. After a moment, he added, "Mom, it''s not like that. I called this meeting to alleviate some of Dad''s worries."


    "Alleviate worries?" Jane replied, questioning him.


    "Yes, that''s right! I want to help Dad feel better and let him focus on his recovery," he said as if he had found a solid justification.


    Jane sneered. "If you truly wanted to alleviate worries, why didn''t you discuss it? Instead, you''re trying to bribe the board. members? Right? Mr. Rivas."


    Nico Rivas couldn''t meet her questioning gaze and quickly averted his eyes. He mumbled, "Mrs. Clem, you misunderstood. I thought it wasn''t good for Mr. Clem not toe to thepany, so I wanted to help him focus on his recovery."


    "Is that so?" Jane continued questioning him, then publicly yed the video Mona had shown her the day before.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    The voices in the video were unmistakably those of Jeremy and Nico. Nico was embarrassed when publicly confronted about epting bribes, his face flushing red.


    "I don''t know how many of you here have epted gifts from Jeremy, and I don''t want to investigate each one individually. However, the decision made in this meeting is unfair. What they just said is true: with Bernard lying in hospital, it''s not a viable situation. Thepany still needs a responsible leader.


    "Let''s have a new vote. While my shares are limited, I''m using my seniority to nominate Maxwell Carter as chairman. His sessful management of the Carter Group is well known. If we hand thepany over to him, I believe it will thrive, and your year-end dividends will only increase. What do you think?" Jane suggested.

 Chapter 143

    As soon as Jane finished speaking, the directors in the meeting room began to discuss. Maxwell was indeed capable, but they had never worked together before. They did not know what kind of person he was or if he was easy to get along with.


    Jeremy stood beside Jane and did not dare to speak. Ever since Jane appeared, he felt she was taking care of everything. Moreover, if he had fought for the position of chairman that day people would have assumed he wanted to upy thepany while Bernard was unconscious. However, Jeremy''s effort to poison Bernard would be in vain if he hadn''t fought for the position. Additionally, Barbara would me him. After a long time, he concluded that since he had already done so much, he had to fight for the position of chairman. After thinking it through, Jeremy gazed at Nico, indicating he needed to speak. After all, in this situation, they were in the


    same boat.


    Meanwhile, the conference room returned to silence after the discussion. Then, Jane asked, "Since everyone has stopped discussing, does anyone have any thoughts?"


    As Jane finished speaking, the directors exchanged gazes in silence. No one spoke first.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Nico could not wait any longer and immediately said, "I think Jeremy is the perfect man to sit as the chairman of thispany. Everyone knows he has worked hard for ourpany over the years, and we got a raise because of him. Compared to Mr. Carter, I think he''s far better. What do you think?"


    "Mr. Rivas, are you speaking up for him because he had helped you before?" Mona asked with a smile.


    Hearing Mona bringing that up, Nico immediately became the center of attention. "I did receive a little benefit from him but think about it. Over the years, he has worked hard for thepany''s development. Moreover, he understands thepany''s business lines. No matter what, he''s more suitable for the position of chairman."


    After Nico finished speaking, Jeremy gave him a satisfied look. Then, there was a small discussion. Mona vaguely heard the director beside her say, "I think Jeremy is more suitable. Although Mr. Carter is capable, he has never run Clem Group and doesn''t understand thepany''s business."


    "You''re right. I think Jeremy is perfect for this."


    "No, I believe Mr. Carter will fit the role. Thispany will be exponentially


    if he can be the chairman."


    "Same, I think Mr. Carter is still the best. Besides, Mrs. Clem is backing him, and Jeremy privately called for this meeting. Isn''t this feel off?"


    Mona and Maxwell heard their discussion. Maxwell stayed silent to that point. Then suddenly, he opened his mouth. "If I can be thepany''s chairman, I can increase thepany''s turnover rate by 5% within


    year."


    a


    As soon as he spoke, the surrounding directors were shocked. 5% was massive for such a bigpany''s annual turnover. It


    was already good that the annual turnover could be maintained, especially under Bernard and Jeremy''s management. So, when Maxwell said those words, everyone was tempted.


    4


    "Then, what if you can''t do it?" A small shareholder sitting in the back row asked boldly.


    "If I can''t do it, I''ll cover the gap myself. In any case, the amount of money that will reach your pockets next year will only be more and not less. Moreover, I have the confidence to do so," Maxwell said confidently. He had Carter Group and Clem Group in his hands. The businesses of thosepanies could cooperate. It was a win-win oue.


    After Maxwell finished speaking, the shareholders subconsciously nodded.


    "In that case, let''s vote!" Jane said, "I have shares in my hands and hold my husband''s shares for now.


    111


    ????


    go


    first. I vote


    Maxwell."


    Jct 30 B BO


    After Jane finished speaking, Nico was the first to vote for Jeremy. Several directors on good terms with him were also voting for Jeremy. In an instant, the yote was half-to-half. Meanwhile, the shareholder who asked Maxwell a question hesitated for a moment before voting for Maxwell. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention. My grandson, Albert Clem, also voted for Maxwell." After Jane finished speaking, the video Albert had just sent was projected on the big screen.


    The video stated that he supported Maxwell. Even at the end, he said, "Dad, I don''t know what you''re thinking. You wanted to take over thepany while Grandpa was unconscious? I used to look up to you."


    Once Albert voted, the oue was obvious. Maxwell became the chairman of thepany.


    When the shareholders'' meeting ended, everyone left in an orderly manner. Only Mona, Maxwell, Jane, and Jeremy remained. Nigel considerately closed the meeting room door for them when he left.


    At that moment, the meeting room was quiet. Even a pin drop could be heard. After a long silence, Jeremy did not even dare to breathe loudly. At that point, everything seemed to have been exposed. Everyone seemed to know his im of not wanting the chairman''s position was fake. There was no way out.


    "Jeremy, tell me the truth. Did you drug Bernard?" Jane''s calm voice sounded in the conference room. It was as if she had already determined this fact.


    Jeremy lowered his head. He didn''t want to admit such a thing because he would go to jail. Hence, he said firmly, "I did not." "You did not?" Jane sneered. "You''d better tell the truth. Otherwise, you will have no ce to stay in Nathontown."


    Upon hearing Jane''s threat, Jeremy''s back began to sweat as his heart trembled violently. However, he stubbornly denied it. "I did not! I called for this meeting to share Dad''s burden."


    "If that''s the case, then when I proposed to let Maxwell be the chairman, you should have backed out instead of giving Mr. Rivas a look, asking him to speak up for you."


    Without giving Jeremy a chance to speak, Jane added directly, "You better stop talking. Pack up and leave this family. Give up your position as thepany''s general manager."


    Once Jane decided on something, it was difficult to change her. Jane seemed convinced that Jeremy wasplicit in Bernard''s poisoning. No matter what Jeremy said, she did not believe him and would not risk buying his words. Furthermore, during the meeting, she saw Jeremy signaled Nico


    "Mom, are you chasing me out of the family?" Jeremy looked at Jane in disbelief, hoping she was joking.


    "Yes, you have no ce in this family. Our family values kinship, but you''re not. You should''ve left along with Beatrice and her daughter, Barbara."

 Chapter 144

    Jane felt guilty for chasing Jeremy out. However, she had a strong hunch that Jeremy poisoned her husband. She wouldn''t be this sad if that didn''t happen.


    If not for Mona and Albert apanying her during this tough time, she did not know if she would have been able to survive. She didn''t even know if her ambition would persist if it weren''t for them.


    "Mom, I''ve been a part of the Clem Family since I married Emily. It''s been more than 20 years. The Clem family has long been my home. But now that you''re chasing me out, where will stay?" Jeremy asked sincerely.


    Jeremy had failed to run for chairman of Clem Group, and without the Clem Family''s support, there would be no ce for him in Nathontown. He had been living in the city for years. He was careful andpromised because he couldn''t afford to be homeless. "Don''t drag Emily into this. Do you think Bernard and I would allow you to get married if I knew you were getting married by agreement? You will never have the chance to enter our family grounds from now on!" Jane nced at him, then Mona beside her. She doubted Jeremy was her real father.


    After Jane finished speaking, Mona helped her leave the room with Maxwell. Jane had said everything that needed to be said. Regarding who poisoned Bernard, she would send someone to investigate..


    Jeremy was left alone in the conference room, not knowing what to do. He was finished and had nothing left. At that moment, the phone on his desk vibrated a few times. However, Jeremy didn''t budge. It was as if he could not hear it and did not answer it.


    A few minutester, his phone rang again. Jeremy felt no peace in his ears. So, he nced at the caller''s name. It was Beatrice. After thinking briefly, he picked it up impatiently. Beatrice''s cheerful tone came from the other end. "Jeremy, has the meeting over?" Even through the phone, Jeremy could feel Beatrice''s excitement.


    "Dad, how was it?" Barbara added. Her tone was filled with anticipation.


    Meanwhile, Jeremy was resentful. Thanks to Barbara and Beatrice''s influence, he decided to poison Bernard. "How was it? Why are you still asking? I failed. Even Jane chased me out of the family. I have nothing now!" Jeremy gritted his teeth and held the phone tightly. If he were strong enough, the phone would break within seconds.


    When Beatrice and Barbara heard Jeremy''s answer, their faces changed. They could not maintain the smile on their faces.


    "What? How can you fail? Also, did you say Jane chased you out? Isn''t she currently in Horieta?" Beatrice asked in disbelief. She thought this n was foolproof.


    Bernard was poisoned, seriously ill, and unconscious. Jane must have been focused on apanying him. Additionally, Mona and Albert were loyal to their family. If they knew Bernard had been poisoned, they wouldn''t bother thepany, even for a second. Jeremy''s meeting should have gone smoothly, especially with the connections he had made in thepany over the years. Beatrice didn''t know why Jane suddenly returned to the country


    "How would I know? Jane suddenly appeared at the meeting, and now Maxwell bes the chairman. Fortunately, it''s only temporary." Jeremy said, seeminglyforting himself. However, Jane had already chased him out of her family. He had no chance of returning. "This, how could this be? Where are you now? Come back and tell me the details." Beatrice suppressed the disappointment in her heart. She had prepared for Jeremy''s sess and even cooked a table full of delicious food. But unfortunately, reality hit.


    At that moment, Barbara also received a message from Gordon: [Your father failed. This is great. Clent Group fell to Maxwell''s hands, and you lose everything.]


    1


    A


    Barbara saw it and did not want to reply. This was not what she wanted to see either. However, since Clem Group and Carter Group were in Maxwell''s hands, she would win big if she could win his heart.


    Barbara thought of the time when Mona was not in Nathontown She had "coincidentally" met Maxwell twice at the ball. However, when he saw her, he treated her like a stranger. He did not even give her any face when she took the initiative to propose a toast. Barbara knew she had to think of a way. After Jane gave Clem Group, she did not n to meet the rest of the family. She nned to return to Horieta to apany Bernard.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mona, your grandfather is fine now. Usually, he needs a caregiver, but I can handle it alone now. You don''t have to go back. Stay in Nathontown. However, you can always fly to Horieta when you have time," Jane said as she held Mona''s hand. She knew Mona had her life to live and didn''t want to drag her down "Grandma, are you sure you can look after Grandpa alone overseas?" Mona asked worriedly.


    "I won''t be alone, Silly. Albert will soon return from his military duty. Also, isn''t there still Haley? With her around, I won''t feel so lonely," Jane said with a smile.


    "Alright, but call me if you need anything. Don''t worry, I won''t be troubled." Mona hugged Jane. Her tone was filled with reluctance.


    "That''s for sure." As Jane spoke, Nigel ran over and said he had bought the ne ticket. The airport staff also informed the passengers heading to Horieta to get on board.


    "Alright, I should be going. Mona, Maxwell, I''ll leave thepany in your care." Jane let go of Mona and took the suitcase in Mona''s hand.


    "Grandma, take good care of yourself. When yound on Horieta, don''t forget to call me!" Mona looked at Jane''s back and felt reluctant. Meanwhile, Jane did not turn around. She waved at Mona and Maxwell, signaling them to leave.


    Maxwell noticed how Mona couldn''t bear to part with Jane. So, he reached out to pull her into his arms and held her shoulders.


    "Maxwell, I hope Grandpa will wake up soon. I have many things to tell him," Mona muttered.


    "I hope so too, Mona. How about we''re going to Horieta this weekend? Just for a quick visit," Maxwellforted.


    "Sounds good. It''s Tuesday, and we''ll only have to wait until Friday. It''ll be quick." As soon as Mona finished speaking, her stomach started growling.


    Maxwell lowered his head. Their eyes met, and Mona said in embarrassment, "I''m kinda hungry right now."


    "Then let''s go eat." As Maxwell spoke, he held Mona''s hand and turned around to leave the airport.

 Chapter 145

    Because Mona was genuinely hungry, Maxwell did not take her home to cook but instead chose a well-reputed private restaurant that was rtively close to the airport.


    As for Nigel, Maxwell generously reimbursed his fare and sent him back to thepany.


    While waiting for his ride, Nigel could not help but roll his eyes at the sight of Maxwell carefully holding Mona''s hand.


    "That is a CEO in love. Oh, wait, no-a married CEO. It is hard to reconcile this with the cold CEO we knew,'' he thought.


    On the way to dinner, as Maxwell drove, Mona shared her experiences from the past few days with him, and her eyes asionally nced at his face.


    She was not sure if it was her imagination, but Maxwell seemed to have lost weight. His chin appeared sharper, and his jawline more defined.


    "Mrs. Carter, if you want to look, just look openly. We are married, it is legal." He teased.


    Even though Maxwell''s attention was on the road ahead, he could still feel Mona''s intense gaze from the corner of his eye.


    Mona retracted her gaze and asked, "Maxwell, have you not been eating well recently? I see that you have lost weight."


    When Maxwell heard Mona''s words, he could not help but cough twice. Just as he was about to "Maxwell, do not lie to me. Tell me the truth."


    respond, Mona added,


    Maxwell forcefully changed the words he was about to say, replying, "I only missed dinner once or twice."


    Maxwell thought there had been too much going on at thepany recently. He did not even have time to sleep, often going to bed at one or two in the morning.


    Mona noticed the signs. "I think it is more than just once or twice, and you have not been sleeping well either, right? You have dark circles under your eyes," she said, her heart aching for him. *Mrs. Carter, you have eagle eyes." Maxwell joked, trying to lighten the mood.


    Maxwell recalled that when he first returned to the country, he did not have time to rest properly. Later, things improved, butst night, knowing Mona wasing back, he had been too excited. He forced himself to lie in bed with his eyes closed for two or three hours.


    "ttering me will not help," Mona said firmly. "Do not do this again. You need to take care of your health. There is no end to making money."


    Speaking of money, Mona thought of what Maxwell had said at the meeting. She asked curiously, "By the way, did you say at the meeting that you could increase Clem Group''s turnover by 5%? Are youpletely confident?" Maxwell met Mona''s trusting gaze and joked, "Of course, I''m not confident. Isn''t this to get them to support me? If I don''t achieve it, I will have you take out money from your treasury to repay the debt."


    Mona asked, "If that is the case, how much would it cost?" The money in her hands, plus what Maxwell had given her, was quite a lot.


    Maxwell replied, "Let''s not talk about these ten over millions. Don''t worry. Your money ispletely enough."


    Mona sighed and conceded, "Okay, over ten million is gone just like that. For some reason, I feel a headacheing on. Still, I''m really happy that Jeremy''s n has failed."


    III


    r


    6


    While waiting at the red light, Maxwell rubbed Mona''s head affectionately and said, "What''s this? If your husband has such little ability, how could he marry you? Just wait, I will ensure that Clem Group''s turnover increases by more than five percent. You can spend the money thates to you. There''s a saying: I take care of earning money for the family, and you take care of looking beautiful."


    Mona met Maxwell''s serious gaze and felt that he was really good-looking. She shyly nodded and said softly, "Hubby, you''re so awesome!"


    When Maxwell heard this, he lowered his head and gently bit Mona''s earlobe. In a low voice, he said, "I want you to praise me for other things, such as when I''m sleeping."


    Mona''s earlobes were especially sensitive, and after being gently bitten by Maxwell, along with the warmth of his breath, her earlobes turned red, as did her cheeks.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She embarrassedly pushed Maxwell away, saying, "Hooligan, the light is green. Let''s go."


    "Understood, Mrs. Carter!" Maxwell replied.


    Maxwell turned a corner, and the two of them spotted the restaurant from afar. The fragrance of the food wafted over, making Mona swallow her saliva. She was really hungry.


    As soon as Maxwell parked the car, Mona eagerly grabbed his hand and pulled him into the restaurant, where a waiter led them to a private room.


    Upon entering, Mona noticed a woman heading towards the next room. The woman''s back looked familiar, but Mona could not quite ce it.


    Still thinking about the meal, she tugged Maxwell into the private room.


    The waiter enthusiastically handed Mona and Maxwell the menus. She casually nced through them and said, "Let us get one of each of your signature dishes. Also, I would like a steak. Maxwell, see if you want anything else?" "How about broli? You did not order any vegetables just now, he replied.


    "Sure," she said.


    After the waiter left, Mona took a sip of water and murmured, "I am so hungry. I feel like I have lost at least a pound."


    "Mona, wait a minute. I will add some money to the chef and see if we can hurry things up," he said.


    "You can do that?" she asked, surprised.


    "Why not? Just wait and eat," he replied.


    Mona smiled at Maxwell, thinking it would be great if they could get their food faster, as she felt like she was starving.


    After Maxwell left for a while, Mona vaguely heard the private room next door mention that someone was recovering well and that their face had been slightly adjusted.


    Thinking that the person next door might be a celebrity, and she was not a paparazzi, she decided not to pay special


    attention to it.


    At that moment, Maxwell returned with a te of chicken wings and a bowl of spaghetti. Mona immediately caught the delicious aroma and quickly reached for the food. She gave Maxwell a thumbs up and praised, "Amazing." Eagerly, she picked up her cutlery and took a bite of a chicken wing, followed by a bite of spaghetti, while saying to Maxwell,


    ""Eat!"


    "Alright, I will eat," Maxwell replied, picking up the cutlery beside him and grabbing a chicken wing.


    III


    Mona''s eating reminded Maxwell of high school when he had secretly watched her cat lunch.


    3


    She would hold her bowl with one hand and scoop food with the other, her head bent over the side of the bowl. It was just ordinary food, yet she made it look exceptionally appetizing, sparking hunger in anyone who watched her. Over the years, Mona had be more refined in her eating habits, but when hungry, she still disyed her true nature. For some reason, Maxwell found it a bit cute.


    Everything seemed to have changed, yet nothing had.


    By the time Mona finished her bowl of spaghetti, the waiter began to bring out the dishes one after another.


    0

 Chapter 146

    146


    0, 19%2Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona touched her stomach and felt much more energetic. Maxwell put some vegetables into her bowl and said, "Have some vegetables." Then he scooped a bowl of soup for her, saying, "Don''t choke."


    Mona nodded and said, "You should eat too," as she picked up her fork to offer him a piece of chicken.


    After eating a few mouthfuls, Mona felt full. She took a sip of the soup Maxwell had scooped for her and finished her lunch.


    "Are you full?" Maxwell asked when he saw her put down her bowl and cutlery.


    Mona nodded, thinking about how he had been serving her food and had not eaten much himself. She quickly picked up some food for him and said, "Eat more. You''ve lost weight."


    By the time they finished eating, it was alreadyte. Mona saw the woman from the next room walking towards the door as they were leaving. She still felt a sense of familiarity and thought she might have seen her as a celebrity somewhere, so she did not pay much attention.


    Having just returned to the country, Mona did not n to go to thepany today. After lunch, she went straight home to pack her things. Maxwell reluctantly left her house and headed toward Clem Group to familiarize himself with the business. It was unclear whether it was Maxwell''s innate aura or the fact that everyone knew his management style in Nathontown, but as soon as he arrived at thepany, everyone respected him. Nico, who had received a gift from Jeremy, showed him respect. Maxwell remained calm, refraining from unnecessary conversation and directly addressing work matters.


    By five o''clock, he was ready to leave for the day. As he stepped outside, his secretary quietly said, "Mr. Carter, thepany''s senior management is hosting a small dinner tonight to wee you. Would you like to stop by?" "When do we start?" Maxwell asked.


    He still wanted to go home early to have dinner with Mona, but it would be unreasonable for him not to attend this dinner.


    "Mr. Rivas has already reserved a private room. We can start anytime," the secretary informed him.


    "Then let''s


    go


    now." The sooner he went, the sooner it would end. He was still thinking about his wife who was home.


    On the way there, Maxwell sent Mona a message, informing her that the higher-ups had invited him to dinner and telling her not to wait for him and to eat without him. After Mona packed her luggage, Ava and Artemis invited her out Artemis had a day off today so that they could enjoy a good gathering.


    Mona was


    still thinking about how to go out for dinner with Maxwell when his message arrived.


    She quickly replied [Okay. Coincidentally, Ava asked me out for dinner. Hubby, let us meet tonight.]


    was very neat. Ava was about to have dinner with her, and Maxwell thought that she must have been nning


    Mona''s


    reply


    to him before he sent the message. to say this


    Maxwell felt a married wOD


    Maxwell


    unhappy but replied [Yes, have fun. Do not look at other men when you go out. Remember that you are a at all times.]


    Amused by his response, Mona replied, [Of course, of course. You should not drink too much either.]"


    After Mona sent the message, she heard the helper at home telling her that Ava hade to pick her up.


    She directly text Maxwell [Hubby, I am leaving. We will see each other tonight.]


    After sending the message, Mona ced her phone in her bag, grabbed it, and walked toward the entrance. She happened to


    as wel


    well. see Ava walking in in her direction


    Mona i


    a immediately extended her arms towards Ava, excitement evident in her voice. "Ava, it has only been a few days, but I missed you so much!" she eximed. Ava, equally excited, patted Mona on the back. "Mona, I missed you too. Come on, let us go eat."


    After picking up Artemis, the two of them drove to the bar that Ava had mentioned earlier.


    Once the three of them entered, they informed the manager about their booking for a private room on the second floor and made their way over to sit down. "Artemis, you dare toe to a ce like this?" Mona asked curiously, ncing around.


    The deafening music filled the air, and there were people dancing and singing everywhere. The bar was packed with people, heads as far as the eye could see. Mona wondered how Artemis, a big star, was not afraid to run into her fans or be caught by the paparazzi in a ce like this. If that happened, tomorrow''s Twitter headlines would likely read, ''Superstar Artemis spotted drinkingte at night in a bar.


    Artemis removed the mask from her face, revealing her delicate features. She wore no makeup, yet herplexion was_strikingly fair and smooth. "Do not worry," she said reassuringly, "I will just drink here inside. I am not going to the dance


    floor. I will chat with you both. I have been so busytely, flying every day. It is rare for me to have a day off. Plus, Mona, you are back, so this is a great opportunity for us to gather."


    Since the Nathontown Design Competition ended, Artemis''s schedule had be especially hectic. Even during Christmas, she had been filming. With only one day off, she had been eager to meet up with Mona and Ava after getting enough rest during the day. Artemis had no friends within the industry. The rtionships in the entertainment circle were tooplicated for her taste. She preferred not to be part of it and focused on her acting career, seeking to experience different lives through her roles.


    IL It was difficult for Artemis to meet people like Mona and Ava, who made her feelfortable. Gradually, they began to spend more time together.


    "That is good. I was worried that you might get photographed by the paparazzi and ruin your reputation!" Mona said with


    concern.


    "Do not worry. Which paparazzi would dare post bad things about Artemis? I would hack his Twitter immediately. By the way, Mona, is your grandfather''s health any better?" Ava asked, shifting the conversation.


    Mona took a sip of the water next to her and said, "It is still the same. He is like a vegetable now. I do not know when he will wake up.''"


    Just then, the waiter knocked on the door, bringing their drinks. Before Mona could go and open the door, Artemis quickly put her mask back on.


    After all, being a celebrity for so long had made her vignt. She was still afraid that someone might recognize her.


    Ava had ordered the drinks. It had been her idea toe to the bar today. She wanted to get drunk. Despite lingering around Bud for such a long time, he still did not like her. What made her even more upset was that ever since Mona had gotten married, he had started avoiding her. It left her feeling quite unhappy. "Come on,dies, let us drink until we arepletely done!" Ava said, filling their sses and raising hers in the air.


    Artemis lifted her ss and echoed, "We will not leave until we are drunk!"


    TOX 19%


    0


    Mona hesitated for a moment, remembering Maxwell''s words not to drink still ringing in her mind. She cautiously raised her ss and said, "Ladies, if I get drunkter, make sure to gag me and call Maxwell. Do not let me do anything crazy from drinking!" Ever since her rebirth, Mona has had a tendency to go wild when drunk. Once, she started singing in the street to express her love for Maxwell, and another time, she thought she was a mermaid. Each time, her antics got more ridiculous. Mona could not help but wonder if, this time, she might think she was an alien if she got drunk.


    ?13

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    €


    "Don''t worry. You won''t need your husband toe and get you I''ll knock you out and carry you home myself!" Ava said. She then downed a ss of liquor. Feeling the drink wasn''t strong enough, she poured herself another.


    Meanwhile, Artemis had already downed hers in one gulp, while Mona hesitated before taking a small sip. Under the watchful eyes of her friends, she nervously finished her drink.


    After that, Ava got drunk and startedining about Bud. Seeing Ava heartbroken over her unrequited love, Mona felt a deep pang of sorrow.


    Mona''s time travel might have changed Ava''s fate of dying on the operating table, but she couldn''t give Ava the life she truly deserved. For instance, after Bud saved Ava, she developed feelings for him. Unfortunately, Bud did not return her feelings. "Ava, maybe you should let go of Bud?" Mona suggested, not wanting to see her friend drown her sorrows in alcohol.


    Ava shook her head firmly. "No, unless he has a girlfriend. As long as he''s single, I won''t give up. I''ve lived more than twenty years, and he''s the only man who''s ever caught my heart."


    She recalled lying on a cold bed, and Bud''s arrival felt like a divine rescue, leaving her captivated from that moment on.


    "Ava, stop drinking. You''re already drunk," Artemis urged.


    Artemis had acted in many films and TV shows, often bing emotionally invested in the characters'' love stories. In reality, she had never experienced love herself.


    But somehow, she understood Ava''s unfulfilled love. It might be because she had portrayed too many characters.


    "Being drunk is good. When I''m drunk, I can dream. And in my dreams, I''ll see Bud," Ava murmured as she poured herself another drink.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona and Artemis didn''t know what else to say. Artemis simply joined Ava in drinking, while Mona thought, ''If Ava is this drunk, I can''t afford to get drunk too. Otherwise, how will the three of us get home?''


    Meanwhile, Maxwell sat surrounded by the Clem Group''s board members. The food on the table had gone cold, and the air was filled with smoke and the smell of alcohol. Maxwell grew increasingly irritated, wondering if Mona had finished hanging out with her friends. He was eager to find an excuse to leave this messy situation.


    Just as he was about to pull out his phone, Nico spoke up. "Jessica,e here and pour Mr. Carter another drink. Can''t you see his ss is empty?"


    As Nico finished speaking, the woman sitting across from Maxwell slowly stood up, her graceful figure moving towards him.


    For a moment, Maxwell thought he was imagining things. The woman, Jessica Blunt, looked strikingly simr to Mona, about forty or fifty percent like her. It might be just a coincidence.


    "Mr. Carter, let me fill your ss," Jessica said, sidling up to Maxwell. As she leaned in to pour the drink, she subtly brushed her leg against his. Maxwell frowned instantly. This was exactly the situation he despised.


    Noticing that Maxwell didn''t immediately reject Jessica, Nico assumed the rumors about Maxwell''s disinterest in women were false. He figured the issue was that people hadn''t figured out the type of woman Maxwell liked.


    Nico thought he''d hit the mark by choosing a woman who resembled Mona. But as Nico watched, Maxwell suddenly pushed Jessica aside, sending her crashing to the ground. She was stunned.


    Jessica was still a college student, hired for a high price to seduce Maxwell. Initially, she had been reluctant. But when she saw Maxwell, she thought giving her first time to him wasn''t a bad idea. It was better than selling herself to some older, unattractive man.  BR


    So when Nico told her to pour Maxwell a drink, she hadn''t hesitated to make her move.


    3


    Jessica felt confident in her looks and abilities. However, she only resorted to this option because of her recent financial struggles. Being pushed to the ground like that made her feel humiliated. She bit her lower lip in frustration.


    Maxwell coldly nced at Jessica. He had tolerated her this long because she bore a slight resemnce to Mona. When her leg had brushed against his, he had given her a chance, moving away slightly. However, she pushed her luck and touched his hand.


    His patience had run out. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hand before coldly saying, "I''m already married, so I hope you all will stop trying to set me up."


    Then, he turned to Jessica and added, "Get out." The board members, all eager to curry favor with Maxwell, didn''t dare help Jessica up, even though they felt a twinge of pity for her.


    Seeing Maxwell''s irritated expression, they shot angry looks at Nico, silently ming him for the whole situation. He had been the one so keen on finding a woman for Maxwell.


    Finally, Jessica quietly left the room. Once she was gone, the private room fell into an awkward silence. No one dared to breathe too loudly.


    Undisturbed by the tension in the room, Maxwell pulled out his phone and found Mona''s contact. He sent her a message: [Mona, I think I might be a little drunk. Are you done with your friends? One of the board members tried to set me up with some woman. But don''t worry. I pushed her away.]


    Meanwhile, Mona and Artemis had just helped Ava into a car. As the vehicle idled, Mona saw Maxwell''s message.


    She carefully read it and thought, ''Someone tried to set Maxwell up with another woman? Did they forget about my existence?''


    She immediately replied: [Wait for me. I''ming to get you.] After that, she quickly exined the situation to Artemis, asking her to take Ava home before stepping out of the car herself.


    Mona hailed a cab and gave the driver the location Maxwell had sent earlier. Along the ride, she urged the driver to go faster.


    Back in the private room, Maxwell read Mona''s reply and smiled faintly. His mood lightened considerably.


    The atmosphere in the room remained tense. No one dared to make a noise. They had no idea how to win over Maxwell. He didn''t want their gifts, he didn''t want their women, and they were at a loss as to how to please him. Maxwell hadn''t left yet, so even though the others in the private room were eager to go, they didn''t dare say a word. They sat there, awkwardly exchanging nces. They were all waiting for Maxwell to leave first.


    After a moment, there was a knock on the door. One of the board members, seated closest to the door, looked to Maxwell for permission to open it.


    Meanwhile, Mona grew impatient and knocked again.


    Maxwell smiled and said, "Go on, Mr. Collier. Open the door."


    When the door opened, Mona walked in, quickly scanning the room. It was full of men, not a single woman in sight. She figured Maxwell must have already sent the other woman away.


    Politely thanking the board member who opened the door for her, Mona calmly walked toward Maxwell.

 Chapter 148

    Mona looked at Maxwell and said, "Honey, are you done here? I''m here to take you home."


    Maxwell Carter did not hold back at all. He grabbed Mona Clem''s hand and said in a much gentler tone, "It should be over now. Honey, let''s go home!"


    He nced over at Nico, as if asking if there was anything else. Nico shook his head quickly. "Nope, all done, no more."


    The relief on Nico''s face was obvious-he''d been counting down the minutes for Maxwell to leave. Just sitting in that room. with him had been tense.


    Seeing Maxwell take Mona''s hand, Nico suddenly realized just how much he''d misjudged the situation. He had spent a fortune trying to find a woman for Maxwell, but looking at the couple now, he felt absurdly foolish. Was Maxwell really... henpecked? he thought. The more he looked at the couple, the more he noticed how well they seemed to fit together.


    People might say the Carter and Clem families only had a mutually beneficial arrangement, but this... felt like something else..


    "Alright then, Nico, we''ll be off," Maxwell said, leading Mona toward the door.


    Just before leaving, Mona turned back and shot Nico a look. "By the way, I heard someone thought it would be a good idea to set my husband up with a woman. Wonder who''s brave enough to pull that? Guess he''s not too worried about his family''s well-being, huh?" Nico chuckled nervously, desperately wanting the floor to open up and swallow him whole. ''Mr. Carter actually told her about that? Wow, he really is totally under her thumb.


    As soon as they were out of the room, Mona turned to Maxwell with a raised eyebrow. "So, you did all this on purpose, huh?"


    t was bing clear that Maxwell had invited her here to make a point to the directors-Mona was here to show them that she was always at his side, as if to say he was under her watch.


    But the second she heard about someone trying to throw a woman at him, she had practically flown over.


    "On purpose?" Maxwell just grinned and asked back.


    "You definitely set this up," Mona said, giving him a knowing look. "Calling me over like this, just to let everyone know I''ve got you on a tight leash. Now they''ll all think twice before trying to set you up with someone."


    Maxwell chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Exactly, Mrs. Carter. I knew you would catch on. Isn''t it nice? Now nobody''s pestering your husband."


    Sure, it was a win, but Mona sighed. Now she would be seen as the controlling wife.


    "It''s great, but they''ll gossip about me behind my back, saying stuff like, ''Mrs. Carter runs a tight ship." She rolled her eyes, whispering, "Great reputation." Maxwellughed. "That''s fine by me. I''ll y the henpecked husband to make it official. We''ll give them something to talk


    about


    "Henpecked? You make it sound like I''m some kind of tyrant when I don''t care much about you," Mona muttered under her breath.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "It''s all yours," he replied, grinning as he opened the car door and helped her in. "You''re in charge; I''m happy to follow your lead."  B


    0019%¡ê


    Mona groaned and settled into the car. Then, Maxwell climbed in beer, lowered the partition without a word, and


    Nigel, receiving his order, immediately headed for the vi.


    As soon as they had a little privacy, Maxwell leaned in close, gently pressing her back into the corner of the seat. He brushed his lips along Mona''s neck, breathing in her familiar scent. After a few days, he had missed her, every part of her, and didn''t bother hiding it.


    Pressed against the seat, Mona felt her pulse quicken. ''Seriously, with Nigel just up front? He''s getting way too bold, she thought, pressing a hand to his chest. In a whisper, she said, "You can''t kiss me here. Behave." Outside, the faint lights cast a soft glow over her face, her delicate features only half-visible through her loose hair. Her lips, full and softly parted, seemed to invite him closer, and Maxwell felt his restraint fading. "Just a quick kiss."


    Without waiting for a reply, Maxwell leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, soft and warm, with just a hint of that lingering scent of alcohol.


    But as he tried to deepen the kiss, Mona quickly nudged him back, whispering, "Save it for when we''re home."


    She cast a wary nce toward the front. Even with the partition up, the


    embarrassing.


    idea of Nigel overhearing them was just


    But Maxwell only stared back at Mona, leaning closer to whisper, "I got you a new set of pajamas a few days ago. Wear them for me tonight?"


    His voice was yful and low, but Mona shook her head. "Absolutely not," she muttered, knowing exactly where that suggestion would lead.


    Maxwell wasn''t deterred. He caught her wrist, his hand firm but gentle as he leaned in. Even through theyers of their coats, he could feel her warmth, and it only drew him in closer. "Not going to wear it? Alright, then," he murmured, his face close to hers, "let''s just pick up where we left off."


    With his lips inches from hers again, Mona finally gave in, her cheeks flushed. "Fine, fine. I''ll wear it! Just-sit properly now." Her face turned as red as it could get.


    It was inevitable she''d be caught up with Maxwell once they got home-unlike now, with someone sitting right up front.


    Hearing the answer he wanted, Maxwell settled back with a satisfied smile, keeping his arm around Mona but staying still.


    Meanwhile, Nigel, fully aware of the boss''s urgency, kept his focus sharp on the road, smoothly picking up speed, nearly running two red lights in the process.


    After getting Mona and Maxwell home safely, Nigel watched them as Mona walked ahead and Maxwell followed closely behind. Their shadows merged together, creating a surprisingly intimate scene.


    Once inside, there was barely a moment for Mona to change her shoes before Maxwell swept her up and headed straight for the bedroom.


    "Maxwell, hold up! We didn''t even change our shoes," she called out.


    "No time for that. Someone''s mopping the floor tomorrow anyway," he shot back, clearly


    t concerned.


    As soon as they reached the bedroom, Maxwell gently set her down on the big bed, and Mona realized he had somehow taken off her heavy coat without her noticing.


    Her long hair fanned out across the crisp white sheets, making her look even more delicate.


    BR W


    Q


    000, 19% ¡é


    "Mona, want me to help you change?" Maxwell asked, pulling out a set of pajamas that looked rmingly minimal.


    Mona took one look and felt a flutter of dread. "Do I really have to wear that?" she asked, hoping for a miracle.


    "Come on, Mrs. Carter, you''re not gonna back out on me now, are you?" Maxwell teased, leaning in to unbutton her shirt with a yful smirk.

 Chapter 149

    Mona quickly stopped Maxwell, cheeks flushed, and mumbled, "I-I will handle it myself."


    She gently pushed him aside, heading into the bathroom with the barely-there pajamas.


    After her shower, she eyed the garment in her hand with a sigh. There was hardly a point in putting it on-it woulde off soon enough anyway.


    Turning the fabric over in her hands, Mona muttered about Maxwell''s "damn taste." The bright red slip was barely there, more suggestion than cover. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and realized just how revealing it was. Thinking it over, Mona just couldn''t bring herself to put it on. Meanwhile, Maxwell, fresh from his shower next door, knocked on the bathroom door and teased, "Come on out, Mona. There is nothing about you I haven''t seen before, right?" Knowing he was not going to let her stall, Mona eventually gave in, opening the door and stepping out.


    Maxwell, in nothing but casual shorts that highlighted his abs, locked his gaze on her, letting it travel over her figure without a hint of hesitation. He pressed her back gently against the wall, lowering his voice as he murmured, "You look amazing. Tempting, just like a siren to sailor."


    He could not look any longer, feeling he might actually lose it. And now, Mona''s face was also bright red, but she leaned into Maxwell''s intense kiss without hesitation.


    They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Mona and Maxwell were feeling every bit of it.


    Soon, the room fell silent, with only the soft sound of rain tapping against the window. On the bed, Mona felt enveloped by the warmth and intensity of the moment, her hands wrapped tightly around him.


    She brushed her lips along his neck, leaving gentle marks as she took in every response. After she lower, letting her touch reveal just how deeply she had missed him.


    was content, she shifted


    The only sound that filled the room that night was Maxwell''s soft "I love you" whispered in Mona''s ear.


    Lost in the moment, Mona couldn''t find the words to respond, so she let her kisses say it all, meeting his passion each time.


    Maxwell, like a lion resting in the wild, seemed both calm and fierce, drawing her closer with a quiet intensity. Outside, the rainstorm grew louder, matching the storm in his heart.


    *****


    Mona was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Rubbing her eyes, she fumbled around and saw it was Ava. Clearing her throat, she picked up.


    "Mona, are you home?" Ava''s voice trembled, sounding like she had been crying. "I really need to see you."


    Concern shot through Mona. "I''m here, Ava. Just drive carefully," she said before hanging up and cing her phone on the bed. She felt the empty spot where Maxwell had been. He was probably already at work by now.


    Groaning as she sat up, Mona''s entire body ached. She muttered under her breath, cursing Maxwell for his boundless energy. If this kept up every night, she figured he would wear her out sooner orter.


    Dragging herself to the bathroom, Mona reached for her toothbrush and noticed that the toothpaste had already been squeezed out. Maxwell''s doing, of course.


    As she nced in the mirror, she spotted a Post-it stuck to the ss. [Honey, headed to the office. I squeezed your toothpaste, and breakfast is in the fridge. Warm it up. Don''t wait for me for lunch-call Hattie to bring you something. See you tonight, dear wife.]  BRU.


    Mona chuckled as she brushed her teeth, ncing at the Post-it note next to her. It was in Maxwell''s handwriting, and it made her smile. As soon as morning hit, he transformed back into the thoughtful husband, even squeezing out her toothpaste.


    Just like he mentioned, breakfast was waiting for her in the fridge. She tossed it in the microwave for two minutes before taking it out, ready to dig in.


    While she ate, Mona casually scrolled through Twitter. Today''s hot topic in Nathontown was about Maxwell taking over as chairman of the Clem Group.


    Without hesitation, she clicked on the trend. The buzz was all about how Maxwell had been announced as chairman during the shareholders'' meeting yesterday. People were specting whether this meant a merger between Clem Group and Carter Group, and how that might shake up the industry in Nathontown.


    As she skimmed through thements, she muttered to herself, ''These people really don''t know anything; they''re just throwing out nonsense.


    But she quickly moved on-she wasn''t too concerned about what people thought. The best proof of their rtionship was simply living her life happily with Maxwell.


    [Is this why Maxwell is marrying Mona? For the Clem Group?]


    [A business deal? Maybe Carter Group and Clem Group will team up!] [Am I the only one who thinks Maxwell and Mona are a perfect match?]


    [OMG, Maxwell is so hot! Young and sessful-definitely my type!]


    [Hey, thementer above me, he''s already taken!]


    Mona just took some nces and finished her breakfast, feeling so energized just as Ava knocked on the door.


    She opened it wide, pulling Ava in and guiding her to the sofa. "Hey, Ava, what''s up? Everything good?"This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Ava pulled out her phone, opened a message, and set it in front of Mona. Looking down, Mona immediately recognized the two people in the photo. One was Bud Ray, and the other was a woman, her lips pressed right against his cheek.


    The picture looked like it was taken on the main road, and the woman''s clothes were a bit disheveled. Bud was also hugging her tightly.


    Mona''s heart sank as she pieced it all together. She turned to Ava, unsure of what to say tofort her. "Ava-"


    "Mona, I got this photo this morning. I drove down that road and found a hotel nearby. Turns out, Bud booked a room therest night with someone else. He really doesn''t care about me.


    "I should''ve known better and take back what I said yesterday-I''m done with him. It hurts like hell. It feels like my heart''s breaking into a million pieces." Ava clutched her chest, tears filling her eyes as she spoke.

 Chapter 150

    3


    19%1 +5


    Ava had no idea who sent that photo. Maybe it was just someone trying to push her away from Bud.


    Seeing her friend like this, Mona pulled Ava in for a hug. "Ava, if you need to cry, then go ahead. Let it out. Once you''re done, we can forget all about Bud. Seriously, you''re incredible-you''ve got a good family, you''re beautiful, and there''s a great guy out there waiting for you."


    This life wasn''t what Mona had pictured. Aftering back to life, she had saved Ava from dying on the operating table, but it had brought its own heartaches.


    Still, being alive was a win. The pain would fade, and eventually, someone woulde along to bring light back into her heart.


    "But will there really be someone who makes me feel the way Bud does?" Ava asked quietly, doubt heavy in her voice.


    She had spent years of her life waiting, and Bud was the only guy who ever made her heart race and her cheeks flush.


    "Absolutely! There will be," Mona said firmly.


    16


    Meanwhile, in a hotel room, Bud groaned as he woke up with a pounding headache. He looked around in confusion, thinking, ''Where the heck am I? What happened?''


    When he moved his hand, he touched something warm and immediately pulled back, ncing at the woman next to him. His heart raced.


    "Who-Who are you?" Bud blurted out, panic setting in.


    Last night, he''d been at a ball, toasting with a few too many drinks. Everything got blurry after that, and now he was here with a woman. He really wished someone could tell him what had happened.


    Then it hit him-he waspletely naked. He scrambled for the nket on the bed, covering himself as fast as he could. But when he did, he realized the woman beside him was in the same state. It was definitely a sight he didn''t want to dwell on, so he quickly let the nket fall back.


    He bent down, scooping up his clothes from the floor and throwing them on. As he got dressed, he noticed the the bed was wrapped up in the nket, crying her eyes out, lookingpletely devastated.


    Bud''s eyes flicked to the smear of red on the sheets and then back to the woman. Panic set inst night must have lot further than he remembered


    Once he was dressed, the woman finally stopped crying and looked at him, confusion written all over her face.


    gone


    "What happened between usst night?" Bud asked, trying to sound calm as he tossed the rest of her clothes onto the bed.


    "We did what we did. Don''t you want to take responsibility?" she replied, her voice a bit shaky. Those big, almond-shaped eyes of hers were locked on him, almost pleading.


    For some reason, her stare made him a little uneasy. "Look, if you want me to take responsibility, I''m not the type to run away, Bud said, trying to sound nonchnt.


    He had always flown solo, but if he really did sleep with her, he wasn''t about to bail on her. Still, the details were fuzzyst night was a total blur.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I-I want you to take responsibility. This was my first time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, looking super shy.


    a


    BR


    Her words hit him hard. With the blood stain right there on the sheets and both of them naked, something definitely happened. He just couldn''t recall any of it because he had been so out of itst night. +5


    "Okay, let''s start with introductions. I''m Bud Ray. I work at Carter Group. What about you? What''s your name? And can you fill me in on what exactly went downst night?" he asked, eager to understand the whole situation.


    "I, um, my name is Chelly Sterling. I just graduated and teach at the elementary school next door.


    "Last night, I was working part-time as a waiter at that ball. You came up to me all tipsy, asking for the exit. I figured you needed a hand, so I helped you out. I asked where you lived, but you didn''t tell me.


    "I couldn''t just leave you on the street, you know? So I took you to the hotel, but once we got to the room, you got, well, a little wild. I couldn''t really handle it. So, um, the two of us-" By the end of her story, Chelly was crying, burying her face under the nket. Bud listened, trying to piece together what had happened. He vaguely remembered Chelly supporting him.


    Seeing her cry, he felt lost. This sweet girl had been hurt because of him, and he had no clue how tofort her.


    Then, he patted her back, trying to sound gentle. "Chelly Sterling, right? I''ll just call you Chelly. I''m not a bad guy. What happened yesterday was on me, and I honestly can''t remember it all. But how do you want me to make it right? Whatever it is, I''ll do my best." Chelly sniffled softly, and after a long pause, she said, "Can I, um, can I ask you to be my boyfriend? My mom''s been pushing me to find someely, and since we''re in this situation, maybe we could give it a shot? Is that cool?" Bud nodded without a second thought. "Sure."


    He had already been thinking about settling down, so this didn''t seem like such a stretch after all. Just like that, Bud and Chelly''s rtionship got off to an unexpected start.


    At this point, Ava and Mona had been hanging out for a while, enjoying their lunch. By the afternoon, Ava was starting to ept that Bud was with someone else.


    Still, Ava couldn''t shake the need to get some closure on her feelings. She wanted to ask Bud about everything, even if she wasn''t sure where it would lead. Hearing it straight from him was all she needed.


    Mona could see that Ava was going to be restless until she got her answers, so she didn''t try to change her mind.


    Before long, Ava found herself parked outside Bud''s ce. She was practically a regr there, and the staff all knew her well. Some even treated her like she was part of the family.


    Ava sat on the sofa in the living room, her nerves kicking in. When a servant came by to offer her something to eat or drink, she waved it off. Her eyes were glued to the door, just waiting for Bud to walk in.


    Watching her, the servants exchanged curious nces. They wondered if something had happened between the two of them and even debated whether they should call Bud to let him know.


    But in the end, they didn''t have the guts. Instead, one of the servants just shot Bud a quick message.

 Chapter 151

    Ava had been sitting there since the afternoon, and now it was past eight. When Bud finally walked in, the sight of her just sitting there like a lost doll, with her red, puffy eyes, knocked the wind out of him. It was the first time Bud had seen Ava so spaced out, and for some reason, it made him feel uneasy. He walked over and took a seat next to her, asking, "What''s wrong? Why are you crying like this?"


    As soon as Bud walked in, the servants had cleared out, leaving just the two of them. The chandelier above was shining down on Ava, making her look even more pale and highlighting her sollen eyes.


    Ava finally looked up and locked eyes with him. She seemed to be studying his face, trying to remember every little detail even the small mole that was easy to overlook. This was the guy who had both captured her heart and crushed it. After what felt like forever, she finally asked, "Bud, do you have a girlfriend?" Her voice was hoarse, but each word hit him like a ton of bricks.


    Bud instinctively wanted to deny it. He didn''t want to rush into a rtionship or anything. But as the thought of his morning with Chelly shed through his mind, he caught himself. Instead of a firm ''no, he found himself saying, "How did you know?" That pretty much sealed it. Ava''s expression shifted to a bittersweet smile. "So, you do have a girlfriend. Got it, Bud. I''m done with these feelings for you. You don''t have to worry."


    No matter how much she liked him, she wasn''t about to hang around someone who was already taken. Plus, if he didn''t have feelings for her when he was single, that just meant all her longing was just in her head.


    Now that Bud had a girlfriend, Ava felt like her time with him was officially over. It was a tough pill to swallow, realizing she and Bud just weren''t meant to be.


    After she finished speaking, she shot Bud onest look before turning to leave. But as soon as she turned around, tears started streaming down her face, dripping down her neck.


    Bud sat on the sofa, watching her walk away, and for a split second, he felt a strong urge to call her back. It surprised him. This was supposed to be what he wanted-Ava stepping away from him. But somehow it felt so wrong. Once she got the closure she needed, Ava headed home to pack her bags and catch a flight. A getaway was exactly what she needed.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Right before she was about to board, she sent a message to Mon on WhatsApp. Knowing Ava had left Nathontown, Monal figured it was a good idea for her to take a break. She texted back. [Have fun! And hit me up if you''re feeling down.] After that, Mona messaged Maxwell to see if he was free for dinner. When he replied that he could make it, she got to work in the kitchen.


    Dinner for two didn''t have to be anything fancy-Mona was totally capable of handling it herself. But as she thought about Ava, a twinge of worry crept in


    When Maxwell walked in after work, he found Mona in the kitchen, wearing an apron and staring at a pot of soup that was bubbling over. She was so lost in thought that she hadn''t even noticed. Quickly, he rushed over to close the lid on the pot, worried it might ssh on her.


    Mona snapped back to reality when she felt his hand on hers. That''s when it hit her that the soup was still cooking, and she scrambled to turn it off-only to realize he had already taken care of it. Maxwell looked at Mona''s hands and let out a breath of relief when he saw they were okay and not sshed with soup.


    He caught her gaze and asked, "Hey, what''s going on? You seem a bit out of it. I''ll cook next time."


    Mona took his hand and replied, "I was just thinking about Bud. Did you hear that he''s got a girlfriend?"


    ''Girlfriend?'' Maxwell shook his head. ''Didn''t he say he wasn''t nning to marry until he was in his thirties or forties? That''s surprising


    "You didn''t know either?" Mona said, a little disappointed. She was hoping for some inside scoop.


    "Mona, if you''re curious, I can just ask him," he said.


    With that. Maxwell let go of her hand and sent Bud a message on WhatsApp.


    Meanwhile, Bud was slumped in his study right now, feeling kind of lost and totally uninterested in anything


    When he heard the WhatsApp notification, he automatically thought it was from Ava-she was the kind of person who never let things go.


    He rushed to open the message, only to find it was from Maxwell instead. Disappointment washed over him.


    But then he realized that Maxwell was actually checking in on him, which felt nice. Bud quickly sent back a voice message, exining what had happened. By the end of it, he sounded pretty bummed, confused about how everything had spiraled out of control. Maxwell had the voice message on speaker, so Mona caught every word.


    As she listened, she started to wonder about Bud''s situation. His tone suggested they might have crossed a line, but she wasn''t sure just how far things had gone.


    Mona decided it was best not to say anything to Ava. She didn''t want to give her any false hope. If Bud really did sleep with someone else, it would just crush Ava more.


    Bud shot off another voice message. "Maxwell, she wants to give it a shot with me. Think we''ll end up breaking up?"


    Maxwell kept his reply short and sweet. [No.]


    He couldn''t even bother typing more. Since it was that woman who suggested they be together, unless Bud messed up big time, breaking up wasn''t going to happen easily. She surely knew the people at that ball were either rich or well-connected, so it would secure her future. Frustrated, Bud mmed his phone down on the table. The thought of getting married in his twenties because of a one-night stand was just infuriating.

 Chapter 152

    Mona took leave until Monday. On the weekend, she even went to Horieta with Maxwell and was relieved to find that Bernard was in good health upon seeing him in person. Furthermore, Luke''s team had already conducted tests on the ingredients involved in Bernard''s poison. They only needed time to concoct an antidote.


    Upon Mona received this update, a glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes.


    On Monday, the sun shone on the ground, bringing some warmth to the cold winter. Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked into Clem Group.


    When they reached the gate, Mona struggled a little. Maxwell did not move. He looked at Mona with a confused gaze


    Maxwell thought, Why did she suddenly refuse to let me hold her hands? I haven''t done anything overboard recently


    As they approached the entrance of Clem Group, Mona nced at the gate and murmured, "Just let go. We''vee to thepany, and it''s not appropriate." After all, Maxwell was the CEO of Clem Group now. They had to be mindful of their public image.


    Maxwell taking in the sight of employees bustling about, understood Mona''s sensitivity to such matters. With a hint of reluctance. he released her hand They walked side by side into thepany.


    Upon reaching the elevator lobby, they found the regr elevator already crammed with a crowd of people. Mona wanted to queue to the side, but Maxwell pulled Mona forward without hesitation. They got into the CEO''s private elevator. Everyone in thepany knew that they were husband and wife. When they saw Mona and Maxwell enter the CEO''s private elevator together, no one said anything.


    The CEO''s private elevator was spacious. As soon as they entered, Maxwell held Mona''s hand in his arms. "There''s no one watching now. We can hold hands."


    Mona lowered her head and looked at their tightly held hands. There was warmth between their fingers, and her heart felt warm. "Why did you pull me into this elevator! If the staff beside me saw this, they would gossip."


    "Whoever dares to say anything? They can say whatever they want unless they want to leave Clem Group." Maxwell''s tone was calm, but Mona could actually hear his tone conveying quiet confidence, but he did have the privilege to say that.


    Mona had always wanted to be like the ordinary employees of the Design Department, desiring no special treatment that would distinguish her from her peers. However, as Maxwell''s wife, certain privileges were inevitably bestowed upon her. asionally, it was pleasant to savor the benefits of Maxwell''s influence. After all, she was Mrs. Carter.


    As the elevator approached the Design Department, Maxwell leaned in and gently pressed a kiss to Mona''s cheek. "What should I do? I don''t want to be separated from you. Can I use my authority to make you my secretary?"


    If Mona had been his secretary, he could have stayed with Mona all the time.


    Mona looked at Maxwell and said firmly, "No, being a designer is my dream."


    After her rebirth, the first thing she wanted to do was to love Maxwell. Now that it was already in progress, she wanted to realize the design dream of her previous life.


    This was why she did not consider being Clem Group''s CEO.


    08.38 Fri, Nov


    "I know, I''m just saying-Mona, don''t be angry Hearing that Mor''s tone was a little agitated, Maxwell immediately cowered, afraid that Mona would be angry.


    At this moment, the elevator was about to stop at the Design Department. Mona hurriedly said, "Well, I''m not angry. Am I someone who gets angry so easily?"Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The moment the elevator door opened, Mona tiptoed and kissed Maxwell on the cheek. She said sweetly, "Hubby, I''m leaving. Don''t miss me."


    With that, Mona walked out of the elevator.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s slender back and thought to himself, is Mona really someone who doesn''t get angry easily?


    His thoughts drifted back to two days ago when they were in Ilorieta Maxwell had wanted to draw near to Mona in the quiet of the morning, but in doing so, he identally woke her up. Groggy, Mona said angrily, "Maxwell, why can''t you sleep soundly in the morning?" From that moment on, Maxwell sensed a palpable shift in the air around Mo?a. Her attitude towards him had turned cold. She did not even give him a hug.


    Later on, Maxwell knew that Mona had a quite bad temper. He could not afford to provoke her.


    On the other side, after Mona returned to the Design Department, ra was the first to wee her. Thepany''s recent change in leadership, with the appointment of a new CEO, has be a hot topic of conversation. She knew why Mona dide to work.


    §á§à§ä


    Now that Mona was here, it meant that Bernard''s condition had stabilized.


    "Mona, you''re here. Come on, take a seat. I''ve already cleaned up your office cubicle." ra smiled and pulled Mona to sit down.


    When the people around them saw Monae, they all walked over to greet her, including Barbara. She kept calling Monal cousin affectionately. But Mona did not respond to her. The people around them knew that Mona and Barbara didn''t get along well


    In the beginning, everyone in the Design Department thought that Mona was just Ms. Clem of the Clem family, a pretty girl that knew nothing about design. It would be difficult for her to be employed by Clem Group with her own ability. Following the creation of Artemis''s gown and her participation in the prestigious Design Competition of Nathontown. Mona''s design prowess was on full disy. Her talent erased any initial biases people may have held about her. Instead, they gradually became respectful.


    After everyone finally left, ra muttered softly, "Mona, did you know that your cousin is really a bitch? Didn''t you note to thepany two days ago? I saw Barbara walk to the CEO''s office with a lunch box with my own eyes."


    When she heard ra say that Barbara actually went to see Maxwell, Mona immediately became interested. "ra, and then? Tell me."


    Maxwell hadn''t told her about this yet. She didn''t know that Barbara had gone to see Maxwell in private.


    "Then, I saw after she went to take the elevator to his office, Mr. Carter came down in the CEO''s elevator. He left thepany. Barbara came for nothing" ra tried to stifle herughter by covering her mouth, but it only grew more uncontroble. "Did you know? Mona, when Barbara came back, her face looked gloomy. It seemed that she was pissed off. I can''t take it anymore. Keepingughing will kill me."


    Mona felt relieved. No wonder Maxwell didn''t tell her about it. It seemed that Maxwell himself didn''t know Barbara had tried toe to see him.


    "Did she go to see Maxwell again?" Mona asked. She didn''t believe that Barbara would give up after trying once.


    ra said. "In the afternoon I noticed an announcement posted on the board. It stated that unless there''s a pressing maiter, employees should refrain from visiting the top floor to disturb the CEO. It seems likely that someone informed Mr. Carter about Barbara''s visit. Anyway, I haven''t seen Barbara attempt to go up there again since then." "Great. Thank you, ra. Why are you telling me this?" Mona did not specifically instruct ra to watch Barbara for her.


    But ra told her about this matter. It meant ra was really treating Mona as a friend.


    ra said, "It''s my pleasure. Don''t forget that I''m your bridesmaid for your marriage with Mr. Carter. You must live happily ever after. Let the people of Nathontown see that your union is not a mere marriage of convenience, but a true testament to love andmitme

 Chapter 153

    encaking of this, ra was furious. A few days ago, she saw a pot on Twitter, on which many people said that Maxwell and Mona were connected by marriage. ra had passionately defended their rtionship, refuting such ims, but she found herself in a heated


    debate with the naysayers. Despite her efforts she realized that her voice was a drop in the ocean.


    ra went to work with Mona every day. She still remembered when Mona went missing, Maxwell''s back looked so sad and lonely. ra had also borne witness to the tender moment on their wedding day when Maxwell and Mona looked at each other with love. Mona revealed a faint smile. That''s for sure. I''ll definitely be Maxwell''s wife until the end of my my life"


    When she said this, Mona was especially confident. When she and Maxwell registered their marriage, she did not think of getting a divorce. She also knew that Maxwell would not want to divorce her. It could be seen from the fact that Mixwell had ced all of his assets under her care for safekeeping.


    At night, the Design Department organized a celebration to wee Mona back and to honor their achievements at the Design Competition of Nathontown.


    Therefore, Mona was undoubtedly the guest of honor at this gathering, and her presence was not just expected but essential After all, social engagements are an integral part of one''s life


    Maxwell would have to eat dinner alone. Initially, Mona had considered inviting him to join the gathering, but she hesitated. She wondered if her colleagues would feel constrained and unable to fully enjoy themselves with thepany''s leader at the belm


    If Maxwell came with her, her colleagues would have to toast to Mr. Carter all the time. Also, Barbara would participate in the gathering. She was also the main character as she too has earned enough attention with her second-ce finish in the Design Competition of Nathontown


    Leander had booked the gathering at a restaurant near thepany. They could walk there.


    Mona did not ask Maxwell to send her there. Instead, she asked Maxwell to go home first.


    In the end, she received crying emojis from Maxwell. Mona felt that Maxwell was a little pitiful, and seemed to be a poor abandoned husband. She immediately felt that she was a little bad and quicklyforted Maxwell [What are you crying for? You''ll see me tonight.] She added a hug emoji.


    Maxwell [But time is shorter. I don''t care. You have topensate me


    Mona looked at the message from Maxwell and could imagine Maxwell''s wronged expression.


    Muna: Tell me, how should Ipensate you?]


    Maxwell: [Can you take the initiative tonight?]


    As an adult, Mona naturally understood what Maxwell meant. Her face flushed when ra called her to set off.


    Mona replied: [You hooligan.) Then she left.


    Maxwell looked at the message and wondered, ''Am I a hooligan? It seems that I did not work hard enough to satisfy my wife Maxwell. I''ll show you how powerful I am tonight] Mona didn''t see this message. When she and ra arrived at the door of the restaurant, they said Leander''s name and were led to the private room on the second floor. Mona liked the restaurant''s decor, which exuded an air of ancient style.


    14


    In the corridor, Mo?a identally saw a person. It was Gordon, walking in front of her. She wondered, ''Why is Gordon here! Why do I see him everywhere I go? 90%


    Fortunately, they came to the private room that Leander had reserved after taking a few steps. They walked straight in, and Mona was spared from meeting Gordon in person.


    When they entered, most people from the Design Department had already been there, including Leander.


    Upon her arrival, Mona was greeted by her colleagues who promptly escorted her to a seat adjacent to Leander. There was a general consensus that, as the main character of the evening. Mona deserved the seat of honor beside him.


    The table setting reflected the importance of the asion, with Barbara already upying the seat to Leander''s left. Mona was guided to the seat on his right. ra took the seat beside her


    Not long after Mona sat down, the rest people of the Design Department arrived one after another.


    Just like that, Mona didn''t see thest WhatsApp message that Maxwell sent her.


    "Alright, since everyone is here, let me say a few words. It''s the new year. We have toplete our work seriously and improve our design ability. Also, there''s the current big matter of the Design Department. As everyone knows, Mona and Barbara will be representing Nathontown in the nextpetition. The venue of thepetition has yet to be decided. When there''s concrete news, I''ll definitely inform you immediately. Everyone, try your best to cooperate with their work. That''s all. Now, everyone, feel free to enjoy yourself, Leander said. After saying that, deafening apuse sounded for a long time.


    After the gathering began, Mona quietly ate the food in front of her. Someone came to toast Mona, but they were all tactfully rejected by ra beside her.


    When everyone saw that Mona did not drink, they felt that it was nothing and turned to tter Barbara.


    Mona was finally free. She took out her cell phone and took a look. When she saw Maxwell''s WhatsApp message, she didn''t understand what she meant at first. When she saw what she had sent, she realized what Maxwell was talking about. She immediately blushed and told ra beside her before going out for some fresh air.


    The air in the corridor outside was much fresher. Mona walked towards the restroom and saw a girl walking into the private room in front from afar.


    Mona felt that this person''s back view was especially familiar. She quickly took out her phone and took a photo. The moment she pressed the shutter, the person turned slightly, revealing her profile as she entered the private room.


    Mona stood in the corridor, her eyes intently fixed on the photo she had just taken. She erged the image to get a clearer was Bud''s girlfriend, Chelly Sterling. The features of the person in the view. A momentter, Mona realized that this perso photo matched perfectly with the face she had seen in the image Ava had shown her earlier.


    She stared at the figure in the photo in a daze. This was the same silhouette she had caught a glimpse of upon her return to the country. The familiarity she had felt back then made her have an initial thought that it was a celebrity. After all, she heard something about cosmetic surgery.


    Just as Mona was concentrating, the door of the private room that Chelly entered suddenly opened. Mona was so frightened that she hurriedly opened the private room behind her and walked in. Fortunately, the private room was empty. Otherwise, she would be in an awkward position


    Mona looked out of the peephole and could see the exact situation at the door of the private room. She clearly saw Gordoning out of that private room. The woman beside him was Chelly. Mona could not remain calm. What does Bud''s girlfriend have to do with Cordon? Moreover, they seem to be very close.


    After Gordon and Chelly left, Mona quietly opened the door and walked out to double-check. She verified that it was indeed Chelly she had seen-both in the photo and in the embrace of Cordon.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona quickly confided in Maxwell about her discovery. She recounted how she uncovered the connection between Bud''s girlfriend and Gordon. She asked Maxwell to think of a way to reinind Bud not to be deceived.


    0

 Chapter 154

    After Mona sem Maxwell a WhatsApp message, she thought about Ava, who was far away in a foreign country. Mona thought. Tlow upset was Ava so that she went overseas to take a break without telling us? If she realizes that what happened is not what she imagined, that Bud has been framed, and that she still loves Bud, will she still have the courage to puritie


    him?


    Mona did not know what Ava''s final decision was, but she knew that Ava must be extremely sad.


    Mona remained in the corridor, lost in thought. In the end, ra, who was in the private room, went out to look for Mona after noting Mona''s extended absence. She found that Mona was standing alone in the corridor, thinking about something. When ra asked Mona what she was thinking, Mona casually found an excuse and returned to the private room with ra.


    At this moment, in Maxwell''s office, his phone rang- Maxwell was curious about what Mona had sent. He quickly stopped working and turned on his phone.


    Mona''s message had exceeded his expectations, but he knew the gravity of the situation. Wasting no time, he promptly called Nigel over and told him about this matter, asking him to investigate Chelly.


    Mona did not have any evidence, so Maxwell did not n to tell Bud about it. He was afraid that Bud would directly question his girlfriend and alert her.


    On the other hand, ever since Ava did not send Bud messages every day, she had been upset. Every day, she would subconsciously read their chat history and type something in the input box. Then, she thought that it was bad and deleted it


    Ava stopped sending him messages after she left his house. Thest words Ava had said to him shed through Bud''s mind "So you have a girlfriend. I understand, Bud. At the same time, I''ve decided to give up on liking you. You can rest assured" After that, he never saw Ava again, and Ava never sent him WhatsApp messages


    Bud typed in the input box. [Have you eaten?]


    Then, he felt that it was unfriendly and changed it to: (Ava, have you eaten?]


    Bud still felt that he had not made himself understood, so he changed it to: [Ava, have you had dinner?]


    After reading it many times, Bud felt that there was nothing wrong with it. Since it wasmon for him to receive WhatsApp messages from Ava, he saw no reason not to send this one to Ava as well. With a sense of confidence, he straightforwardly hit "send". Then, a red exmation mark appeared in the chat box.


    Bud thought, "Damn, she actually cklisted me. Did she mean that since we couldn''t be lovers, we couldn''t even be friends?''


    At the mention of lovers, Bud felt annoyed. He had only been with Chelly for a few days, but Chelly kept saying that she loved him so much.


    If this continued, he would get married to Chelly soon.


    The night was pitch ck, and a light drizzle began to fall from the sky. As Mona walked out of the restaurant, she found Maxwell waiting at the entrance.


    Maxwell was dressed in a ck suit,plemented by a ck-and-white tie and polished ck leather shoes. He held a ck umbre under which raindrops were steadily streaming Standing there, gazing towards the entrance with a ck car parked behind him, his tall and slender figuremanded the attention of many despite the minimal movement amidst


    the rain.


    173


    1


    -


    Their gazes met in the air-Maxwell smiled at Mona slightly as he walked towards Mona.


    Meanwhile. ra, who was beside Mona and knew what to do, had already let go of Mona''s hand and left with her colleagues behind them.


    Maxwell walked to Mona''s side and pulled her into his ck umbre. He held her waist and walked towards the Lamborghini


    "Maxwell, did you get Nigel to investigate Chelly?" Mona leaned to Maxwell''s arms.


    Although winter had gone, bringing with it warmer temperatures, the rain still carried a hint of chill.


    In Maxwell''s embrace, Mona felt exceptionally warm. It was so warm that Mona wanted to stretch his hand into his chest.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I did. Maybe we will hear of something in a couple of days." Maxwell said as he opened the passenger seat door. He held Mona and let her sit in. Then, he put the umbre in his hand in the back seat and sat beside Mona


    As he approached, Mona noticed that his right shoulder was damp with rain. She quickly grabbed a tissue and began to dab at the moisture for Maxwell. It urred to her that when they had arrived, Maxwell had angled the umbre towards her, ensuring most of the coverage was on her side, leaving his side more exposed to the rain. Naturally, Maxwell had gotten wet. "Look at you. Your clothes are drenched. Why don''t you put the umbre over to your side?" Mona asked, but she felt warm.


    Maxwell was always like this, always thinking for Mona over small matters.


    Tm fine. I was just drenched in the rain. Mona, don''t worry. Don''t forget that you should take the initiative at night," Maxwell said as he gently pinched Mona''s cheek


    Mona pped Maxwell''s hand jokingly and said, "You''re so naughty."


    "Yes. I''m just naughty to you." After saying that, he kissed Mona on the lips before starting the car and driving home. When they got home, the rain seemed to have gotten heavier. Fortunately, the parking spot was not far from the vi. "When you open the umbreter, don''t angle it all towards me, Mona reminded.


    It was easy to catch a cold in such weather.


    Maxwell said, "I have a good way to keep both of us out of the rain."


    "Yes?" Mona asked.


    The moment Maxwell swept her up into his arms, Mona finally understood what Maxwell meant. With Maxwell carrying her and her holding the umbre, she could effectively shield both of their heads from the rain..


    Maxwell lowered his head and looked at Mona who was wearing a light blue coat. Her thick ck hair fell down and fluttered in the wind like a spring breeze caressing his neck. It was a little itchy.


    After entering the house, Maxwell casually threw away the umbre in Mona''s hand. He took off Mona''s shoes and carried her into the bedroom. He closed the door behind him and ced Mona on her drawing desk. He unbuckled his belt and stared at her. "You, why are you like this as soon as wee home?" Monained.


    Mona thought, He looks like a good husband during the day, but at night, he turns into a hungry wolf. I am like an innocentmb in his eyes, and he''s going to eat me."


    "If not, Mrs. Carter, you will suspect I''m sexually apathetic."


    Maxwell picked Mona up was very convenient


    from the desk and pressed her against himself. Mona was wearing a white dress under her coat. It

 Chapter 155

    When Mona was pressed against Maxwell''s body, she felt she froze. Her body was stiff in Maxwell''s arms. She could only allow Maxwell to do anything to her.


    Mona''s thick eyshes trembled slightly. After a while, she raised her hand to hug him and began to respond to his enthusiasm.


    The room had a slight chill to it. As the wind and rainshed against therge floor-to-ceiling windows, Mona was oblivious to the cold. Maxwell entirely controlled her, and they shared a kiss thatsted for nearly half an hour. Maxwell''s forehead was pressed against Mona''s. His voice was a little hoarse and mixed with hot breath. "Mona, I really love you, and I''m lucky. You love me too.


    The word "love" was the heaviest in the world. She could feel how deep Maxwell''s love was.


    Mona felt that she was almost unable to breathe. How much did Maxwell love her in her previous life? Then he avenged her after her death and was willing to die in the end.


    Mona wondered how lonely he felt when he was avenging her. She didn''t dare to imagine how difficult I was for him to spend each day.


    Mona thought, ''In this life, I owe Maxwell a debt that I will never be able to repay.'' She subconsciously grabbed Maxwell''s tie, and her red lips parted slightly. "Maxwell, I love you more than you think." Hence, she felt more secure. Maxwell held Mona close in his embrace. His handsome face was pressed intimately against hers, as he tried to feel that she


    was real.


    Maxwell had lived in darkness all his life. His parents did not love him. He was an illegitimate child that no one cared about, but now, Mona cared about him.


    It rained outside for a long time, drumming against the window in a relentless rhythm. Mona''s smooth back was left bare, her waistline elegantly defined. As lightning intermittently illuminated the room, the butterfly bones on her back were strikingly prominent. Maxwell saw it, leaned over, and approached Mona. With a heavy breath, he said, "A hooligan. Am I a hooligan?"


    Mona''s mind went nk. When she suddenly heard Maxwell mention that, it took her a long time to remember that she was the one who sent it to Maxwell.


    No wonder Mona felt that tonight, Maxwell was a little different Mona thought, ''Is it because I said that to him? She then said, "No, you''re not."


    Maxell lowered his head. The lightning outside the window shone on his handsome side profile, and their voices sounded


    in the room.


    Mona said, "Maxwell, you bastard"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    "Well, I am only a bastard to you." Uponpleting his sentence, Maxwell''s lips curled into a charming smile. He let his palm glide down to Mona''s waist, and with ease, he lifted her and carried her to therge bed before them. They both sank into the plush nket, and his hand captured her delicate wrist,


    Mona didn''t know how long it passed when she nestled under the nket. She ced her fair fingers on her cheeks and touched the tears on her face again and again...


    After some time had passed, she lifted her gaze to Maxwell, her vision blurred, and spoke in a soft, low voice, "Maxwell, I''m


    hungry."


    Maxwell turned around and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. His voice was much lower than usual. Tm sorry. I went overboard just now. What do you want to eat? I''ll make it for you." Mona allowed Maxwell to wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes and said, "Spaghetti. It won''t be long before it''s ready"


    "Alright, let''s eat spaghetti then. Coincidentally, you can have Haltic''s mushroom soup." Maxwell caressed Mona''s face again and again.


    Seeing Mona nod, Maxwell got up and went to the kitchen downstairs.


    After Maxwell left, Mona casually found Maxwell''s shirt and put it on before getting out of the nket.


    With a thud, her feet subconsciously trembled. Mona thought to herself that she could no longer seduce Maxwell. He was so energetic in bed.


    Mona went downstairs and sat at the dining table. She took out her phone and looked at it. It was already one or two in the morning. She had been forced to stay up again.


    Just as Mona said, it wouldn''t be long before the spaghetti was ready. In a few minutes, a te of spaghetti was served to Mona. There was a fried egg on it, and so was Maxwell''s te.


    "You eat too?" Mona asked curiously. She had never seen Maxwell eatte at night.


    "Yes, I haven''t had dinner yet either. I felt hungry, so I prepared extra spaghetti, Maxwell exined. He had already thoughtfully ced a fork in Mona''s hand.


    "Why didn''t you have dinner tonight?" Mona asked. In her heart, she thought, ''He was eager to have sex with me even without having dinner. s...


    "I have too many things to deal with today, so I wanted toe home for dinner. However,pared to eating, you are more important," Maxwell said before starting to eat his spaghetti. Mona rolled her eyes at Maxwell. This guy....


    Maxwell''s culinary skills were very good. Mona finished the spaghetti soon.


    The next morning, just as Mona had expected, she went to thepany with two dark circles under her eyes. Unlike her, Maxwell looked especially energetic.


    As soon as Mona came to the Design Department, ra asked Mona if she had not slept wellst night. Mona nodded.


    Just like that, Mona spent the morning in a daze. In the afternoon, Mona was free and wanted to go to the cafe next door to have a cup of coffee to refresh herself and wait for Maxwell to get off work.


    Mona had just walked out of Clem Group and somehow, Teddy grabbed her arm. Mona looked at Teddy in front of her and broke free from his grip. She walked straight towards the cafe as she ignored Teddy.


    "Mona, I haven''te to see you for so long. Did you miss me? Teddy asked. He had already strode forward and was walking side by side with Mona.


    "No, Mona said indifferently.


    Mona had not seen Teddy for many days and had almost forgotten about him


    Teddy said, "Okay, but I miss you, Mo?a. I really regret it. I want to win you back. Lately, I''ve been having dreams where you''re always the central figure. It feels incredibly vivid as if it were real. That''s why I believe we''re a perfect match for each other."

 Chapter 156

    Teddy said sincerely. He looked at Mona with pleading eyes.


    Mona revealed a mocking smile, thinking, "When I liked Teddy, this person just wanted me to stay away from him. Now, I don''t care about him at all. This persones to me. Is there something wrong with his brain?


    "Get lost. Stop your nonsense, Mona said mercilessly without any hesitationProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mona, tell me, what can I do to make you forgive me? Will you only forgive me if I die? Teddy looked at Mona''s indifferent expression and suddenly felt as if he had never known her.


    "Teddy. I was blind to like you in the past. Even if you were to copse right in front of me now, unless it directly involved me, I wouldn''t call an ambnce for you." Mona dered, her words particrly cold. After saying that, she did not even look at Teddy and walked towards the cafe.


    In her previous life. Mona was pushed down from the top floor of the hotel by Barbara. And Teddy helped Barbara do it.


    She was sincere to Teddy, but Teddy coveted the shares in her hands. Her sincere love was insulted.


    Mona thought, ''Even if Teddy didn''t like me in my previous life, he shouldn''t have murdered me and let me down." Teddy''s gaze followed Mona''s retreating figure, her slender back contrasting with the harsh words she''d spoken He could not help but shout, "Mona, have you personally experienced what happened in my dream? That''s why you hate me much."


    If not for this reason, Teddy could not think of a reason why Mona suddenly became so heartless.


    He had only dreamt about those things once, and it was different for Mona. She had experienced it herself.


    30


    While Teddy''s words may have sounded somewhat incredulous, anything that sounded impossible could happen in this world.


    When Mona heard Teddy''s words, she could not help but stop walking. She clenched her fists tightly and forced out a few words, "You''re thinking too much. I just recognized your true colors."


    Teddy did not say anything else. As he watched Mona''s figure slowly vanish into the distance, he couldn''t shake the growing feeling that he had indeed personally lived through the scene that had yed out in his dream


    Teddy thought, ''Perhaps I have let Mona down in my previous life and was a bad person. In this life, I want to make it up to her


    the entrance of the cafe and sat in the nearest seat. She took a sip of water to calm herself down.


    Mona walked unsteadily to the


    It seemed increasingly likely to Mona that Teddy was aware of what happened to her. This realization caused her thoughts to drift back to her previous life, with memories of betrayal and a volent end ying out in her mind. It took her a considerable amount of time to collect herself.


    She ordered a cup of coffee from the waiter, and the sharp bitterness of the coffee brought her back to the present with a jolt.


    Mona thought, "What''s done has been down. In this life, she only wanted to send Jeremy and Beatrice to prison and make them pay the price for killing my mother.


    The harm Barbara had inflicted upon her was not to be dismissed lightly. Mona was determined to outshine Barbara in the very field she held in such high regard, intending to make her taste the bitterness of defeat. From a young age, Barbara had always sought to outdo her, and Mona was convinced that this approach would shatter Barbara''s spirit-this was her ultimate goal.


    Without Clem Group''s help Powers Group was already on the verge of copse in Nathontown. Mona knew that she didn need to cause trouble for Tedd. Teddy had been unable to protect himself.


    The phone rang. Mona retracted her thoughts and opened WhatsApp. It was a message from Maxwell about Bud''s girlfriend, Chelly.


    It said that Chelly had returned from studying in Fud and had just started her teaching career this year. She was Gordon''s god sister. They met in Fud.


    When she saw this, Mona frowned. Would a woman put her arms around her god brother''s shoulders? Obviously not. It was probably that they were secret lovers.


    Maxwell: It''s a nominal description, I haven''t got the information about Chelly in Fud. It may take some time. Furthermore, Nigel''s investigation has uncovered that Soren''s girlfriend, Chelsea, has unfortunately passed away.]


    Mona was not surprised to see this. Chelsea had never been able to find a matching heart for her surgery, so she died for it


    Mona did not intend to tell Ava about Chelsea''s death. Ava''s spirits had significantly lifted in recent times, and Mona was reluctant to cast a shadow over her newfound happiness. Furthermore, Ava harbored no emotional attachment to Chelsea, her half-sister.


    Mona: [I understand. Please let Nigel continue the investigation I''m at the Cafe. Juste and pick me up when you''re done.]


    Maxwell: (Mona, stay there for a while longer. I''ll be there soon


    Mona responded with a simple "OK" and continued to hold the phone. She gazed out the window, contemting her life''s unhurried pace amidst the city''s relentless bustle..


    Winter passed and spring came. Time slowly moved forward.


    On Wednesday, a ray of sunlight shone into the big bed. Mona slowly turned over and her pajamas slowly slid down. She turned around and hugged the nket to continue sleeping.


    Not long after she closed her eyes, her phone rang. Mona felt that it was a little noisy. She reached for the phone beside her and picked it up-


    "Hello?" Mona''s voice was hoarse.


    "Mona, book a ne ticket ande here." Jane''s voice sounded Mona thought that something had happened to her grandfather. She jumped up from the bed in shock and went to put on her clothes without even putting on her shoes.


    "Mona, don''t be anxious. Dr. Bird''s team has developed a medicine that might cure Grandpa''s poison. I want you to be present too." Jane''s voice came from the other side. Mona let out a sigh of relief. She had been nearly fright

 Chapter 157

    However, Bernard''s poison could be cured and he could wake up. It was good that he w


    The ne moved steadily, drawing a white line across the light blue sky. Mona leaned on Maxwell''s shoulder and slowly waited for the ne tond.


    After arriving at Horieta''s airport, Mona and Maxwell saw Haley going to pick them up as soon as they got off the ne.


    Haley immediately saw Mona walking over and Maxwell beside her. She ran over and took the luggage from Maxwell. "Mona, you''re here. Come on, Jane has been waiting for you for long time."


    Maxwell watched as Mona''s other arm was held by Haley as she walked forward. He red at Haley.


    Haley silently retracted her hand. She thought, "Maxwell has a bad temper. I wonder why Mona can stand being with him every day!


    When the three of them arrived at the hospital, Luke''s medical team was there, holding a medical report of Bernard on the hospital bed. "Mona, Maxwell, you guys are here. Come over." Jane waved at Mona and the others.


    Mona and Maxwell sat on the sofa beside Jane and looked at Luke expectantly.


    Dr. Bird, go ahead. Everyone is here." Jane looked at Luke.


    When Luke attempted to inform her, she opted to wait for Mona and the rest to join and hear it together, hence she refrained from getting the news first. She only knew that their team had developed an antidote for Bernard''s poison.


    "Here''s the thing. We''ve already identified Bernard''s poison. However, there''s a missing medicine in the antidote. It''s a rare herb. I happen to know there''s a charity banquet tonight where the herb is one of the auction items. Once we acquire the herb, we''ll turn it into an antidote and administer it to Bernard Then, he''ll have traditional medicine to aid his recovery. Then he will be cured." After Luke finished speaking, he ced the invitation letter on the table.


    He continued, "The herb is so rare that many people will be eager to possess it. Even those without illness will seek it to prolong their lives or maintain their beauty. Thus, it won''t be easy to secure. I hope you can manage to acquire it."


    Mona reached out to take the invitation letter on the table and said with extreme confidence, "Don''t worry, I will definitely buy it."


    She was confident that even if she went bankrupt, she would buy this rare herb and cure her grandfather''s poison.


    In the afternoon, Maxwell received a call from Bud, who informed him that the Carter Group had an extremely important clien. visiting Nathontown and required to meet Maxwell. Furthermore, upon learning that Maxwell had traveled abroad Gordon was quick to suggest taking Maxwell''s ce.


    Maxwell knew how important this client was to Carter Group. It directly affected thepany''s operating profits this year. If they could not reach an agreement, Richard might directly dismiss him as thepany''s executive CEO.


    This client had toe at this time. But Mona still needed him.


    "Maxwell, you can go Mona said.


    back to deal with your business. I have Haley with me. It''ll be fine. I''ll definitely get the herb back"


    Jane witnessed that Maxwell woulde to Horieta with Mona every weekend. This time, there was something important and there was nothing they could do.


    "Mona, forget it. I want to be here with you I''m worried about you being alone, Maxwell said seriously. He could take his


    08.38 Fri, Nov 1


    time with thepany''s matters in the future, but there was only one Mona


    "What''s there to worry about? Did you forget that you hired a bodyguard for me? Alright, I know what you''re thinking. Just go in case it''s toote." Mona urged. She pulled Maxwell''s luggage and chased him out.


    "Then I''lle back as soon as I''m done. If there''s anything, you must tell me. Before boarding the ne, Maxwell did not forget to remind Mona.


    "Alright, alright, alright. Of course. If I had known you were this busy, I wouldn''t have let youe with me. You''ve wasted your time on the way. Hurry up and go inside. I can handle it on iny own," Mona insisted, hearing the boarding announcement and giving Maxwell a gentle push.


    Maxwell reluctantly let go of Mona''s hand. He took a step forward and looked back at Mona. His eyes were filled with reluctance.


    Mona stood where she was and waved at Maxwell. She smiled and urged him to go inside.


    It was not until the staff began to urge him that Maxwell''s tall figure disappeared into the crowd. Mona left the airport with Haley and returned to the hospital.


    The night was pitch ck, with stars glittering high above. Each time Mona gazed upward, it felt as though she was peering


    into its eyes.


    Mond appeared at the entrance of the auction in a ck gauze dress. The moment she looked up at the stars, it was as if she was gazing into Maxwell''s eyes. Whenever Maxwell was being affectionate, his eyes would twinkle like stars. "Mona, are we going in?" Haley asked. This was her first time participating in such an auction. Her heart was filled with excitement. She wanted to see what the auction was like.


    Mona took a deep breath. "Let''s go."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    They walked towards the auction. Mona handed the invitation letter to the guard at the door and the two of them were invited in.


    Mona pulled Haley to the seats in front of them. They sat down ording to the invitation.


    The seats arranged by Luke were quite close to the front, so they could clearly see the auction stage.


    Mona didn''t know anyone in the auction. She didn''t want to know anyone, so she only spoke to Haley and sent Maxwell WhatsApp messages.


    She did not long for Maxwell to reply to her. She just wanted to talk to Maxwell.


    [Hubby, I''m here at the auction. Work hard.] Followed by an emoji of a hug. After sending the message, Mona felt someone sitting beside her and subconsciously looked up.


    Mona knew this person. She had seen him on her honeymoon with Maxwell in Horieta, Back then, Mona had felt that this person might be trouble, and she still felt that way now. "Long time no see. Mermaid" Brendan looked at Mona beside him and said.


    "Mermaid? Mona thought to herself. Is this man calling me? She pointed at herself and asked in confusion, "Mermaid, are you calling me?"


    Seeing Mona''s surprised reaction, Brendan smiled unconsciously. He extended his hand to Mona. "Yes, let me introduce myself. Brendan Conrad from Noretin."


    Mona shook Brendan''s hand out of politeness. She then retracted her hand and said simply, "Mona Clem.


    Brendan said, "Ms. Clem, your introduction was really short. Youre more fun when you''re drunk."


    Drunk? Mona was thinking in her mind. Brendan was referring to the incident at the ball where she got drunk. She felt at little ashamed when she thought about it.

 Chapter 158

    "I hope I didn''t make you ufortable, Mr. Conrad. Mona smiled politely. "But I''m married. It would be more appropriate for you to address me as Mrs. Carter."


    With that, she no longer wished to engage in conversation. She took our her phone to check if Maxwell had replied to her message. Seeing no response, she figured he must be busy.


    Brendan noticed her disinterest and chose not to press further. He closed his eyes, rxing as the auction began.


    Soon, the auctioneer took the stage, and after a brief introduction, the biddingmenced. Mona set her phone down and focused on the items being presented.


    The first item was a crown that once belonged to a princess. The auctioneer described its natural pearls, smooth and lustrous. Mona nced at it, thinking of the pearl bracelet Maxwell had gifted her. "They''re probably of simr quality, she thought. Since she already owned something like it, she wasn''t particrly interested. Besides, she hade to the auction for business.


    "Not interested in the crown, Mrs. Carter? Brendan asked when he noticed that most of the other women were eagerly bidding, while Mona remained still.


    "No," she replied.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    So which item do you have your eye on? I could help with the bidding if you like," he offered casually.


    His question reminded her of the rare herb listed in the auction catalog, which was what she truly wanted.


    Seeing that she didn''t respond, Brendan said, "I n to bid on the rare herb. I want to take it back for my father, who hasn''t been welltely."


    "Well, Mr. Conrad, it looks like you won''t be helping me after all. I need that herb too," Mona said calmly.


    Many attendees hade specifically for the rare herb. People with wealth often became more protective of their health, and this herb was believed to extend life and enhance vitality, even for the average person.


    Brendan chuckled, "If Mrs. Carter would call me ''Brenny, I''d be happy to give you the herb. But the question is, would you?"


    "I didn''t know a man like you would be trading a nickname for a priceless herb," she remarked dryly. "I didn''t realize my calling you that was worth that much."


    "Only because it''s you," Brendan said with a yful glint in his eye. "I wouldn''t bother if it were anyone else. So, Mrs. Carter, will you say it?"


    I''m afraid I can''t do that, Mr. Carter. She was aware of the numerous other bidders. Even if she conceded to his demands and he backed out, thepetition would remain fierce. The absence of one bidder wouldn''t make a difference.


    The auction progressed, presenting items such as paintings, porcin, and jewelry; however, none captured her interest. Simrly, Brendan chose not to participate in the bidding.


    "Alright,dies and gentlemen, the moment you''ve all been waiting for! Up next is the rare herb, known for its extraordinary health benefits. Get ready to ce your bids!" the auctioneer announced.


    Mona''s gaze was fixed on the stage, her palms damp with sweat. The herb before her held the promise of her grandfather''s recovery, and she was ready to risk everything for it.


    "The bidding starts at ten million dors. Let''s begin!"


    As the gavel fell, the bidding war for the herb kicked off. Mona observed the room carefully


    "Eleven million dors!"


    "Eleven million dors, going once! Any higher offers?"


    "Twelve million dors!"


    "Hurry, dear, someone in the front row said in Horietan, "I want that for my skin."


    Mona felt exasperated. ''If you want better skin, just use skincare products. Why waste this rare herb?"


    "Alright, I''ll bid, the man responded.


    Twenty million dors!"


    "Wow, twenty million already! Anyone else?" the auctioneer called.


    "Mrs. Carter, are you bidding soon? You''ll miss your chance if you don''t do something now," Brendan remarked.


    "Says the one who hasn''t," she countered.


    Twenty million dors, going twice! Any higher bids?"


    Although the herb was valuable, not everyone was willing to spend over twenty million dors on it. Therefore, many began to drop out.


    As the auctioneer prepared to make the second call, Mona''s patience wore thin. Anxious about being outbid, she decisively lifted her paddle and shouted, "Thirty million dors!"


    The auctioneer banged the gavel. "Thirty million dors! Any further bids? If not, the herb will be Mrs. Carter''s."


    "Dear, I want it!


    Don''t you


    want my skin to be even smoother? You''ll love it so much!"


    The man nced at Mona and seemed to make up his mind. "Alright, I''ll get it for you. Thirty million and two hundred thousand dors!"


    "Thirty-two million dors!" Mona immediately countered.


    Thirty-two million and two hundred thousand dors!"


    "Thirty-four million dors!" She red at the man in front of her, who had been bidding against her relentlessly.


    "Mrs. Carter, it''s not toote to reconsider," Brendan said, watching her growing frustration. Just call me ''Brenny, and I''ll help you win this herb


    "Forty million dors!" Mona shouted before turning to him in exasperation. "What exactly do you want from me?" She knew he had other intentions-nobody would be so generous to her just to hear something like that in return. "Forty million and two hundred thousand dors!"


    "Dear, maybe you should ce a bigger bid instead. Don''t embarrass us-everyone''s watching," the woman in front of Mona urged impatiently


    "What do you know? If I keep following up with small bids, she''ll get frustrated and give up. Soon enough, that herb will be ours, and you can give me a healthy child


    "Oh, stop it, dear." The woman giggled.


    Brendan rubbed his forehead. "Come on. Just call me Brenny whenever we meet. It''s not that big of a deal. You just happen to be my type, that''s all."


    "Fifty million dors!" Mona shouted. This endless back-and-forth was starting to wear her down.


    "Fifty million and two hundred thousand dors!"


    Exasperated, Mona turned to Brendan with suspicion. "Are you saying that all t have to do is call you ''Brenny''?"


    "Yes, normally once is sufficient, but since you hesitated, you''ll have to call me ''Brenny'' forever if you want my help," Brendan responded in a serious tone. "Fifty million

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    Mona waspletely fed up with the constant bidding increases. At this rate, she wasn''t sure if she''d be able to win the rare


    herb.


    ncing at the man beside her, she finally gave in, her voice barely a whisper, "Brenny!" Then she quickly added, "You better keep your word; otherwise, you''re in big trouble."


    She wasn''t sure if this man could really secure the herb, but if he didn''t, she wouldn''t lose much-just the cost of calling him "Brenny," which was awkward enough to her. Even though her voice was soft, Brendan heard her clearly. He nodded and gracefully lifted his paddle. "Sixty million dors."


    Sensing something was off, the man in front turned his head back and met Brendan''s gaze. Immediately, he avoided eye contact and lowered his bidding paddle. The crowd began to take notice, their gazes filled with surprise.


    "Dear, why did you stop? We were just about to win!"


    "shut up


    "Sixty million dors, going once!"


    Sixty million dors, going twice!"


    "You better keep your word," Mona hissed to Brendan when she noticed the man ahead had stopped bidding.


    "If you''re doubting me, go ahead and up the bid. I promise I won''t counter it. Besides, nobody else here has the nerve," Brendan stated withposure. Since they had only just met, he knew that she wouldn''t fully trust him yet.


    Ultimately, Mona invested an additional two million dors to acquire the herb. She could not risk losing it as it concerned her grandfather''s health.


    "Sixty-two million dors, going oncel"


    "Sixty-two million dors, going twice!"


    Mona sighed in relief as she saw no one else bidding anymore. Tinally have the antidote for my grandfather!


    "Sixty-two million dors, sold! The gavel fell.


    "Congrattions, Mrs. Carter, for winning the rare herb at sixty-two million dors!"


    Upon hearing this, Mona''s anxiousness dissipated, even as her palms and back remained damp with sweat.


    She nced at the man beside her and offered her sincere gratitude.


    Mona didn''t know if Brendan had any real power in Horieta, but clearly, the people at this auction were afraid of him. If he hadn''t raised his paddle, that man ahead of her would''ve kept bidding, and the price war might never have ended. Brendan chuckled softly, "This is what you get for calling me ''Brenny. Say it again for me?"


    Mona immediately averted.her gaze, auction. "Maybe next time, if we meet again."


    focusing on the next item up f


    This was the first time she had used someone''s nickname. Even in high school, she would address Teddy by his full name. Thus, this newfound sense of closeness seemed odd to her.


    "There''ll definitely be a next time. Brendan murmured in a low voice.


    "What did you say?" Mona asked, catching the faint sound of his voice but unable to make out the words.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Nothing, just saying we seem to have a strong connection."


    "Perhaps


    After the auction concluded, Mona went to settle the payment for the herb, but the staff informed her that it has already been paid off. She instantly realized that it must have been Brendan who took care of it. No one would pay such an astronomical sum just for a lousy nickname. Now, she owed him a massive favor.


    "Mona, was it that man who paid?" Haley asked.


    "Yes. Now I owe him a huge debt," Mona carefully held the rare herb as it was crucial to saving her grandfather''s life.


    Nevertheless, she had no clue how to repay Brendan. Sixty million dors wasn''t an amount an ordinary person could even dream of. All she knew was his name and nothing more.


    Therefore, she knew that the favor would have to be owed at the moment. If he needed help in the future, she would do her best to repay him as long as it didn''t break thew or vite her morals,


    After securing the herb, Mona left the auction with Haley and headed straight for the hospital.


    Brendan watched as she departed and instructed his bodyguard to discreetly ensure her safety. He also sent someone to warn the man who had been bidding against her.


    "What? You''re saying Mr. Conrad told me to either divorce my wife or shut down mypany?" The man''s face was full of disbelief.


    "Yes. The choice is yours. You should be grateful that you only made Mrs. Carter unhappy. If you had harmed her, things wouldn''t have been so simple."


    The bodyguard''s message carried an implicit warning-if that man dared harm Mona in Horieta, the consequences would be more than he could handle.


    "Dear, I just wanted the herb. Why are we in trouble?"


    I''m really sorry. It''s all my fault I didn''t realize Mrs. Carter was Mr. Conrad''s friend. I''ll file for divorce tomorrow." After apologizing, the man pped his wife across the face with a loud crack to vent his frustration while showing his sincerity to Brendan.


    After Brendan''s bodyguard left, the room was filled with the sound of the woman''s sobbing. She had barely managed to secure this marriage, and it was over before she knew it.


    On the other hand, Mona remained unaware of these events. All her focus was on safely delivering the herb to the hospital and handing it over to Dr. Bird.


    "Wow! This herb is a truly rare one. I''ll head back now and ensure Bernard takes his medicine tomorrow," Dr. Bird stated confidently.


    "Thank you, Dr. Bird."


    "No problem at all I would do anything I could to help."

 Chapter 160

    Mona''s skin looked as smooth and luminous as snow.


    ¦°


    Maxwell''s gaze


    was fixed on her face. If it weren''t for the screen between them, he would have scooped her up right then and there. But all he could do now was watch from afar.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Wow, I want to have a bite of that perfect skin of my wife''s" he eased.


    Mona nced at the in white wall behind Maxwell''s handsome face on the screen and realized he wasn''t home.


    in?


    It''s past 11 p.m. in Nathontown-could he still be in the office? She was shocked at that realization.


    "Alright, enough about skin," she said, slightly concerned. "Maxwell, are you still at the office?"


    He looked at the stack of files in front of him and nodded. "Yep. Il head back soon. By the way, did Brendan gift you the rare herb?"


    Mona paused, realizing that Maxwell must have heard about Brendan. Is it possible Brendan only helped me because of Maxwell? Well, I haven''t mentioned anything to Maxwell yet, so it must have been Haley who ryed the news. The thought left her feeling uneasy "Yes. Maxwell, is Haley here to protect me or to keep an eye on me?


    Mona refrained from using the word "spy" since she understood Maxwell simply wanted to stay informed. But she didn''t like feeling as though he was keeping tabs on her as it made her feel mistrusted.


    Should anything arise, Mona would proactively inform Maxwell She preferred him to learn about her directly rather than through alternative means.


    "Mona, I''m sorry. Don''t be upset. Haley''s responsibility is to protect you, but she''ll let me know if anythinges up. I really don''t intend to do that to you," he said, meeting her eyes earnestly. He genuinely wanted to be involved in her life and meant no harm. With his apology, most of her frustration subsided, though some of it lingered still.


    "Then don''t do that again. I don''t like it. If you want to know something about ine, just ask. I''ll tell you myself," she replied firmly.


    Mona understood that his need for control probably came from the insecurities he harbored since childhood. She wanted to give him the security he needed to help him let go of those fears-but that didn''t mean she wanted anyone keeping tabs on her.


    "Alright, I hear you. I won''t ask Haley about it anymore. Just don''t stay mad at me." He hated seeing her unhappy.


    "Fine. There''s nothing left to tell since you already knew everything. But I have to know something-do you know Brendan?" she asked, setting aside her irritation.


    Mona found herself still a rather approachable person. Her anger had already subsided after Maxwell''s apology. Besides, he had not returned home yet. She preferred to talk about more serious matters and not spend her time engaging in arguments with him over the call Maxwell''s mind wandered to thest time he saw Brendan at a party. He had suspected Brendan was plotting something, as Brendan had been watching Mona the whole time.


    "I met him once. We''re not friends," Maxwell said, drumming his fingers on his desk.


    She nodded. "Alright. J owe him a huge favor, though, so I''ll have to repay him sooner orter."


    08-39 Fri, Nov 1


    "Stay away from him, Mona Je''s up to something. If you owe him a favor, I''ll pay it back on your behalf."


    2K 90%


    Nevertheless, Mona knew sixty million dors wasn''t something a rational person would give to a stranger without some ulterior motive.


    "Repay it for me? How?" Mona asked.


    She wouldn''t feel indebted if it were Maxwell who helped her. After all, he wasn''t just anyone to her.


    It''s notplicated. I''ve heard that the Conrads from Noretin are looking to expand into Nathontown. I can provide them with an opportunity. That should count as repayment, and if they require anything elseter on, we can address it then. But let''s set that aside for the moment. Call me "Maxy'' just once; you never did," Maxwell said, his tone tinged with a hint of grievance.


    Back in high school, he had heard her call Teddy by his nickname, but she had always called him "Maxwell" with a distant tone. Even after they married, she called him "Dear" when she was in a good mood. But she had never once called himn "Maxy


    up and get "What kind of weird quirk is that?" she protested. "I''m not calling you that. I need to go to bed. You should finish some rest, too. The antidote will be ready tomorrow afternoon, and my grandfather should wake up soon. I need to be in top shape to see him." She headed to bed and climbed under the nkets.


    "I''ll wrap things up by morning and make it to Horieta by noon. I''ll be back in time for dinner. But Mona, before you go, just say Maxy. Please."


    Mona could tell he wasn''t going to let this go because he really longed for it.


    As his final words registered, she paused, holding her phone and thinking of hanging up. Instead, she brought her face closer to the screen and said, "Alright, I''m hanging up. Let me know when you board your flight tomorrow. I''lle pick you up from the airport. Right then, Mona saw the reluctant expression on his face. She smiled into the camera, and, with a sweet tone, finally said. "Maxy."


    Then she quickly ended the call, her heart pounding like crazy. She''d never admit it, but she was a little embarrassed for him to see her flushed face right now.


    Even without a mirror, she knew her expression was probably a little silly.


    Though she''d whispered it, Maxwell had heard her crystal clear, and he couldn''t help the slight smile tugging at his lips as he rubbed his brow.


    He sent her a message on WhatsApp, informing her that he had transferred sixty-two million dors from the family funds to Brendan.


    After receiving the money, Brendan''s hand stilled slightly on his ss of wine as he gazed out at the dark night, lost in thought.


    That night, Maxwell didn''t go home. Instead, he took a nap in the lounge behind his office. The next morning, he left detailed instructions for his team and had Nigel book him a flight to Horieta.


    He was eager to rush back as fast as possible as he missed Mona dearly and couldn''t wait to see her.


    While his flight took off, Mona had just finished breakfast, feeling excited and ready to see her grandfather awake atst. Just as she was about to go for a jog with Haley around the hospital grounds, she heard a knock on the door. Since they were staying in the hospital apartment, the knock surprised her as they didn''t know anyone there.

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    0


    Chapter161


    "Dear, you''re here already?" Mona embraced Maxwell''s sturdy waist tightly, pressing her face into his chest and immersing herselfpletely in his warmth


    Recognizing Maxwell''s arrival, Haley, standing nearby, discreetly slipped away to give the lovebirds some privacy. She knew that Mona wouldn''t n to be jogging at that moment. Maxwell ced one hand on


    her shampoo, filled his sense,a''s waist and the other softly caressed her luir. Her familiar fragrance,ced with traces of


    her shampoo, filled his senses. "I missed you so much, he murmured. "I tried to wrap up everything as fast as I could just to be here with you sooner."


    "You''re so amazing. Maxwell, Mona murmured while she smuggled up to him, conveying how much she''d missed him.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You bet." he replied, voice hushed and a touch yful. "Care to call me ''Maxy'' again? I''d do anything for you if you''d do that for me. The hint of longing in his deep tone was unmistakable "Maxwell, what''s wrong with you? I think you have a problem" She loosened her hold on his waist, ncing up at him with her clear, bright eyes.


    "Well, what can I say? Your voice is so lovely, Mona. Say it when it''s just us, how about that? A little Maxy now and then, and I''m all yours.


    Before she could voice any objections, he leaned in for a kiss, one he had been yearning for the entire evening. They held each other tightly, his warmth and desire so intense that it left her craving more. Feeling the difort of standing for too long, Maxwell lifted her gently and sat her down on the couch, cradling her in hisp while he gazed at her intently.


    Mona felt her head spin after his deep and passionate kiss. When she finally opened her eyes, she realized she was sitting on hisp and could feel the effects of his passion.


    Blushing fiercely, she gently pushed him, whispering, "Why are you always like this as soon as you see me?


    "Oh, boy, I''m sorry. I just can''t help it. It''s just that you, Mrs. Carter, are too mesmerizing


    He was just about to pull her close again when Mona shushed him with a finger. "Ok, that''s enough. If you keep this up, people will notice, she whispered, ncing around nervously.


    "So, does this mean you agree to my little request?" he murmured, still holding her, with no intention of letting go.


    "Ugh, enough already," she replied softly, feeling a little helpless. She suspected he''d nned the entire affectionate disy just to make her submit to him.


    is you until you do it," he


    "Oh,e on now, just do it for me. Just one little ''Maxy, and I''ll let go of you, Otherwise, I''ll kiss, teased, his voice a lighthearted threat.


    Mona, caught between wanting to escape and being charmed, finally caved "Ugh. Fine, Maxy, Will you please let me go. now?"


    Hearing the soft, affectionate words slip from her lips, he smiled stealing one more kiss before finally loosening his embrace


    As soon as he released her, Mona quickly scooted off hisp and onto the sofa beside him while blushing fiercely.


    That afternoon, Albert came back from the military base with Barbara. As Mona and Maxwell approached the entrance to Bernard''s hospital room, they noticed Barbara already standing there with Albert.


    However, Mona remained silent, giving Barbara only a fleeting nce as she passed by and clutching Maxwell''s hand while they made their way into the room.


    Sensing the tension, Albert whispered to Barbara, "Don''t be too upset. Mona is probably still hurting from the past incident. Just give her some time, and when she fully moves on from Teddy, I''m sure she''ll forgive you by then. After all, we all grew up together and have years of shared memories. Everything will be alright with time"


    Albert was in a delicate position; both Mona and Barbara were his sisters, one through his mother, the other through his father. In the past, he favored Barbara more than Mona, but since Mona''s marriage to Maxwell, he had begun to see both women on equal footing. Meanwhile, Barbara, whose attention had been lingering on Maxwell, looked visibly saddened by Albert''s words with her gaze shadowed with gloom


    She knew Mona was determined to keep her distance, and while Barbara didn''t want to grovel, she still maintained a public image of wanting to reconcile with Mona


    "Do you really think so? Do you think she''ll forgive me someday?" she asked uncertainly. "Tve wanted to visit my grandfather ever since he got sick, but I haven''t even been able to get past the apartment gates."


    Had she not arranged to "identally" meet Albert at the airport, she wouldn''t have been able to enter even at that time. Albert nodded and said, "That was likely my brother-inw''s bodyguards at the gates. He''s protective of Bernard and Mona. When he wakes up. I''ll speak to him about it. Don''t worry; Mona has be much more mature and understandingtely. and Bernard still holds you dear. Just continue to look after him well, and he''ll still be very grateful towards you."


    Upon their entrance, Barbara nced at the individuals seated on the sofa. Appearing somewhat apprehensive, she hesitated between standing or sitting. In the end, she only mustered enough courage to greet her grandmother.


    On the other hand, Jane wasn''t expecting Barbara. When she noticed Barbara trying to greet her, Jane pretended not to hear and motioned to Albert to take a seat.


    As Albert stepped forward, he noticed Barbara still lingering behind and went back to pull her along, seating her beside himself and Jane.


    "Hi, Jane. I brought this gift for Bernard," Barbara said sweetly, setting her carefully prepared gift on the coffee table. Dressed in a white dress, with her sweet and innocent appearance, she looked every bit the picture of a polite, well-mannered young. Woman


    Jane, who had harbored resentment toward Barbara because of Jeremy''s attempts to seize control of the familypany, found her irritation softening a little at the girl''s respectful demeanor. Perhaps time had dulled her anger, and Mona''s newfound happiness had also yed a part in easing her feelings.


    "Well, since you''re here, have a seat," Jane said.

 Chapter 162

    Barbara received Jane''s permission and obediently sat beside her, Albert smiled at her as if to say, "See, I was right!"


    Mona witnessed all of this. With her grandfather still lying in the hospital bed, she did not want to trouble her grandmother. She could not be bothered to argue with Barbara, and since Albert was also present, she felt it was important to maintain appearances, so she said nothing


    The group did not have to wait long in the ward before Luke''s team appeared.


    When Luke arrived, Jane became especially excited, thinking that Bernard, who had been bedridden, was about to wake up. She asked eagerly, "Dr. Bird, how''s the progress on the antidotel


    Her voice was filled with excitement but tinged with nervousness. She could not shake the lingering worry-what if the antidote had not been developed?


    However, Jane quickly prepared herself mentally. If the antidote research failed, the worst-case scenario would be that Bernard remained unconscious, just as he had been a few days earlier. She could ept this oue


    When Barbara saw Jane stand up, she quickly supported her arm and also asked anxiously, "Doctor, is my grandfather going to wake up?


    Mona''s attention was also focused on Luke, eager to hear what he had to say. Logically, with the thousand-year-old herb in hand, the antidote for her grandfather''s poisoning should already be possible to create. She only feared something unexpected might ur. Maxwell wrapped his arm around Mona''s shoulder to ease her tension.


    Dr. Bird nodded, then shook his head, saying, The antidote for Bernard has been developed, but there is oneponent unsure about regarding the exact dosage. We do not know if there will be side effects if Bernard takes it, unless


    we''re


    He suddenly paused mid-sentence, leaving Jane anxious. She asked, "Unless what? Dr. Bird, just tell us everything at once. We can handle it." "Unless someone tests the drug first, so we can adjust it based on how they respond after taking it, Luke finished, his expression calm but serious. Jane blinked, stunned for a moment. "Will testing the drug be life-threatening, or are there side effects?" Her voice held a tremor, betraying her worry.


    All medicine contains some degree of toxicity, and someone who is not poisoned taking the antidote would certainly experience side effects.


    "It''s not life-threatening, Luke reassured her, "but there are definitely side effects-like a briefa or, if too much is taken, nosebleed. In more serious cases, it could affect the person''s future health. We''d gauge all of this based on the tester''s reactions. Ideally, a young person should try it since their body is better suited to handle it."


    As Luke''s exnation ended, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Everyone exchanged tense nces. Mona''s eyes fixed ont the pill resting on the coffee table. Without thinking, she reached out to take it.


    She felt it was her responsibility to test the medicine for her grandfather, and she was willing to do so.


    Before her hand could touch the coffee table, Maxwell gently pulled her back and softly said. "Mona, with me here, this is not your responsibility"


    At the same time, Barbara''s gaze lingered on the pills as well.


    If she were to test the antidote for Bernard today, even if Bernardter found out that his poisoning had been orchestrated


    by Jeremy and Beatrice, it would not involve her. After all, she had not poisoned him; she only knew the details. This was her chance to show her loyalty.


    As long as she tested the medicine for Bernard, Barbara knew he would surely be grateful when he woke up. He might even acknowledge her as part of the Clem family again.


    This was her opportunity-a chance to return to the family and gain the forgiveness of the elders. But the uncertainty loomed. The doctor had no idea about the exact side effects of the medicine, nor did he know what kind of damage it might cause to her body. "Maxwell, Mona, stop arguing." Albert said suddenly, stepping forward. "Let me do it. I''ve been in the army recently, and my body is in good shape. A small red pill like this won''t allect me."


    Before anyone could respond, he bent down, reaching for the pill on the coffee table.


    Barbara reacted faster, snatching it up before Albert could get his hands on it. Without hesitation, under everyone''s watchful eyes, she ced the pill in her mouth and swallowed it dry without needing water. Then, she turned to Albert. "Albert, I''m older than you. If anything happens, I should be the one to face it first," she said, her tone resolute.


    Her words and actions stunned everyone, especially Jane. As she turned to her grandmother and cousins, tears welled up in Barbara''s eyes. "Grandma, Mona, I know I was wrong before. Please forgive me. I consider you my family," she pleaded, her voice full of remorse.


    The sight of Barbara, who had just taken the pill for Bernard without hesitation, filled Jane''s heart with gratitude


    Now that she thought about it, Barbara''s mistake was sleeping with Teddy. Later on, she was punished for it. It was not up to her to decide who her father was. She was kicked out of the family just like that. It was unfair to her. She was a poor child.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    "Mona, Grandma, please forgive Barbara. Besides, Mona is living a good life now. We wouldn''t have seen through Teddy''s true colors if it weren''t for Barbara. If Mona had married that scumbag Teddy, she wouldn''t have been happy in the end," Albert said, looking at Barbara beside him. He felt everyone in the family had let her down, including himself.


    "Let''s not talk about this for now, Forgive me, Barbara. Do you feel ufortable anywhere? Jane asked. The most important thing now was how Barbara felt after testing the medicine.


    She never expected that the person who would end up testing the medicine for Bernard would be Barbara.


    "I feel a little dizzy right now. Mona, please forgive me. I know I made a mistake. I remember you were always the best to me in the past. You always thought of me when you had good things," Barbara said, looking at Mona in Maxwell''s arms. pitifully. "Barbara, you''re thinking too much. I don''t me you anymore, Mona said reluctantly, meeting Barbara''s gaze.


    the current situation, Barbara testing the medicine for Bernard was a favor to the family. If she continued to dwell on Barbara and Teddy, it would show she was petty. It probably would not just be Albert who was dissatisfied with her; Jane likely would, too. Then, it''s good that you don''t me me anymore," Barbara said. Then she felt her eyes grow heavy and her body go weak. She fell back, but Albert quickly caught her, helping her to the sofa behind them


    Barbara was surrounded by people led by Albert and Luke''s team for a moment.


    "Her temperature is elevated, and she fainted. Looks like the medication was room for aplete blood test," Luke instructed.


    strong. Let''s move her to the examination


    After everyone left Bernard''s hospital room. Mona sat on the sofa, and Maxwell sat beside her.

 Chapter 163

    Maxwell knew that Mona''s words about forgiving Barbara were sincere. In his heart, he still did not want Mona to harbor hatred toward Barbara. After all, Mona''s resentment toward Barbara stemmed from Teddy. Now that Mona was married to him and loved him, he no longer wanted her to dwell on Teddy and Barbara. Maxwell only wanted to upy Mona''s heart entirely without being overshadowed by unrted people. About an hourter, all of Barbara''s medical checkups werepleted. Albert helped her to another room in the apartment to rest. It was equipped with the same medical equipment as Bernard''s room. "Barbara, drink more water to moisten your throat, Albert said, helping her up and letting her lean against the headboard.


    Seeing Barbara''s pale face and bloodless lips, Albert felt a deep pang of heartache.


    Barbara nodded gently. She took a small sip of Albert''s water and shook her head at him. The side effects of the trial drug were more severe than she had expected. Now, she truly felt drained, her breathingbored, and her entire body drenched in cold sweat. The price of testing the medicine was even higher than she had imagined. Now, she felt weak all over, and it was a little difficult for her to breathe. Her entire body was covered in cold sweat


    However, she had already received Jane''s forgiveness. Even Mona had verbally forgiven her. Moreover, looking at Mona''s unresponsive expression, she felt terrific.


    At around nine o''clock in the evening, Luke finally made the improved antidote. This time, based on Barbara''s reactions to the experimental drug, the ingredients in the medicine were reduced. In principle, it should pose no issues.


    That night, everyone stayed by Bernard''s bedside. Jane took Luke''s medicine, mixed it with water, and fed it to Bernard with trembling hands.


    Mona''s attention was focused on Bernard, hoping that her grandfather would wake up.


    e, Luke came over to give him another IV drip.


    After Bernard had taken the medicine,


    Before leaving, he said, "Your family should pay more attention to Bernard at night. It is very likely that he will wake up in the middle of the night. If there is anything, ring the bell beside you."


    After Luke left, Mona looked at Jane, who was holding Bernard''s hand. Knowing that Jane would not rest in this situation, she did not say a word. Instead, she took out a thin nket and gently covered Jane with it, saying softly, "Grandma, it is chilly at night. You need to take care of yourself. Otherwise, Grandfather will be worried when he wakes up in the morning"


    Jane nodded, looking at Bernard''s unconscious face. He had been lying in bed for a long time, and it was time for him to wake up.


    Meanwhile, Barbara had rested for half the afternoon but still felt extremely fatigued, unable to open her eyes. She wanted to go to Bernard''s bedside and wait for him to wake up, but she simply did not have the strength and could only lie in bed


    Maxwell hugged Mona as they sat on the sofa facing Bernard''s bed. Mona rested her head on Maxwell''s shoulder, and his hand enveloped hers. They waited together, feeling anxious as time passed


    As moments ticked by, those waiting at Bernard''s bedside, including Maxwell, began to feel sleepy. He leaned his head against the back of the sofa and gradually dozed off.


    He had been seriously sleep-deprived over the past two days. The night before, he had been busy handling matters at the office and only managed to nap briefly in the early morning. Eager to see Mona, he boarded the ne immediately. He had only slept briefly during the flight.


    Mona, however, had a good night''s sleep in anticipation of her grandfather waking up so she could stay awake.


    Noticing that Maxwell had fallen asleep beside her, Mona adjusted the nket to cover him more, then went back to ying her game.


    As time passed slowly, she asionally nced at her phone and then up at Bernard''s bed.


    1 an instant. Mona saw Bernard''s hand move on the bed. She could hardly believe it and thought she had seen it wrong Quickly, she put down her phone and focused her attention on Bernard.


    After another long wait, Mona clearly saw Bernard''s hand move again. The ward was very quiet, and she could vaguely hear him let out a soft grunt.


    Mona was especially excited and subconsciously tightened her grip on Maxwell''s hand. Maxwell woke up immediately and looked at her. She patted his hand and eximed, "Maxwell, lodi Grandpa''s hand just moved!"


    Maxwell had just woken up, and his eyes were still a bit dazed as he instinctively listened to Mona. Coincidentally, his gaze met Bernard''s unfocused eyes on the hospital bed


    "He''s awake! He''s awake! Grandpa is awake!" Maxwell said.


    This time. Mona could feel a sense of relief, and Maxwell felt the same.


    "He''s awake! He''s awake! Grandpa is awake!" At that moment, Albert woke from his sleep. When he saw Bernard opening his eyes, he shouted.


    Bernard, you''re finally awake!" Jane said with a tremble as she tightly held Bernard''s hand.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Jane could not imagine how she would cope if Bernard indeed left them.


    Bernard''s hand gently gripped Jane''s, and in a hoarse voice, he said, "I''m fine. Don''t worry. How long have I been asleep?" "Grandpa, it has been a long time. It has been a few months, Albert said, looking at Bernard happily.


    At that moment, Luke rushed over and performed a quick checkup on Bernard. He said thoughtfully, "It''s good that he''s awake. The patient has just woken up and will probably fall asleep again shortly. We will do a simple checkup tomorrow morning. I think there should be no major issues." "Alright, alright, alright!" Mona said three times in a row, feeling exceptionally happy.


    Just as Luke had predicted, Bernard did not say much to Jane and the others before slowly falling back asleep.


    It was already one or two in the morning. After Bernard fell asleep, Jane told everyone in the ward to return to their rooms and rest. Since he was awake, it meant there was no problem.


    Mona nced at Bernard on the bed and then returned to their room with Maxwell. As soon as they entered, Maxwell- changed into his pajamas andy down on the bed, holding Mona close "Mona, Grandpa is awake. You can rest easy now. Get some good sleep, and everything will be fine tomorrow, Maxwell said, his fingers gently tracing Mona''s eyebrows.


    Mona nodded in Maxwell''s embrace. "Yes, Maxwell, you should get some good sleep too. I can see that you have dark circles under your eyes."


    "Yeah, Mona, are you still holding a grudge against Barbara?" Maxwell asked tentatively.


    He still remembered the first time Mona called him. She said that Barbara and Teddy were together and wanted to take revenge on both of them, which was why she had agreed to marry him.

 Chapter 164

    Mona nodded gently in Maxwell''s arms. She hated Barbara. In her previous life, Barbara had pushed her down the building. causing her life to end in vain. How could she not hate her?


    Although she had been reborn, how could she not remember the fear, weightlessness, and pain from the moment she fell


    In this life, even if she did not want to harm someone as Barband did to her in her previous life, she also did not want to let others have an easy time.


    "Mona, hating someone will make you unhappy. So, can you slowly release the hatred in your heart?" Maxwell asked.


    When he was young, Gordon bullied him. He hated Gordon so much that he wished he could kill him when he grew up or had suicidal thoughts. However, Mona''s appearance filled him with hope again.


    When Gordon bullied him as a child, he got his revenge as he grew up and even snatched the position of the general manager of Carter Group, which Gordon had longed for. So now, in his heart, Gordon was just a weightless stranger.


    "Maxwell, unless Barbara receives her due punishment, it is hard for me to let go, Mona said softly. What she meant was not about this life but what Barbara had done to her in her previous life.


    Mona sighed in Maxwell''s arms and said, "Maxwell, let me tell you a story. Perhaps you will understand why I hate Barbara so much after you listen to it."


    "Alright." Maxwell was curious to hear Mona''s exnation. From what he knew, she was not a petty person. Moreover she had already expressed love for him, so he wanted to trust her.


    Mona understood that the idea of rebirth was mysterious. She hesitated to tell Maxwell the truth, fearing he might think she needed psychiatric help. Instead, she decided to frame it as a dream. "In my opinion, what happened in my dream was real. Let''s start with the engagement ceremony."


    Mona spoke softly, sharing the events of her previous life with Maxwell as if they were a dream. She recounted how she became engaged to Teddy and transformed into the excellent wife and mother he and his family desired-cooking, cleaning, and caring for Teddy''s mother.


    During this time, Teddy was colluding with Barbara, eyeing the Clem family''spany. Later, when the wedding was nned, Mona unexpectedly discovered Teddy kissing Barbara She announced on the spot that she would not marry him and vowed to expose their conspiracy.


    During this period, Teddy Powers colluded with Barbara Burton. He was thinking about the Clem family''spany. Later on, when he held a wedding with Teddy Powers, he identally discovered that Teddy Powers and Barbara Burton were kissing. He directly announced on the spot that she was not getting married to Mona Clem and wanted to blow up the matter of the two colluding.


    Fearing that their secret would be exposed, Barbara and Teddy noticed that the hotel rooftop was deserted. They teamed up and pushed her off the edge, ending her suffocating life at that moment.


    "After my death, my grandparents suddenly aged a few years and lost the will to manage thepany. Teddy pretended to be deeply in love with me, so thepany naturally fell into his and Barbara''s hands-


    "As for you, Maxwell, you took revenge for me and forced Barbara and Teddy to their deaths."


    As she spoke, tears streamed down Mona''s face, seeping through the thin fabric and touching Maxwell''s chest.


    Feeling his heartache violently, Maxwell gently wiped away the tears on Mona''s cheeks. Seeing her cry in his arms nearly broke him. "Mona, don''t cry. I''ll avenge you."


    "You''ve already avenged me, Mona whispered, leaning into Maxwell''s embrace.


    90%#


    "That was in your dream. In reality, I will avenge you. So, Mona, this also why you suddenly want to get engaged to me? Maxwell asked.


    If that was the case, then her choice to engage with him amidst the crowd was because of this dream-because he was the was because of this dream-because he was the one in her dream.


    Mona nodded. "Yes, you were especially good to me in my dream. I thought that no matter how bad you were, you wouldn''t be as bad as Teddy, so I chose to be engaged to you."


    "Also, I had Ava hack into Barbara''sputer. As I suspected, I uncovered the truth. I arranged for someone to upload the video of the two of them together during the engagement ceremony."


    "So that''s how it is. I guess I should thank my dream self!" Maxwell said, wondering if fate knew about his love for Mona and had intentionally allowed her to have this dream.


    "Now you


    know why I can''t easily let go of my hatred for Barbara It''s not just because she took Teddy. But my guess was right. You truly are very good to me, and being your wife makes me happy. Now that I think about it, just as Albert said. I must thank Barbara. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have known Teddy''s true colors," Mona said.


    "Yes, I understand. It''ste. Let''s sleep." Maxwell said, covering Mona with the nket.


    Mona hummed softly and closed her eyes.


    In the night, after Mona fell asleep beside Maxwell, he slowly opened his eyes and looked at her under the scattered light from the window. It turned out he had overthought it; Mona''s heart no longer held any feelings for Teddy. It was just that her dream had been too surreal.


    In her dream, Teddy and Barbara colluded, just like in reality.


    As he thought about this, Maxwell smelled the fragrance on Mona and slowly fell asleep.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The morning sun streamed through the window and illuminated the big bed. Mona''s thick eyshes fluttered twice before she slowly opened her eyes.


    She ced her hand on Maxwell''s waist, hugged him tightly, rubbed her face against his chest, and asked softly. "What time is it?


    "Sleep a little longer. It''s only six o''clock," Maxwell replied gently tucking the hair from Mona''s cheek behind her ear. Mona shook her head. "I''m not going back to sleep. Grandpa has a checkup today, and I want to go with him early." After saying that, she leaned back, stretched out her arm, and sat up in one go.


    ''Once you sit up, it gets easier; if you hesitate, you''ll start procrastinating. Mona thought.


    Since Mona was already up, Maxwell would not continue sleeping. They washed up together and had breakfast before heading to Bernard''s hospital room.


    Before entering. Mona heard her grandfather''s voice. "It''s all thanks to you this time, Barbara. You saved my life. It was my fault in the past for ming your parents'' mistakes on you. I hope you don''t hold any resentment against me."


    "Grandpa, what are you talking about? As your granddaughter, how could I possibly me you? I haven''t given that matter a second thought. It''s enough for me that you don''t me me now, Barbara replied calml


    Bernard said, "Alright. You''re like Mona. You''r


    my good granddaughter."


    Jeremy and Beatrice were not good people, but their children were raised well. After all, they grew up in the Clem family.

 Chapter 165

    When Bernard saw Mona enter, he quickly waved and gestured for her to sit beside him.


    Mona nced at Maxwell beside her, let go of his hand, and walked toward Bernard, sitting beside him.


    Bernard took Mona''s hand and let it cover Barbara''s hand.


    Mona subconsciously wanted to retract her hand, but upon seeing Bernard''s kind face, she endured the difort and stayed still.


    "Mona, it is all thanks to Barbara testing the medicine for me that I was able to wake up. For my sake, please reconcile with Barbara. Teddy is not worth affecting the bond between the two of you, Bernard said.


    When he discovered that Barbara was Beatrice and Jeremy''s child, he reacted too strongly and chased her out of the family. Yet, Barbara did not me him and even risked her life to test the medicine when she was unaware of its dangers. He felt ashamed that, at his age, his heart was not as broad as a twenty-year-old girl''s.


    "Mona, I truly know I was wrong. Please do not ignore me, okay Barbara looked at Mona with her big eyes, resembling a good girl who recognized her mistake.


    Everyone in the ward was focused on Mona. If she stated that she would not forgive Barbara, it would suggest that she was petty and narrow-minded.


    Mona chuckled and responded, "Barbara, do you not remember that I forgave you yesterday? Grandpa has just woken up so he needs to rest well.


    At that moment, Barbara had just finished testing the medicine for Bernard, and she was like a benefactor to him. If Bernard wanted Mona to forgive Barbara, Mona would never go against his wishes to nudge her grandfather toward Barbara. Barbara pursed her lips, looking somewhat aggrieved, and said, "Mona, I was just worried that I heard wrong yesterday, so I wanted to confirm it again."


    Did Barbara''s words not imply that Mona disregarded Bernard''s health and spoke recklessly? It could cast her in an unfilial light


    "Alright. It is enough that you two have reconciled. Barbara, you have not fully recovered yet. Go back to your room and rest. I have something to discuss with Mona, Bernard said kindly


    He looked at Barbara with satisfaction.


    "Alright, Grandpa. I will go back to rest for now. I wille to keep youpany when I feel better," Barbara said


    1. up. obediently as she stoodProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Having lived with Bernard for so many years, Barbara understood his personality. He was ustomed to being in charge and expected others to listen to him.


    So, there was no need to hesitate or question his decisions; she simply needed to follow his lead.


    "Albert, help Barbara back to her room. We do not want her to fall identally," Bernard said to Albert, sitting on the sofa.


    "Alright, I will be back soon," Albert said as he assisted Barbara out of the hospital room.


    Once they left, the remaining people in the room were Maxwell, Mona, and Jane


    "Grandpa, what do you want to tell me?" Mona asked as the ward fell silent. She looked at Bernard, who had just woken up


    and felt exceptionally good.


    "Mona, Maxwell, I have some coffee leaves from Jeremy stored in my study. When you return, have someone check for poison. I misjudged Jeremy. If he truly wants to harm me, I will not let him go, Bernard said with resentment.


    "If Jeremy was only thinking about Clem Group and did not poison me, I could still let him live a good life in Nathontown. But if he did poison me, he should just go to prison!" Bernard added.


    "That reminds me, Bernard. If Jeremy poisoned you, could Emmie''s death also be rted to him?" Jane said, suppressing the pain in her heart.


    Mona had brought this up when she got married, but she had never found the opportunity to tell Bernard. Not long after, he fainted, and the cause of Emily''s death was left unresolved.


    "Grandma, I have already asked someone to investigate this matter. It has been a long time, so it isn''t easy to look into. However, I believe that the truth will eventuallye to light," Maxwell said.


    "Yes, Maxwell. Well done. I will also need you to help with my poisoning issue. You have managed thepany well, so keep up the good work, Bernard replied.


    After speaking for a while, Bernard began to feel tired and coughed twice.


    Jane quickly brought the water to his lips and said, "Do not speak for now, Drink some water."


    Bernard took two sips of water and felt his throat improve.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Albert''s voice rang out from the entrance. ''Grandpa, it is time for your examination."


    Then, the hospital staff walked in. Mona and the others apanied Bernard for his checkup.


    The examinations werepleted individually, and they were busy until almost noon before finishing. The results were good. Most of the toxins in Bernard''s body had been cleared, and the remaining ones would be manageable with timely medication and IV drips. This good news made Mona feel entirely at ease.


    Mona stayed with Bernard in Horieta for a few days. During this time, bothpanies were quite active. Bernard suggested that Maxwell should return first. On the second day after Bernard woke up, Maxwell went back.


    He was extremely reluctant. The night before he left, he was wherever Mona was, inseparable from her. For this reason, Mona let him have his way; she had grown ustomed to Maxwell''s childish antics by her side.


    A week after Bernard woke up, he had nearly recovered. The poison in his body had beenpletely expelled, and hisplexion had improved. It was time for him to be discharged from the hospital and go home to recuperate.


    On the day of his discharge, Maxwell arranged for his private ne to pick them up. Barbara also returned with them. During Bernard''s time in the hospital. Barbara had been more attentive than Mona, his granddaughter, tending to his every need and detail, which satisfied Bernard.


    During


    Bernard''s hospital stay, Barbara did a better job than his biological granddaughter, Mona. She personally attended to every detail, no matter how big or small, which made Bernard exceptionally satisfied.


    During the journey back, Barbara sat right in front of Bernard, frequently sharing funny stories that made himugh heartily. Since Bernard was in such a good mood, Mona did not want to disrupt the pleasant atmosphere, so she forced a


    smile


    Mona knew that Barbara was currently in Bernard''s favor. Seeing Barbara''s attentive demeanor, she chose to overlook it However, Barbara would not let it go, every joke somehow rted back to Mona, requiring her to join in with a smile.


    By the time the nended safely, Mona felt her face was abo chatting away in front of her. Mona could not help but admire her goals.

 Chapter 166

    When Mona left the airport, Maxwell was already waiting for her. Originally, he had said he would go to Horieta to pick her up and bring her back home. However, considering how tiring it must be for him to keep flying back and forth, Mona had dissuaded him from doing


    So.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Even with the airport crowded. Maxwell could spot Mona in the sea of people at a nce. It was already spring in Nathontown, and the weather was milder. Mona wore a white sweater and jeans, her high ponytail swaying gently. Her captivating eyes sparkled brightly, and he could not look away.


    Maxwell naturally took the suitcase from Mona''s hand and greeted Bernard and his wife. After that, he openly held Mona''s hand.


    As soon as Bernard acknowledged, the group headed straight back to the Clem family home. Meanwhile, Polly had already cleaned the house inside and out and prepared delicious meals for their return.


    Upon arriving at the family home, Jane looked at the flowers in the garden and noticed that many had already bloomed.


    Although she had been away from the country, the regr caretakers maintained the garden well, watering and fertilizing the nts. The familiar entrance feltfortable, and she cheerfully said, Tm back. After being away for so long. I''m finally home." "Mm, there''s nothing like the feeling of home, Bernard said.


    He felt ufortable even after spending a few days in the hospital; being at home was much better.


    "Grandpa, Grandma, let''s go inside. Polly has already cleaned up the room, and it will be just as it was before, Mona said


    As Mona spoke, a group of them walked in. Among them, Albert was the most anxious; it had been a long time since he had been back, and he wondered if his gaming rank had dropped significantly.


    While thinking about this, Albert noticed Haley behind Mona. He might not be able to beat her in a fight, but he could certainly take her on in a game.


    After all, thatdy did not seem very skilled at gaming.


    He thought that after dinner, he would have to challenge her to a few rounds and give her a taste of defeat


    "Sir, Madam, you''re finally back! Just wait, I''ll go get you some coffee," Polly said, relieved to see that Bernard was okay.


    Having worked for the family her entire life, she had long considered them her own. When she first heard about Bernard being poisoned, she had been terrified. Thankfully, he was fine.


    "Okay, Polly, hurry back," Jane said as she helped Bernard settle onto the sofa in the living room.


    Then, Mona and the others sat down. As soon as they settled, Maxwell took Mona''s hand in his. He wanted to be with her for a while.


    "Barbara, go check your room to see if anything is missing. Write a list for Polly and have her care for you. When you''re free, you can alsoe to the family to spend time with us," Bernard said. During his recuperation, he had be increasingly satisfied with Barbara. The more he felt sorry for her, the more he wanted to make it up to her.


    Mona subconsciously tightened her grip on Maxwell''s hand when she heard Bernard''s words. Bernard implied that Barbara would be allowed back into the family


    She was deeply reluctant, having invested significant effort to get rid of Barbara. Yet now, just a short timeter, Barbara had


    06:11 Sat,


    MON


    returned after helping Bernard test the drug.


    "Grandpa, do you mean I can return to the Clem family?" Barbas asked, her face filled with disbelief.


    It seemed her decision to take the drug test for Bernard had been the right one. From this day forward, she was once again the family''s granddaughter and those who had previously fawnell over her returned. Once again, everyone envied her as the family''s second youngdy. However, the second youngdy could neverpare to the first, but things were heading in a positive direction.


    "What do you mean by returning to the family? This is your horter. You cane back and stay whenever you want." Bernard said thoughtfully as he looked into Barbara''s eyes.


    It was all because Barbara had tested the medicine for him that he had been able to wake up so soon.


    Bernard only recognized Babara as the one who tested the medicine for him. He did not know that Mona had bid for the hundred-year-old her for him and that she had also been willing to test the medicine for him. "Really? Grandpa, I am so happy! I am going to check my room right now," Barbara eximed, rushing upstairs.


    She was such a naive youngdy.


    After Barbara left. Mona was about to suggest that Bernard reconsider his decision when she heard him say, "Mona, Barbara is your cousin. If anyone bullies her at work in the future, you must stand up for her. Mona swallowed the words she was about to speak. "Grandpa, I understand."


    "That is wonderful! My sister and cousin have finally made up, Albert said joyfully.


    This way, he would not have to choose sides because of the rift between his rtives.


    During lunch, Bernard insisted that Barbara cat this and that, as if he were worried she would not know what to choose.


    Mona felt a twinge of difort at this. It was not that Bernard was closer to others than to her but rather that he seemed particrly fond of Barbara,


    She could not help but wonder if Barbara was plotting something. After all, Mona knew from her previous life that someone capable of harming her would surely have a wicked heart.


    While Mona was lost in thought, Maxwell ced a generous serving of her favorite dishes into her bowl.


    After lunch, Maxwell was called to the study by Bernard to discusspany matters. Mona walked alone into the garden, pondering how she could make Barbara leave the Clem family.


    Unknowingly, Mona found herself at the small wooden house that Emily often liked to visit. Peach blossoms lined the entrance, and the trees were beginning to sprout green buds this season, filling the air with a fresh fragrance. Mona came here with Emily when she was young, but no one has visited this ce since her mother passed away. It had be a sort of forbidden area for the Clem family, with only the servants asionallying by to clean. Initially, seeing the wooden house reminded everyone of Emily every smile and frown. However, as they gradually moved past their grief, no one dared mention this ce. It felt as if they could see Emily''s shadow here.


    This wooden house was designed and built by Emily herself. After itspletion, she often spent time here alone, iming it had the scent of the fields, which she loved. Mona hesitated at the entrance, then decided to open the wooden gate and stepped inside.

 Chapter 167

    Mona took a deep breath and walked inside. She could not help but wonder if, had she been reborn a few years earlier, she might have saved her mother-just as Polly had survived after Beatrice and her mother were driven out of the family. Mona also wondered if Polly had discovered something in her past life that led to her death. Lost in thought, she walked numbly forward. When she reached the door, she relied on her memories to retrieve a key from a vase. Suddenly, she noticed a ck object wedged between the vase and the wall. Curiously, she picked it up. It was a phone covered in dust. After wiping it clean, she realized it looked like Emily''s phone. Mona''s eyes widened. After Emily''s ident, no one could find her phone. They had assumed it was lost in the crash, but now it seemed that Emily had not had the phone on her when the ident happened.


    The phone had fallen into a rather ingenious position, squeezed into a corner by the vase and the wall, protected from exposure to the elements.


    Mona wondered if she should take it back and get someone to repair it. Perhaps there was data inside that could lead to an unexpected discovery.


    With that thought, Mona put the phone into her pocket, took out the key, opened the door, and walked in


    She walked around the room, noticing traces of Emily''s life still there: skincare products on the dressing table, clothes in the wardrobe, and a painting on the wall alongside Emily''s design drafts.


    After looking around and finding no evidence, Mona saw that it was gettingte. She closed the door to the small cabin and returned to her room.


    As she headed upstairs, she happened to see Barbaraing out of her room. When she saw Mona, she smiled, a smug expression on her face.


    Mona did not want to deal with Barbara, so she pretended not to see her and walked toward her room. However, Barbara seemed determined to get in her way. Whenever Mona moved left, Barbara moved left; when she went right, Barbara followed. Already short-tempered, Mona grew annoyed after a couple of rounds of this. With a sharp voice, she asked, "Barbara, what are you doing?"


    Barbara nced toward the open study door and shed a malicious smile at Mona before quickly hiding it. Despite the smile vanishing, her eyes remained locked on Mona, full of intent.


    Mona, sensing that Barbara was scheming, grew wary. Barbara had always been the type to y dirty, pretending to be innocent while plotting something underhanded. Looking at where they stood near the staircase, Mona realized the danger. The spot was precarious, and she recalled how she''d fallen from there once before-she remembered the pain vividly.


    "Mona, it''s all my fault, Barbara said pitifully, though her eyes betrayed her smugness. "I shouldn''t havee home again or stolen Grandpa''s affection from you. Please don''t me me. I leave as soon as I say goodbye to Grandpa."


    Her words made it clear what she intended. Mona''s eyes darted to the staircase behind her-it was a fair distance to fall, and Barbara was nning to frame her. Barbara was putting in quite the effort to get her into trouble. When Barbara approached. Mona gritted her teeth and rolled down the stairs.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Barbara watched in shock as Mona tumbled down, confused about how things had taken such an unexpected turn. She should be rolling down while Mona looked at her from above


    Before Barbara could process the situation further, Maxwell and Bernard walked out of the study. Maxwell had seen Mona roll down the stairs with his own eyes.


    Fear filled his heart. A gentle touch could hurt her; now, she was rolling down the stairs. How painful that was.


    Without a second thought for Bernard, Maxwell sprinted down the stairs. As he passed Barbara, he knocked her back, causing her to hit the handrail The impact was so painful that she almost cried. 96%%


    Mona rolled all the way from the second floor to the first, feeling as if every bone in her body had been through a trial. Her hand, still protecting Emily''s phone, pressed painfully against her side, adding to the agony. When she finally stopped, Mona felt dizzy, as if she might faint at any moment.


    Although she managed to avoid Barbara''s trap, she also got hurt


    It wasn''t worth it-winning the battle but losing the war.


    "Mona, are you alright?" Maxwell rushed over anxiously, lifting her into his arms and carrying her into the room.


    At the same time, he shouted, "Where are the helpers? Hurry up and call the doctor!"


    Mona looked up at Maxwell''s worried face as she was gently cradled in his arms. Hearing the tremor in his voice when he called for her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and sofily said, ''Don''t worry, I''m fine."


    "Mona, don''t talk right now. Just rest. How can you be fine after tumbling down such a high staircase?" Maxwell replied, his voice filled with concern.


    He kicked the door open and ced Mona on the bed, still shouting, "Where''s the doctor? Why isn''t the doctor here yet?" To ensure that Bernard''s health was monitored, the Clem family hired a family doctor in case anything unexpected happened.


    When the family heard that Mona had rolled down the stairs, they immediately rushed to her room.


    No one paid any attention to Barbara, who had been knocked into the stair railing by Maxwell, not even Bernard


    "The doctor is here! Hurry up and let him check on my sister!" Albert eximed anxiously.


    His sister looked frail, and after tumbling down such a high staircase, it seemed like she could be in serious danger.


    The family doctor entered and asked Mona where it hurt. She honestly replied that her side was sore and felt a bit dizzy. Her lower back was mostly bruised. It would be strange if it did not hurt. When Maxwell saw the condition of her lower back, he even forgot to breathe; it looked terrible.


    "Mona has a slight concussion. Fortunately, she did not injure any bones. She just has some minor injuries. She needs to apply medicine regrly, two to three times a day. It is best to apply pressure to the bruised areas to help them heal," the doctor exined. Maxwell thanked the doctor, took the medication he handed over, and ced it on Mona''s bedside.


    He looked at her with deep concern. She was a cause for worry; in such a short time, she had ended up in this state.


    After the doctor left, the entire family gathered in Mona''s room.


    Jane looked at the injuries on Mona''s back, feeling extremely heartbroken. She could not understand how she could have fallen like this and gotten hurt so ba

 Chapter 168

    "Mona, what happened? How did you roll down the stairs?" Jane asked worriedly as she sat by Mona''s bed.


    As soon as Jane spoke, Barbara, at the back of the crowd, felt a surge of panic. She feared that Mona would shift the me for her fall onto her. After all, Barbara had been alone then, and Mona had loudly imed she had pushed her down the stairs, hoping Bernard would hear it.


    Now, reflecting on her actions, Barbara felt a deep sense of regre. She did not know how to exin this.


    Mona looked up and met Barbara''s frightened gaze. She noticed Barbara nervously sping her fingers together and felt satisfied.


    "Grandpa and Grandma, I don''t remember how I fell. There are security cameras in the house; you can check them to find out, Mona said with a hint of tears in her eyes.


    These tears were genuine, she was truly on the verge of crying from the pain. Her side felt like it was burning


    She had imed that Barbara had pushed her down the stairs, which could be exined as a careless ident between sisters. It was better to check the surveince footage for rity directly.


    People often believed what they saw and heard themselves.


    That''s right. There are surveince cameras in the house. Old man, let''s hurry and check them out together. After saying this, Jane instructed Mona to rest and headed into the surveince room with Bernard.


    Albert and Barbara followed them.


    As they walked, Barbara wondered if she had identally touched Mona at the time. She could not remember clearly. Seeing Mona roll straight down the stairs shocked her.


    As Bernard and the others approached the surveince room, Barbara''s heart raced, and she felt as if it might leap into her throat.


    But she had not pushed Mona down the stairs. She wondered if she would be med for this.


    Meanwhile, Bernard entered the surveince room, and Albert quickly reviewed the footage. He wanted to understand how his sister could be so clumsy as to roll down the stairs. It seemed they would need to install thick carpeting on the staircase in the future. "Grandpa, it is starting. As soon as Albert finished speaking, everyone turned to the surveince screen.


    Among them, Barbara was the most focused. She wanted to see how Mona rolled down the stairs.


    The footage captured the two''s voices and actions at the staircase, including Barbara''s attempts to block Mona from going upstairs.


    What Barbara said afterward was also battling; she could not understand why she suddenly said that,


    As the footage continued, it clearly showed Barbara stepping forward while Mona retreated, ultimately rolling down the


    stairs.


    It was then that Barbara realized Mona had done this intentionally, deliberately rolling down the stairs to frame her.


    In reality, Barbara had maintained some distance from Mona. She had not rushed to touch her, but the surveince camera had captured an angle that made it look like she had pushed Mona down the stairs.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    As soon as Barbara saw the footage, she panicked and looked at Bernard, saying pitifully. "Grandpa, Grandma, Albert, please


    believe me. This is just matter of angles. I really did not push my Mona down."


    "Barbara, my sister can''t have gone down by herself, can she? Unless she is foolish. Also, what did you mean by what you said before my sister rolled down the stairs?" Albert retorted.


    The surveince footage clearly showed that Mona had fallen down the stairs because of Barbara.


    Barbara felt extremely aggrieved. Albert usually doted on her; she could not understand why he was siding with Mona against her now,


    She mumbled an exnation, "It is like this. I went back to my room for a nap and had a nightmare where my cousin was ming me. When I woke up, I felt very scared and dizzy. I happened to see her as I went out and just wanted to ask her about it, which is why I spoke those words on the footage."


    As she spoke, tears began to stream from the corners of Barbara''s eyes. Feeling wronged, she added, "As for how Mona fell down the stairs, I really do not know. Maybe I was still groggy from sleeping and was not fully aware of the situation when I saw her fall "Grandpa and Grandma, I know I was wrong," Barbara said, pleading with them for punishment. "Even if you want to chase me out of the house again, I will not say anything. It was all because of me that Mona got hurt. If I could. I would rather roll down the stairs in her ce and get injured instead."


    As Bernard looked at Barbara''s surveince footage, he noticed that she seemed to have not fully woken up.


    It''s probably because this child doesn''t feel safe enough,'' he thought. She didn''t even understand the potential harm of testing the medicine for me. How could she have pushed Mona down the stairs?"


    "Alright, Barbara. Don''t me yourself, Bernard reassured her. We all know that Mona falling down the stairs was just an ident, and it has nothing to do with you. Just apologize to her properlyter; she will understand."


    Barbara cried uncontrobly, feeling as if she had suffered immense injustice. Even though Bernard wanted to punish her to give Mona some justice, he felt embarrassed to say it.


    "Barbara, you should take a good rest. Is your dizziness rted to the medicine you tested for Grandpa? I remember Dr. Bird saying that the side effects canst a while," Albert spected, thinking about her well-being. Back then, Albert thought he should have acted more quickly to test the medicine for Bernard. If he had, Barbara would not have identally pushed Mona down the stairs.


    Barbara shook he

 Chapter 169

    "Maxwell, apply the medicine first. I''ll exin the reasonter, Mona said,


    At that moment, the skin on Mona''s side waist was fully exposed to the air, and Maxwell''s intense gaze on her, it felt a


    bit awkward.


    "Mm," Maxwell replied sofily.


    He was worried that he might press too hard while applying the medicine and cause Mona pain. He instructed, "If I use too much strengthter, you have to let me know."


    Mona buried her head in the pillow and nodded gently.


    Maxwell poured some of the medicine into his hand, rubbing it to warm it up before cing his palm on Mona''s bruised back to begin applying it


    He wanted to push the bruise away but was concerned that Mona might not be able to handle the pain. His grip fluctuated between light and heavy, making it difficult for him to find the right strength.


    Maxwell''s palm was warm, and Mona could feel the heat radiating from him. When he pressed down, the medicine stung sharply, making her side burn.


    "Maxwell, hurry up, and don''t touch me so randomly, Mona said, her face flushed.


    She felt that Maxwell was not applying the medicine for her in a proper way.


    I''m not touching anything inappropriate. I''m applying medicine seriously. Maxwell said.


    When Mona did not say anything. Maxwell had not considered that aspect. However, once she spoke, his gaze instinctively shifted upward. Her skin was exceptionally smooth, white, and translucent like pearls, without a hint of excess fat, showcasing a graceful curve. It formed a stark contrast to the bruised skin below.


    As he watched, Maxwell''s hand unconsciously halted, his eyes fixated on Mona''s back..


    He leaned down and pressed a kiss against her back.


    When the softness of his lips made contact, Mona''s back tensed, her face buried in the pillow, leaving her speechless.


    After a long moment of stillness, Maxwell still had not resumed his movements. Unable to bear the tension, Mona asked, "Maxwell, have you finished applying the medicine?


    Snapping back to reality, Maxwell replied softly, "It will be done soon.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Maxwell continued to apply the medicine on Mona


    After Maxwell finally finished applying the medicine to Mona, he helped her put down her clothes. Maxwell felt extremely tired and struggled to endure it.


    Mona was the same. She was very shy, and Maxwell''s gaze was too intense, like a burning fire about to consume her.


    "Mona, it is done." As soon as Maxwell finished speaking, Mona took a phone from the pillow beside her and ced it in Maxwell''s hand, enduring the pain in her body as she sat up. "This is probably my mother''s phone, Maxwell Get someone to see if they can something. Mona exined


    recover the data inside. They might find


    "So the wound on your waist came from your phone?" Maxwell sked subconsciously,


    ¦°


    Mona nodded. "When I rolled down. I was afraid my phone wouldpletely break, so I used my hand to protect it. That is why that area is more seriously injured. In fact, my hand was also badly hurt." "You must not do that again. Your body is more important than any so-called evidence, Maxwell said seriously as he looked into Mona''s eyes.


    God knew that his heart was in his throat when he saw Mona rolling down the stairs. When he saw her lying on the ground, sweat on her face from the pain, Maxwell felt that he hated himself.


    It was because of this so-called phone that her back ended up like this. Maxwell was a little angry.


    He did not know what he was angry about; he just did not want Mona to do this.


    Mona saw some anger on Maxwell''s face and knew that he was worried about her health. She quicklyforted him "Maxwell, look at me. I am fine. Do not worry.


    "Do not be so impulsive next time, Maxwell''s voice softened


    Mona hurriedly nodded, like a student being taught by a teacher She was very obedient.


    After saying that, Maxwell asked again, "Did Barbara push you down the stairs?"


    She did not intend to hide anything from Maxwell. She said honestly, "She did not push me. I fell down on purpose."


    As soon as Mona said this, she saw Maxwell''s expression change, his brows furrowing tightly together..


    She quickly grabbed Maxwell''s hand and said aggrievedly, "If I had not fallen myself, Barbara would have fallen. Then, she would definitely frame me and say that I pushed her down. Coupled with what she said previously, I could not exin myself. I could only fall down myself and give her a taste of her own medicine."


    It was just that the price was a little too high. It hurt so much.


    "If you tell me, I will believe you. Do not do this next time, Mon. Remember, no matter what, your body and your life are the most important" Maxwell held Mona''s hand.


    No matter what Mona said to him, he would believe her. Then, he would find evidence for her. Mona did not need to do this


    "Alright, I understand. I will not do this again. Do not feel bad. It does not hurt."


    Before Mona could finish speaking. Maxwell lowered his head and kissed her lips, Slowly, the kiss blended with her breathing, giving him a moment of peace.


    Mona looked up, epting Maxwell''s kiss. She nestled into his embrace, slowlyforting his emotions..


    After the kiss, Maxwell lightly brushed his thumb over Mona''s lips and said, "Mona, don''t mess around with your body like that again. You''re someone I can''t lose."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    If he had never known light, he could have lived in darkness forever. But after experiencing light for so long, how could he ever go back to living without it?


    for you, Mona Mona nodded, knowing that his decision this time had been rash. At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Jane''s voice sounded outside. "Mona, Maxwell. Can Ie in now? I made soup


    "Sure, sure. Grandma, wait a minute. Mona quickly responded.


    As Maxwell went to open the door, Mona quickly hid Emily''s phone under her pillow. After she obtained the evidence, she


    nned to tell Jane. She did not want to disappoint Jane if the phone was broken.


    As soon as the door opened, Jane walked in with Barbara,


    Barbara ced the soup on the bedside table and apologized, "Mona, I am sorry. It is all my fault for identally pushing you down the stairs. If you are angry at me, you can hit or scold the but do not ignore me. If that happens, I will not be able to take it." By the end of her words, Barbara''s tears were almost flowing, her expression showing that she felt greatly wronged.

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    170


    If Maxwell had not known the full story and Mona''s true personality, he might have been convinced by Barbara''s acting The way she turned on the waterworks at a moment''s notice, was a waste she was not in show business.


    "Mona, Barbara only developed this side effect because she participated in the clinical trials for your grandfather''s medication. Don''t hold it against her." Jane said, trying to persuade Mona. When Mona tumbled down the stairs, Jane''s heart ached. Mona was her own flesh and blood.


    But since Barbara sacrificed herself for Bernard''s drug trial, Jane felt it would not be right for her to take Mona''s side too much. Furthermore, Bernard had not voiced his thoughts on the matter. Speaking up for Mona might disrupt the Clem family''s harmony. "Why are you apologizing, Barbara? Do you really think I''m the type to get violent? I know you didn''t mean any harm, so let''s move on from this, Mona said reluctantly.


    Mona knew Bernard and Jane still felt deeply grateful toward Barbara as it had not been long since the clinical trials. If she kept pushing the issue, they would be put in a tough spot. She did not want to upset them.


    She decided to chalk it up as one of those days when nothing seemed to go her way.


    "Really? You''re the best, Mona!" Barbara said. Her voice was full of excitement as she took Mona''s hand.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    As she reached out, Barbara identally grabbed Mona''s wrist. Mona winced softly out of pain. It was the same spot where she was injured when she fell down the stairs.


    Seeing this, Maxwell walked toward Mona. In a chilly tone, he frowned and said. "Talk if you want to talk, but keep your hands to yourself. Can''t you see that Mona''s wrist is bruised?"


    To the Clem family, Barbara was a lifesaver who had sacrificed for Bernard''s drug trials. Everyone treated her with respect. But it was different for Maxwell. The only person he cared about was Mona. He took on her feelings as his own. He cared for everyone Mona loved and hated everyone she disliked.


    "T-I got it. I''m sorry. I just got a little too excited," Barbara said as she let go of Mona''s hand.


    Barbara thought, ''Honestly, Mona is just so lucky. She called off her engagement with Teddy, yet somehow still found an incredible guy like Maxwell. He absolutely adores her!''


    Barbara had tried many times to get Maxwell''s attention but to no avail. She pretended to bump into him on several asions and barely got a word in with him.


    "Is there anything else you need, Barbara? If not, I''d appreciate it if you could let me rest. I''m aching all over and could use some quiet, Mona said.


    Mona had no desire to keep up the charade with Barbara. Barbara hated Mona''s guts but still pretended like they were close.


    "Alright, then! Get plenty of rest, and don''t forget to drink the chicken soup. I made if just for you! Barbara said as she headed toward the door. As she passed by Jane, Barbara even said goodbye sweetly.


    Once Barbara was gone, Jane sat down beside Mona. Her voice was full of concern as she said, "Sweetheart, I know this has


    en hard on you. Barbara only recentlypleted the clinical trials and is still feeling the side effects. Your grandfather


    and I don''t feel it''s too nice to call her ou!"


    Mona held Jane''s hand and responded, "I''m not upset at all. I understand where you''reing from."


    *Okay, make sure you rest well and remember to have the chicken soup, Jane said as she left Mona''s room, leaving her with Maxwell.


    Staring at the bowl of chicken soup on her nightstand, Mona felthothing but irritation. She turned to Maxwell and said, Just pour that chicken soup down the toilet." Even if Mona did not ask, Maxwell knew she would never drink the soup Barbara made. He nodded and quietly emptied the bowl into the toilet.


    When he returned, he looked at Mona''s pale face and asked, "What would you like to eat? I''ll cook it for you. It''s been ages since you''ve had anything made by me." Hearing Maxwell''s suggestion, Mona realized she was actually hungry. Td love a bowl of your noodles! I remember they tasted really good. Could you also add a sunny side up on top?" "Alright, then. You lie down and rest for a bit. I''ll go make it for you," Maxwell agreed.


    Mona nodded. After Maxwell helped her lie back down, he gathered the bowls from the table and headed downstairs.


    The moment Maxwell left the room, Barbara heard him from her room. When she noticed he was heading to the kitchen. she figured that he must be feeling hungry,


    Barbara thought to herself, "Mona is lying in bed right now, it''s the perfect opportunity for me to get closer to Maxwell Who knows, maybe I''ll be able to win him over


    With her n in ce, Barbara went to her room to put on a sof, nude lipstick. Paired with her natural makeup and white dress, she looked as youthful as ever. And with that, Barbara tiptoed downstairs toward the kitchen.


    Seeing Maxwell in the kitchen cracking eggs, Barbara was a little surprised. She assumed he had gone into the kitchen. looking for something to snack on, not to cook.


    It was obvious who he was cooking for. It must be for Mona who was lying in bed.


    Seeing this, Barbara''s jealousy toward Mona deepened.


    While cracking eggs, Maxwell sensed someone watching him from behind and turned around cautiously,


    Their eyes met unexpectedly and Barbara quickly shifted to a cheerful smile. She looked at Maxwell with a hint of surprise and said, "Wow, I didn''t know you could cook! Mona is so lucky"


    Maxwell had no desire to engage with Barbara who was in front of him. He quickly looked away and returned to what he was doing. He added oil to the frying pan and poured in the eggs when the oil was heated up.


    Even though Maxwell did not respond, Barbara did not mind. She was already used to his indifference. She simply went on and said with a smile, "The egg smells really amazing and they look great tool"


    As Maxwell cooked noodles for Mona, Barbara continued chattering away by his side. Maxwell, however, did not say a single word.


    When the noodles were finally ready, Barbara was thrilled to see Maxwell serving up two bowls, each with a sunny side up She could not help but think that one of them might be for her


    After all, she had been keeping himpany in the kitchen. She thought she deserved a bowl of noodles too.


    Just as Barbara reached out to take the bowl from Maxwell''s hands, he abruptly lifted it out of reach, fixing her with a cold stare.


    NOV


    "Aren''t these noodles for me? Barbara asked awkwardly. Her hand was still outstretched, hanging in mid-air,


    "It''s for Mona, Maxwell finally broke his silence.


    Barbara nced at the tworge bowls and said, "One bowl is more than enough for Mona"


    In other words, Barbara wanted the other bowl for herself.


    "I know," Maxwell replied.


    "Then who''s the other bowl for?" Barbara asked.


    Maxwell replied with obvious irritation, "Can''t you see I''m standing right here? Of course, it''s for me."


    Without giving Barbara another nce, Maxwell lifted the tray with the two bowls of noodles and walked past her. His eyes were fixed straight ahead, not sparing her even a sidelong

 Chapter 171

    0


    Barbara watched Maxwell as he walked away, feeling utterly frustrated. She marle an effort to talk to him the whole time he was in the kitchen, yet he remained cold and indifferent. He could not even feign a smile. At the same time, ironically, Barbara''s longing for Maxwell''s love intensified. She could not wait for the day when he would shower her with endless attention. Mona would be driven crazy with jealousy at the sight of that. In the room, Maxwell first ced the noodles on the table. Then, he gently lifted Mona from the bed and carefully settled her onto the sofa.


    His movements were incredibly gentle as if Mona were as fragileas ss, ready to break with even the slightest misstep. As soon as Maxwell entered the room, Mona caught the delicious aroma of the noodles. She had been starving. Seeing the glistening sunny side up in front of her, Mona picked up her fork and took a bite. The rich taste of the egg.bined with the savory broth, had her reaching for a second bite almost immediately.


    She gave Maxwell a thumbs-up and praised, "This tastes amazing! Your cooking skills have improved again"


    Maxwell''s lips could not help but curve into a smile at Mona''s praise. Sitting next to her, he said. "I''m d you like it. Just let me know anytime you''re craving something, I''ll make it for you


    "What if it''s something you don''t know how to make?" Mona asked yfully.


    I don''t know how, I''ll just learn. I''m sure I can pick it up in no time. You just wait to enjoy the meal. Maxwell said confidently.


    "That''s so sweet of you. You should eat soon, ifthe noodles sit too long, they''ll get soggy, Mona said, smiling.


    Looking back on her life, she knew that the best decision she ever made was marrying Maxwell and bing Mrs. Carter.


    Later that night, Maxwell helped Mona to apply medicine again. With the experience from the first time, everything went more smoothly.


    As Mona''s injury was on her side, Maxwell could not hold her close while they slept like he usually did. He thus left a bit of space between them.


    As Maxwelly beside Mona, he felt a little unsettled not holding her. It felt almost like they were back in the early days of their engagement


    Maxwell was not the only one feeling out of ce. Mona felt odd sleeping alone without the usual source of warmth beside


    her too.


    "Maxwell, are you asleep?" Mona asked softly, looking over at him through the dim glow of the night.


    With the injury on her side, Mona could not lie on itfortably. Hence, she could only catch a glimpse of Maxwell out of the corner of her eye


    "No, it feels strange sleeping like this tonight, Maxwell replied.


    Mona nodded and said, "Same here. Come a little closer to me.


    Maxwell had already wanted to move closer to Mona, but he was worried about identally bumping her injury.


    But since Mona asked him to, he dly shifted closer to her side


    As Maxwell moved closer, Mona felt the warmth radiating from him, along with his soft, fresh scent. She closed her eyes.


    wrapped her arm around his, and said, "T''m going to sleep now, honey. Goodnight."


    It was a sleepless night that passed by quietly.


    After breakfast the next day, Maxwell left for work. Mona felt well enough to go to the office, as long as she avoided straining her back. However. Maxwell and her grandparents all objected to the idea.


    Just before Maxwell left the room, he slipped a tablet into Monas hands. He persuaded, "Take it easy, catch up on some shows, or scroll through Twitter. Wait a couple of days before going back to the office. It''s not like I''ll dock your pay if you miss a few days of work. What''s there to worry about?" "Alright, you''ve got a point. I''ll take it easy at home for two days Mona replied, though she was not thrilled about it.


    Maxwell nodded slightly. He then ruled Mona''s hair and left the room, closing the door behind him.


    After Maxwell left, Mona took his advice and started scrolling through Twitter.


    As Maxwell was leaving the house, he met Barbara waiting right by the door.


    "Would you mind giving me a ride, Maxwell? I am not driving today," Barbara asked.


    Barbara had put extra effort into dressing up today. She specially picked out a pink dress with tiny floral prints that felt perfect for spring.


    "No. There''s a driver at home," Maxwell rejected decisively. With that, he drove off from the Clem family residence without


    a nce in Barbara''s direction.


    Even


    On the way to the Clem Group, Maxwell messaged Nigel, asking him to wait at the entrance of the office building. Maxwell nned to pass him Emily''s phone to recover its contents.


    At the same time, Mona was living the good life at home. Her food was prepared and served right to her, all she had to do


    was eat


    While casually scrolling through Twitter, she suddenly saw a photo of someone resembling Ava in an entertainment new post. Mona clicked it open without much thought


    The photo was erged. It was a picture of a woman in a white T-shirt, wearing a baseball cap and a ck mask in the middle of the night. Only her bright eyes could be seen but Mona was entirely sure that it was Ava. The most eye-catching part was the man next to her and the caption which read: [The mystery girlfriend of the award-winning actor).


    Mona took a quick screenshot and sent a message over to Ava. [What''s going on here? Are you seeing that actor now?) Ava replied very quickly: [Fuck, I didn''t even know I was photographed.]


    Popping a walnut into her mouth, Mona typed her reply: [Nice try, but stop dodging! What''s the deal with him? How did you get involved with him?]


    Ava: [There''s nothing going on. He''s just an actor working with Artemis on a movie. We just happened to have dinner, and suddenly now I''m his ''mysterious girlfriend"]


    Mona: [Alright, I guess I was overthinking it. By the way, when are you nning toe home?]


    Ava: [Pretty soon! I''ve been traveling for a while now, and I miss you. Can''t wait to catch up when I''m back!]


    Mona: [Great! I''ll be waiting for you in Nathontown. I''ll make sure toe pick you up.]


    Without Mona at the office, Barbara was thriving in the Design Department. Noticing her arrival in the Clem family''s car, people were probing her for updates.


    After Barbara subtly mentioned her return to the Clem family, she quickly became the darling of the Design Department Even if she wanted just a ss of water, someone would offer to fetch it for her. This was the kind of life she had always wanted.


    As for Mona, she stayed home for two days straight, spending all her time studying, eating, and sleeping. She felt like she had put on two inches around her waist.


    That evening. Maxwell came back with a piece of good news. Emily''s phone had been fixed.


    In hindsight, the way that phone fell was oddly well-timed.


    The moment Mona heard this, she forgot all about her back injury and immediately reached out to Maxwell for the phone.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Maxwell handed the phone to Mona and sat down next to her, eager to find out if it really contained any evidence. Mona turned on the phone, and all its contents appeared.

 Chapter 172

    The first thing Mona did was open WhatsApp, where she found Emily''s chat history with Jeremy. She casually scrolled through their messages.


    It seemed that Emily had a habit of clearing her messages. There were only three days'' worth of chat history with Jeremy and they had not even spoken on one of the days.


    On the first day, Emily brought up divorce and told Jereiny to leave the Clem family, Jeremy kept apologizing, insisting that his situation with Beatrice was just a mistake.


    Emily gave Jeremy a day to think it over. Either they would get divorced, or she would tell Bernard about his affair. If it came to that. Jeremy would not just lose his chance at any share of the family''s assets. He would probably have a hard time even finding a decent job in Nathontown.


    Thest day was also the day Emily passed away in a car ident. Their conversation was brief. Jeremy and Emily had agreed to meet at a cafe to sign the divorce papers. It was on her way there that her brakes failed, leading to the ident.


    Going through the messages and photos, Mona only came across evidence of Jeremy''s affair. There was nothing more. Beatrice''s name did not even appear in Emily''s WhatsApp contacts.


    There were also some other things recorded in the notes app.


    This evidence only proves that Jeremy was having an affair, and Emily wanted a divorce which Jeremy opposed. Considering how Emily''s brakes failed on the way to sign the divorce papers, it was reasonable to suspect that Jeremy may have tampered with them in advance.


    But all of this was just Mona''s spection. There was no actual evidence.


    "After all this time, there''s still no useful evidence. All it shows is that my mom knew about Jeremy''s affair before she died," Mona sighed and said helplessly.


    It had been so many years since the ident. It was almost impossible to uncover any


    evidence.


    ''Don''t worry. We''ve sent the coffee grounds from your grandfather''s study for analysis. We''ll have the results by tomorrow Maxwell said, trying tofort her.


    ording to Bernard''s usual coffee routine, the grounds were probably used right before he copsed that day. No one knew his habit of keeping his used coffee grounds, that was how they ended up with a sample to test.


    "Yes, I truly want those who''ve done bad things to be put behind bars, Mona responded. She could only hope for good news the next day.


    "Absolutely. Thew won''t let any wrongdoer go unpunished, and it won''t miss out on protecting the innocent," Maxwell reassured her.


    The next day, a major news shook the Clem family. The truth about Bernard''s poisoning was finally uncovered.


    The test results confirmed that the coffee grounds wereced with the same toxin found in Bernard''s system. When Bernard found out, he reported it to the police right away.


    In no time, the story about Jeremy poisoning Bernard to gain control of the Clem Group was all over the news in Nathontown Jeremy''s reputation was tarnished.


    By the time the police arrived at Jeremy''s house, he was nowhere to be found. They issued a citywide alert with a reward for information on his whereabouts, closed all highway exits, and began checking each suspicious person one by one. The


    person most deeply hurt by all of this was Albert. On one side was his grandfather, on the other, his own father. Jeremy


    12 Sat, Nov


    was the one who gave him-life, while Bernard was both a mentre and a beloved family member.


    Albert felt it was a shame Jeremy had chosen this path. He also did not expect someone so cowardly like Jeremy would dare to kill for personal gain. Upon hearing of Jeremy''s escape, he was conflicted. A part of him wanted Jeremy to have a little more time on the run while the other part wanted the police catch him as soon as possible.


    When Barbara found out that Bernard made a police report, she worried that Jeremy''s actions might affect her. Even though she had not acknowledged him as her father, they were still biologically rted.


    She put on a look of shock and dropped to her knees in front of Bernard. She vowed, ''Grandpa, please believe me. I had no idea he poisoned you. Don''t me me for this, please."


    Bernard was still fuming, but seeing Barbara''s tear-streaked, pitiful face somehow eased most of his anger.


    He had long suspected that Jeremy was the one who poisoned him. He just did not have any proof until now.


    Bernard thought. What good would anger do? If I let it hurt my bht, that would only y into Jeremy''s hands


    "Silly girl, what are you saying? Jeremy''s mistakes have nothing to do with you. Just get up," Bernard said to Barbara. He then helped her to her feet.


    Bernard believed that if Barbara had known about this, she would not have risked her own health for the clinical trials


    Barbara slowly stood up and wiped the tears from her cheeks.


    Seeing that Bernard truly did not have the slightest suspicion of her, Barbara finally feltpletely at ease. All that mattered was she was not implicated by Jeremy''s mistakes


    Right now, she had not won Maxwell''s heart, she still needed Bernard''s protection, the Clem family''s support, and her status as the heiress of the Clem family.


    After Barbara left for the office, only Maxwell, Mona, Bernard, and Jane were left in the living room.


    Mona shot a nce at Maxwell. She then pulled a phone from her pocket, unlocked it, and set it down on the coffee table.


    The lock screen on the phone was a picture of Emily hugging Mona.


    Jane and Bernard could tell at a nce that it was Emily''s phone


    Tears welled up in Jane''s eyes. She had not dared to look at a picture of Emily Clem in a long time. But now, seeing this one with little Mona in pigtails, it felt as if everything had happened just yesterday. "Mona, is this your mother''s phone?" Jane asked in a shaking voice.


    Jane could not believe her eyes even though she recognized it instantly. It was the veryst phone Emily used Jane had thought it was destroyed in the car ident, but here it was, with Mona


    Mona nodded and said, "I found this phone near the entrance of my mom''s old ce. I guess I got lucky, the phone could be repaired."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    "This is wonderful!" Jane eximed, with tears already flowing down her face.


    Emily was Jane''s only daughter and she poured all her motherly love into raising her. She took such good care of Emily, never expecting to face the tragedy of outliving her own child. This was the grief she would bear for the rest of her life. "Here, take a look at my mom''s chat history with Jeremy, Mona said as she showed the messages to Bernard and Jane.


    Bernard and Jane pored over every word, afraid of missing even single character. These messages were all that Emily had left them.


    When he finished reading, Bernard angrily pped his thigh and shouted, "Emmie''s death is definitely connected to Jeremy. That man is a heartless, ungrateful beast!"


    "This means that if it weren''t for Jeremy, my Emmie wouldn''t have gone to the caf¨¦ and gotten into that ident," Jane said as her voice was choked with tears.

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    Jane paused, then cried out, "Just like Mona said, Emmie''s car was regrly maintained. How could the brakes suddenly fail? It must have been Jeremy.


    "To avoid divorcing Emmie and to get his hands on the Clem Group, he did something so evil. How is someone like that still alive? Why hasn''t he gone to hell where he belongs?


    "My poor Emmie, my sweet Emmic, gone just like that. She never got to truly enjoy life!"


    As Jane spoke, tears streamed down her face. Seeing Emily''s phone unleashed the deep sorrow Jane had suppressed for a long time.


    Even Bernard, the tough businessman he was to the world, could not help but wipe his eyes. Emily had suffered far too much in her life.


    It was Jeremy who caused Emily so much pain. As her father, Bernard could not stand by without avenging her.


    Not only did Jeremy nearly kill Bernard, but he also cost Emily''s life. Even if he was not the one who tampered with the brakes, he had asked her to meet. If not for that, Emily would not have gone out sote at night. If she had not, everything would have been different. Bernard handed Jane a tissue and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. Heforted, "Once you''re done crying, let''s try not to dwell on it and live happily. If Emmie were still here, she would not want to see you this way, And as for Jeremy, I swear he''ll pay for what he did to Emmic


    "He will. Nathontown ispletely locked down now. There''s no way Jeremy can escape. He''ll pay for everything he''s done. Mona said resolutely.


    "Yes, Mona is right. Jeremy won''t be able to escape," Maxwell added.


    In addition to the police search, Maxwell also had his men out looking for Jeremy, hidden in every corner of Nathontown.


    Just as Maxwell finished speaking, his phone vibrated. It was a message from Nigel [Someone spotted Jeremy at the Nathontown bus terminal]


    Attached was a photo showing Jeremy in a ck leather jacket and a baseball cap, with only his eyes visible. But on closer inspection, his features were still recognizable.


    Maxwell replied: [Keep tracking his every move. I''ll inform the police.)


    Jeremy''s currently near the bus station. I''ve notified the police Maxwell informed everyone.


    "We have to catch him and make sure he gets the punishment he deserves, Bernard said, seething with anger.


    After that, they just sat in the living room, anxiously waiting for the news.


    During this time, Mona suddenly recalled that Ava had mentioned she would be returning today at 11 in the morning and asked Mona to pick her up at the airportst night.


    Mona realized she had nearly forgotten about such an important thing. If she actually did, Ava would probably kill her when she got back.


    As the thought hit her, she quickly stood up and said to Jane and Bernard, "Ava''sing back today, I need to pick her up from the airport."


    As soon as Mona stood up, Maxwell quickly followed. "Mona, I''ll go with you," he said.


    It was better to stay cautious, If they happened to cross paths with Jeremy, who was evading the police, he might be desperate enough to do anything. 95%1


    At the same time. Maxwell''s men were waiting at the Clem family residence gate to escort him and Mona to ensure their safety along the way.


    In a situation like this, they couldn''t afford to be the least bit careless. It was better to be safe than sorry.


    But that was just how life worked. The harder one tried to prevent something, the more likely it would happen.


    Their vehicle was cruised smoothly down the paved road, Mona was in a fairly good mood. Atst, the person who harmed her mother and grandfather was going to be put behind bars.


    They approached an intersection and stopped at a red light.


    With his hands on the steering wheel, Maxwell thought to himself that after this intersection, they would almost be at the


    airport


    Before long, the lights turned green. Maxwell Carter pulled himself out of his thoughts and focused on driving


    They were at a four-way intersection. The light turned green on Maxwell''s side, which meant that it was a red light for the vehiclesing from his left and right. Technically, any vehicles from those directions would not be allowed to cross. Then, out of nowhere, a van suddenly shot through the red light from the left. Almost as if it had a mind of its own, it headed straight for Maxwell''s car. Maxwell Carter was the first car in the leftmostne. Almost instinctively, he turned the wheel in the opposite direction, trying to escape the impact. But it was toote. The van kepting straight at him.


    In the passenger seat, Mona''s eyes widened in shock as she saw the van speeding toward them. Instinctively, she shielded Maxwell beside her.


    Once again, in that moment of danger, it became clear that Maxwell''s life was more important to Mona than her own. With a loud bang, the van crashed hard into their car, as if it were on a reckless mission.


    In an instant, the world spun around her. Mona''s body was thrown about, and the impact nearly made her sick. Gradually. she began to lose all sense of feeling.


    Just a second before the collision, Maxwell''s hand moved on instinct, protecting Mona''s head.


    Due to the severe ident, traffic was heavy in both directions.


    Maxwell''s men were in the car right behind them. As soon as they saw that it was Maxwell''s car in the ident, they immediately got out. Some called the police, others called for an ambnce, all rushing to help.


    Their job was to keep Maxwell and Mona safe. But they ended up in a car ident. If Maxwell or Mona lost their lives, they would not have the heart to collect their paycheck this month.


    Inside the car, Mona sensed something thick, warm, and sticky running down from her head. She feltpletely limp, unable to move a muscle.


    With great effort, she managed to open her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Maxwell''s handsome but unconscious face. I ovepped with the memory of his face from the past, as he stood by her grave. Straining, she forced her mouth open and called out, "Maxwell..."


    Having escaped death narrowly, Mona feared it more than ever, But what terrified her the most was the thought of Maxwell


    Sa


    dying.


    Amid the loud noises around her, Mona vaguely saw Jeremy''s face through the car window, drawing closer and closer.


    Noticing that Mona Clem was still conscious inside the car, Jeremy joined the crowd in helping to open her door, pushing his way to the front as if he were just a concerned bystander.


    Everyone around was focused on the car ident, so no one recognized Jeremy. Despite being a wanted fugitive recently identified by the police, he had disguised himself just enough to go unnoticed.


    After helping Mona out of the car, Jeremy immediately pulled a sharp knife from his pocket and pressed it to her throat. The icy touch of the de against her neck jolted Mona into brier rity. She forced her eyes open, seeing Jeremy holding the knife to her throat.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I

 Chapter 174

    At that moment. Jeremy''s face stiffened. He looked at Mona with hatred. He grew up in a welfare home. He studied hard and got into university. He got to know Emily and was attracted to her at first nce. However, he knew Emily didn''t like him and that he wasn''t worthy of her. Hence, Jeremy improved himself for Emily.


    After graduation, Jeremy entered Glem Group. By chance, Emily discovered he had a deep crush on her. At that time, Emily was heartbroken and pregnant. She urgently needed to find a father for her child. So, the two of them agreed to get married, and he became part of the Clem Family.


    At first, Jeremy thought living with Emily was a dreame true. However, Emily cried every day and was depressed for a long time. He patiently coaxed her until Mona was born. Only then did she feel better and start to focus her attention on Mona. However, her rtionship with Jeremy remained distant,


    Jeremy couldn''t stand Emily''s constant cold treatment. He then got together with Beatrice and had Barbara,


    Times passed. With Mona''spany, Emily slowly walked out of her sadness. After many months of drinking her troubles away, she developed a deep connection with Mona, and their rtionship gradually improved.


    One day, Emily bumped into Jeremy and Beatrice together by ident. Seeing he had found the love of his life, Emily proposed an agreement to end their marriage. However, Jeremy was reluctant. It wasn''t easy for him to rise from poverty, and he had been used to living the life of a rich person. He didn''t want to return to the slum.


    After discussing with Beatrice, Jeremy was determined he could not lose his identity as the Clem family''s son-inw, 50, he went all out and sabotaged Emily''s car.


    Later on, Jeremy decided toy low in front of his inws by treating them better. He always thought that by the end of his struggle, Bernard would hand him the Clem Group.


    But then, one night, he overheard Bernard and Jane''s conversation. Bernard wished to hand thepany over to Maxwell. He also said that Jeremy''s ability to manage thepany wascking, Hearing this, Jeremy was frustrated. He had worked for the Clem Family for so long and couldn''t afford to leave empty-handed.


    Jeremy was unwilling to give up, so he drugged Bernard. His n was about to seed, but Mona exposed him. Everythire he did had gone down the drain because of her, and he couldn''t ept this defeat. The more he thought about it, the m he hated Mona. After all, Jeremy had raised her, but she decided to be an ingrate.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Ultimately, Jeremy was sent to jail. He did not know if he would be given the death penalty or life imprisonment. He had been respected for most of his life, and to have it all taken from him was humiliating. Before he died, he wanted to drag Mona with him. Moreover, this was also Barbara''s wish. So long as Mona was out of the picture, his life wouldn''t be so bad.


    Mona was shocked by Jeremy''s murderous gaze. When Jeremy saw that Mona had woken up, he said, "You were the person your mother liked the most when she was alive. Do you think she will forgive me for what I did if I bring you to her right


    now


    "Jeremy, you must be dreaming. My mother will only hate you more and will never forgive your Mona said while enduring her exhaustion.


    "I don''t care if you hate me. I''m only afraid that Emily will ignore and continue to bare me. At least she won''t forget me. 1 haven''t told you that I was the one whopromised her brakes, right? I didn''t want to, but she wanted to divorce me. You have no idea how much I love her. Not even death can do us part!" Jeremy said crazily.


    Jeremy pressed his knife against Mona''s neck, and Mona could feel his knife embedded in her neck. The surrounding onlookers were mortified. As it turned out, the car ident was nned, and the person responsible for it was the knife-wielding person before them Maxwell was helped out of the car by his bodyguards. When he looked up, he saw Jeremy had ced a knife on Mona''s neck. His gaze was locked on Jeremy, and his heart was about to jump out of his chest. Ignoring the wound on his forehead, Maxwell ran to Jeremy and shouted, "Let go of her, or I''ll make you wish you were dead!"


    "My life is already a fare worse than death. I''m ready to die when nned to do this!"


    Jeremy nced at Maxwell whounched toward him. He was on the verge of death, yet still thinking about Mona. It was like his love for Emily, but the difference was that Mona had eyes for Maxwell, while Emily had nothing on him. Besides, if Emily had any feelings for him, she would have been furious when she discovered Jeremy was having an affair. However, her emotions were always calm, and she proposed for a divorce without a second thought.


    Maxwell had met a person as desperate as Jeremy before. That person had lost all hope and wanted to drag the person he hated most with him. He would not give up no matter how hard Maxwell tried to convince him.


    At that moment, the police and ambnce arrived at the same time. The police immediately pointed their guns at Jeremy and said. "If you let the hostage go, we can lighten your sentence. Otherwise, we''ll shoot." Jeremyughed loudly, ''Go ahead, go ahead! A second before the bullet passes through my body, my knife will go through her neck, and the two of us will finally meet Emily"


    Mona felt blood oozing out of her neck. She could also see Maxwell''s worried gaze. She knew she had to think of a way to save herself.


    Mona realized that Emily yed an important part in Jeremy''s life. So, she endured the pain in her neck while saying, "Before I die. I have something to tell you,"


    Mona didn''t want to die yet. She had not fully avenged her mother and fulfilled her design dream. Most importantly, Maxwell. If she died, she didn''t know what would happen to Maxwell and her grandparents. "There''s no need to waste your breath. We''ll talk about it when we reach hell. Are you ready? We''re about to leave this ce. Whatst words do you have to say? Hurry up and spit it out!" Jeremy said demandingly.


    "Jeremy, did you know? I fixed it. I fixed my mother''s phone when she was alive. My mother''s opinion of you is in it," Mosa exined.


    "Phone?" Jeremy muttered to himself. After Emily''s car ident, he searched for it everywhere. Indeed, he did not find Emily''s phone and wondered what secrets were inside it.


    "Yes... The memo on my phone contains my mother''s daily diary, She..."


    e saw


    Mona was so weak that she could barely speak. She wanted to faint. But she forced herself to stay conscious when she Maxwell before her.


    "What did she say about me?" Jeremy asked. Deep down, he had all sorts of emotions towards Emily. Love, hatred, guilt... At that moment, Jeremy subconsciously moved the knife away from Mona''s neck to make easier for Mona to speak. After all, Mona looked like she would faint at any moment. Jeremy was afraid that Mona would copse before she could finish her sentence.

 Chapter 175

    At that moment. Maxwell signaled the police officer beside him to shoot.


    Mona''s eyes met Maxwell''s. Her eyes seemed to be covered in ayer of fog. It was blurry, but she could read Maxwell''s lips He said, "Mona, don''t be afraid."


    Meanwhile, Jeremy saw that Mona remained silent after being released and shouted, "What did Emily say?"


    Shortly after. Maxwell kicked Jeremy''s arm around Mona''s neck, Jeremy subconsciously took a step back and released his grip. Then, Mona endured the pain in her body, pushed Jeremy away with all her might, and ran towards Maxwell.


    When Jeremy turned around, he realized Mona was getting away. So, he immediately stabbed Mona''s back with his knife. But just as the knife was about to pierce her, Teddy came out from behind the car and stood before Mona. He subconsciously hugged her. The knife pierced through his back and into his chest. Teddy was overwhelmed by pain as blood dyed his white shirt red. Despite all that, he said affectionately, "Mona, give me a chance to atone for my sins. He owed Mona and wanted to even the


    score.


    Teddy swayed unsteadily as soon as he finished speaking and fell to the ground. His eyes seemed to be closed as he leaned against Mona.


    Upon realizing Teddy was protecting her, Mona''s pupils constricted. She had never thought that Teddy would take the knife for her under such circumstances.


    She looked at Teddy on the ground with aplicated gaze. Blood kept seeping out from his wound as Mona called, "Teddy? Please, say something."


    Teddy did not know if the knife hit his vital organ. He only felt his blood slowly flowing out and thought this might be his curtain call. However, he did not regret blocking Jeremy''s knife for Mona.


    He was d that Mona was safe. Otherwise, he dared not imagine what would have happened to her. He was afraid. Seeing Mona fall before him would be a nightmaree true. Fortunately, Mona was safe. Teddy only wished his death would be Swift Teddy wanted to raise his hand to hold Mona''s hand, but he remembered that Mona had be someone''s wife. Hence, he lowered his hand mid-air.


    Teddy felt stinging pain from his wound. However, he kept thinking of when Mona fell from the top floor. He thought it should be even more painful than his injury and imagined himself falling from the top floor repeatedly. He couldn''t imagine how painful it would be.


    In a daze, Teddy looked at Mona''s face and said weakly, "Mona, I''m hopelessly in love with you." Teddy often dreamed of Mona. He dreamed of her kindness. It was difficult not to fall in love with her.


    But Teddy''s dream would only stay as a dream. Mona had be Maxwell''s wife and had no feelings for Teddy, Love came toote for him.


    When the police saw Jeremy had injured Teddy, they couldn''t care less. They aimed at Jeremy''s legs and fired twice. Jeremy knelt on the ground. Then, the police moved forward to handcuff him. The moment he was carried into the police car. Jeremy seemed to see Emily beside Mona.


    Emily appeared in a white dress and stared at Jeremy. The sun shone on her as she smiled at him. Jeremy''s mind was suddenly transported to that one special summer in his life.


    Meanwhile, Cunshots rang in Mona''s ears as she covered her ears. Her vision turned dark as Maxwell Inugged her. Mona finally felt safe when he smelled his familiar scent. She buried her head in Maxwell''s arms and calmed herself down


    G D.


    After a long time, Monrlooked at Teddy lying on the ground. Her heart more or less ached. He knew he would be injured for trying to block Jeremy''s attack. But he still blocked it regardless


    Mona did not feel anything other than feeling touched. However, the hatred in her heart seemed to have disappeared. At least Teddy had a conscience to even the score,


    As Mona and the others arrived at the hospital, they underwent aprehensive examination. Fortunately, the car Maxwell drove was super protective. The car ident did not cause much damage to them, only a slight concussion. Even so, they still fainted due to the violent impact.


    The doctor bandaged the minor injuries on Mona''s neck and Maxwell''s forehead. They were waiting at the ER''s entrance. Mona clenched her fists as she looked at the red light at the ER with a solemn face.


    Mona had nned to take Teddy and Barbara''s lives. However, she could not ept and felt uneasy that they had risked their lives to save her. Moreover, Mona could not rx if Teddy was not out of danger. Hence, she called his parents


    Matthew couldn''t make it in time, and Teddy''s mother, Hannah Powers, was the first to arrive.


    She heard her son was admitted to the ER for trying to protect Mona. So, once she entered the hospital, she ran to Mona angrily and raised her hand to p her. She even called her a slu


    In the past, Hannah wanted Mona to be with her son. But that was in the past. Since her son stared out the window in a daze every day and woke up shouting Mona''s name in his sleep, she no longer had this thought. Moreover, that day, she learned her son was in critical condition because of Mona. She couldn''t hold back her anger and wanted to beat her to a pulp


    Meanwhile, Mona and Maxwell did not expect that the first thing Hannah would do was p someone. By the time they reacted, she had pped Mona.


    Mona''s fair face turned red and swollen. When Maxwell saw the palin print on Mona''s face, his expression immediately turned serious. He pulled Mona behind him and said, "What the hell were you thinking? How dare you hit her without a


    reason?"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell''s face was filled with anger. He didn''t know when Hannah became so entitled. He thought it must be because the Powers Group had been developing steadily.


    "So what if I hit her? Thanks to that slut, my son is lying unconscious inside that room. I have every reason to p her Hannah was furious.


    "Your son took the initiative to block Jeremy''s knife. No one forced him, so don''t me Mona. If you try to make a scene, III call security to escort you out." Maxwell said calmly. Even if Teddy did not block Mona''s attack, he would not let Jeremy''s knife stab her.

 Chapter 176

    Maxwell was taller than Hannah. He put on a cold face and clenched his fists as if he were about to punch her. Hannah was afraid upon seeing this. She stepped back and cried, "Now you''re trying to punch a defenseless woman in a hospital?"


    Mona looked at the cornered Hannah. She kept cursing at Maxwell while passersby nced at them and murmured. Afterward, Mona walked to Maxwell''s side and said coldly, "Mrs Powers, you heard it yourself. It was Teddy''s own decision to block the knife for me. I didn''t force him. You don''t have to argue with me here. What good will it do you to attract other people''s attention?"


    Mona shook her head and added. T''m sorry that he got injured because of me, and I won''t argue with you about the p you gave me. However, I don''t mind calling the security if you''re trying to make a scenic."


    Hannah was so angry that her face stiffened. She pointed at More''s face and scolded, "How can there be a heartless woman like you in this world? My son is in the emergency room, and instead of feeling guilty, you''re threatening me? You''re the reason he''s in that room!"


    Hannah paused briefly and added, "When you were with my son, I treated you as my daughter. But now, you''ve curried favor with someone richer, more powerful, and you''re kicking my son away. What kind of creature are you?"


    As Hannah spoke, she wanted to rush over and p Mona to vent her anger. However, before she could raise her hand, Maxwell thing her away. Her back hit the wall behind her. It was so painful that she coughed in pain.


    Hannah immediately burst into tears and scolded Mona and Maxwell for being shameless. At the same time, she pped her hands on the ground to create a louder sound in an attempt to attract more people''s attention. Hearing Hannah''s wail. everyone started looking at Mona in disdain. "That woman looks beautiful, but her inside is rotten. Typical entled bitch."


    "I know. Her son is injured because of that slut. But instead of giving that poordy space, she and her partner decided to corner her. So uncultured. At least show some empathy!"


    They are both terrible people and deserve each other. But I hope their rtionship crumbles just as bad as what they''ve done to that poordy and her son."


    The surrounding discussion did not make Mona angry. She did not have the mood or energy to exin the full picture, However, Maxwell did not like it when others said those things. He looked at them coldly.


    "What are you looking at? Are you looking for a beating?" Maxwell''s voice was soft, and he raised his palm at the people around him. It seemed he would hit anyone who dared to say another word.


    Most of the people around them were on Hannah''s side. But they obediently shut their mouths upon facing Maxwell''s threat. Finally, only Hannah''s crying echoed in the corridor.


    Maxwell hugged Mona in his arms. When Teddy blocked the knife for Mona just now, even though Mona did not see the moment he got stabbed, she saw Teddy covered in blood. She was mortified regardless. Mona''s hand gripped the hem of Maxwell''s lower back tightly. She was quite terrified and uneasy. Maxwell, he lost a lot of blood. Do you think he..."


    Mona recalled Teddy''sst expression. His face was pale, and his lips were discolored


    bor of bl


    Maxwell knew who Mona was talking about. At that moment, he could not care less about jealousy and hugged Mona tighter. Heforted her. "Mona, don''t worry. He''ll be fine." But Maxwell did not know how bad Teddy''s injuries were, He did not even know if Teddy could be saved.


    Maxwell only hoped Teddy to be strong enough to survive because Maxwell''s image was on the line. If Teddy died, Mona would live in guilt for the rest of her life, and her mind would only think of Teddy and his sacrifice. This way, Mona would never forget Teddy, which was bad for Maxwell.


    08:13


    NOV


    Maxwell was so petty that he only hoped he was the only one in Mona''s heart. Especially since Teddy was Mona''s ex-boyfriend, the person she had loved for more than four years.


    "If something happens to Teddy, I will owe him my life." Mona''s poice was trembling.


    Even if Teddy had blocked the knife for her, he was stillplici in Mona''s murder attempt back then. Objectively speaking, their scores were even. However, thinking Teddy passed away, Mona felt somewhat empty. She would dly take as many ps from Hannah if that happened.


    Even after what she had with Teddy, Mona remained the kind andpassionate woman she always had been. She could not bepletely cold-blooded.


    Maxwell listened to Mona''s trembling voice. He raised his hand and rubbed her soft hair. "It''s fine. With me around, if anything happens to him, 171 bear it with you." He was also afraid that Teddy''s life would be short. If he died, Mona would remember him forever. Meanwhile, Ava waited for Mona at the airport. She was getting impatient. But when saw Mona''s ident through the news. she hurriedly took a taxi to the hospital and urged the driver to hurry. If anything happened to Mona, she would hate herself for the rest of her life.


    Upon seeing Mona was fine, Ava grabbed her hand and cried. On her way, she was worried that something had happened to Mona.


    Teddy was also lucky. The knife happened to avoid his vital organs. Even though he was unconscious, the doctor said he would make a full recovery.


    Mona learned that Teddy was out of danger. She subconsciously heaved a sigh of relief and went limp in Maxwell''s arms. Her body was almost exhausted. Maxwell held Mona''s cold hands in his hands, trying to warm her up.


    Meanwhile, when Hannah discovered her son was fine, she sped her hands together and praised the universe. She cried andughed.


    The day was gettingte, but Teddy was still unconscious Maxwell was worried that Mona would get into another ident He was worried her body would not be able to cope with the stress. So, he asked Nigel and Haley, who had rushed overt to keep an eye on her. Maxwell brought Mona back to the ward to rest with Barbara and Ava. Mona still had lingering fear in her heart. Even though Teddy was out of danger, she was still afraid. The scene of Jeremy wanting to kill her still floated before her eyes.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    As Mona closed her eyes, she felt her body covered in blood. Her ears buzzed with the sound of multiple gunshots.

 Chapter 177

    Maxwell helped Mona to enter the ward. She sat weakly on the bed while Maxwell held her hand. Maxwell felt the coldness on her hand. But no matter what he did, he couldn''t warm her.


    Jane entered and sat next to Mona. "Mona, don''t be afraid. Everything is alright now. Maxwell called her earlier and exined how Jeremy wanted to kill Mona. At that moment, her heart almost jumped out of her chest. Fortunately, Mona was not too injured. Only Teddy was, When Jane found out that Teddy and Barbara were together, she felt he was unworthy of Mona. After all, Mona had wasted so much of her youth on that scumbag.


    Later on, Mona got married and lived a happy life. As time passed, the hatred in her heart for Teddy gradually faded. But that day, upon learning that Teddy had blocked Jeremy''s attack on Mona, Jane realized he must have some feelings for her. At least Mona''s love for him was not entirely wasted. However, their love grew a bit toote.


    Mona nodded and thought the only thing she was d about was that Teddy''s life was saved. Barbara, standing outside the ward, clenched her fists tightly. Her nails dug into her palms as she looked at Mona with hatred. ''How is she so lucky? Jeremy was about to die with her. He was about to seed, but Teddy appeared halfway and blocked his attack.


    In the past. Teddy loved Barbara and plotted with her to get Clem Group. But when their n failed, they broke up. Even worse, he turned to Mona''s side. What''s so good about Mona? How can she get everyone to favor her? She even gets Teddy and Maxwell to fall for her! Barbara was reluctant to ept defeat. She was determined that one day, she would take everything Mona had. Everything Would belong to her, including Maxwell''s attention. Meanwhile, Mona was so immersed in her sorrow that she did not notice Barbara''s hateful gaze.


    Except for Barbara, everyone in the room showed great concern for Mona. After dinner, Mona saw that the sky had turned dark. Although the ward was spacious, it could not amodate so many people. Moreover, Mona was sick of Barbara''s hypocritical face. She looked at Jane and said, "Grandma, it''s gettingte. You should return home with Grandpa. Don''t worry, Maxwell will keep mepany."


    Jane


    looked at the time and nodded. It was gettingte and Mona needed to rest. So, she left with Bernard.


    After everyone left, only Mona and Maxwell were left. Maxwell hugged Mona in his arms gently, feeling afraid. Mona sensed Maxwell''s concern and reached out to caress his face. She pressed her face against his neck and whispered, "Maxwell, it''s alright. It''s all in the past."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell''s hand gently brushed past Mona''s hair. He lowered his gaze to look into her eyes and said solemnly, "Yes, Mona We need to move on from what just happened. All of that is behind us." His tone was firm. He was afraid that Mona would forgive Teddy because of this. If that happened, he would wish Teddy was dead.


    As for Mona, she felt Maxwell was a bit overreacting. Even if she had feelings for Teddy because of this, it was gratitude, not love. The only person she loved in her life was Maxwell alone.


    "Maxwell, I''m your wife now. What kind of feelings can I have for him? You need to have more confidence in yourself. Haven''t I said enough that I only like you?"


    "But he was your first love. Your first man. Maxwell hugged her a bit tightly. "Some people say that first love is always unforgettable, and you used to be head over heels for Teddy."


    Maxwell looked at Mona deeply and said with a hint of jealousy, "Mona, I don''t care how much you liked him before. But now, at this moment, in the future, the person in your heart can only be me." He held Mona tightly in his arms and added. You can never hate me. Mona did not know about his definition of first love. Her feelings for Teddy did not seem to be love, but admiration. It was the same feeling she had for her celebrity crushes. Besides, she had fallen in love with Maxwell in the past, and it grew every second.


    Mona did not say anything. She only raised her hand and wrapped it around Maxwell''s neck. She raised her head and kissed his thin lips. At this moment, a kiss could express her thoughts better than words.


    After the kiss, Mona looked into Maxwell''s eyes and said in an exceptionally solemn tone, "Maxwell, I will always love you until the moment my life ends."


    Hearing Mona''s assurance, Maxwell''s heart finally calmed down. His hand gently caressed the red mark on Mona''s cheek. His eyes swept across the bandage on her neck, and a trace of coldness shed across his eyes. "Does it still hurt?" Although Teddy had saved Mona, Hannah had pped her with a baseless motive. He was angry because of this


    Recalling that Powers Group was investing in foreign investments recently, he thought they might have some tricks up their sleeves, especially with Jeremy in prison. Maxwell thought prison time was too light of a sentence for Jeremy. Hence, he nned to find a way to make him miserable.. Mona leaned into Maxwell''s arms and shook her head. "It doesn''t hurt anymore. I''m fine, just a little scared."


    As the two of them spoke, Mona snuggled in Maxwell''s arms. At some point, she had closed her eyes and fallen asleep. "Mona?" Maxwell felt the grip on his hand loosen as he called out softly.


    Mona didn''t respond. When Maxwell lowered his gaze, he saw that Mona had fallen asleep. He slowly let go of her and got up. He straightened Mona''s body and picked up a nket to cover her.


    The next day, Polly delivered a change of clothes for Mona. Her pajamas were found among other clothes. Maxwell knew that Mona was most concerned about hygiene. Moreover, she had just gotten into a car ident. So, her body must felt sticky and ufortable. So, Maxwell went to the bathroom and filled a basin with warm water to wipe her body.


    When undressing Mona, Maxwell''s gaze inevitablynded on something he shouldn''t be looking at.


    It had been a long time since he had been intimate with Mona. She had been overseas taking care of Bernard. And after returning, she fell down the stairs. It seemed life had been unfair to her. Even that day, she got into a car ident and was almost killed.


    Maxwell knew what Mona needed most was space. He was afraid that if he continued to watch, he could not control himself So, he forced himself to look away.


    Afterward, Maxwell wiped Mona''s face. Then, he changed the water to wipe her body. He was careful, especially when wiping near Mona''s neck. That ce must never be wet.


    The towel was quite hot, making Mona ufortable. She subconsciously groaned and gripped Maxwell''s hand.


    BB


    0

 Chapter 178

    Mona''s ufortable groan almost sent Maxwell away. The towel in his hand almost fell. He did not dare to look at Mona


    anymore.


    Maxwell took a deep breath before wiping Mona''s back more gently. After helping Mona put on her pajamas, he immediately went to the bathroom to take a cold shower. When he returned, the desire in his heart had been extinguished. He sat by the bed and quietly admired Mona''s sleeping face. He sat for a while before lying next to her.


    As soon as Maxwelly down, Mona rolled into his arms. Her hand even subconsciously wrapped around his waist. This had be her habit.


    Maxwell met Mona''s beautiful face and could not help but raise liis hand to caress her face. From her long, thin eyebrows


    this much. down to her rosy lips. Maxwell had never paid this much attention to a person


    At that moment, he seemed to have seen the most precious thing in his eyes. He stared fixedly at Mona''s face and could not bear to look away. His fingers caressed her soft lips repeatedly, and his gaze deepened.


    Mona was sound asleep, but she felt a hand on her lips and felt ufortable. She subconsciously twitched and opened eyes Immediately, she met with Maxwell''s loving gaze.


    herContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Looking at the handsome face before her, Mona could not help but hold her breath. Her heart was pounding. Mona was annoyed but did not know how to vent her anger. She held Maxwell''s slender hand and asked softly. "Why aren''t you asleep?"


    Mona couldn''t tell the time. She felt like dreaming, but the person before her and his touch felt real. Maxwell was wide awake and stared at her. Feeling she had already changed into her pajamas, it was obvious that Maxwell had helped her. He also must have wiped her body. However, Mora could not care less about being shy. She only wanted to sleep. Her eyelids were heavy and she wanted to close them again.


    "Looking at you, I can''t bear to sleep," Maxwell said honestly.


    Upon hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona unconsciously smiled. She held Maxwell''s hand and ced it on her chest. "Go to sleep. You need to take care of many things tomorrow. Besides, you can see me whenever you want."


    Maxwell hummed softly and kissed Mona''s forehead before closing his eyes. Indeed, tomorrow would be a busy day. But that night, they slept soundly. Perhaps because they knew they had each other.


    The next morning, the first thing Mona did when waking up was take a shower in the bathroom. Although Maxwell had wiped her bodyst night, Mona knew there were parts he avoided wiping. She felt she wasn''t clean enough. Moreover, she just had a car ident and was almost killed.


    Since Mona''s neck was still injured, she avoided washing her hair and neck. She used shower gel and applied body lotion. Only then did Mona feel clean


    Later on, Maxwell helped her clean her hair. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong arms. Then, he used warm water to wet Mona''s hair and squeezed the shampoo into his palm. Maxwell evenly ced it on Mona''s head and rubbed it slowly. Monay on the sofa in the bathroom and enjoyed Maxwell''s treatment. His fingers massaged her scalp and her smooth long hair. Her hair was naturally good. Her long hair reached her waist without any forking.


    Mona enjoyed thefort that Maxwell gave her. Afortable numbness slowly spread from her scalp to her entire body. It felt unbelievablyfortable


    Meanwhile, Maxwell served Mona sincerely. He applied conditioner, hairdryer, and conditioner oil. He was taking good care of her hair.


    After Maxwell washed Mona''s hair, he went out and saw Polly had already prepared breakfast and ced it on the dining table. They had many things for breakfast. There were mashed potatoes, tenderloin steak, veggies, and fruits,


    When Polly saw them leaving the bathroom, she immediately called them over for breakfast. Mona smiled and thanked her for her hard work. Then, she pulled out the chair at the dining table and sat down. Maxwell followed closely behind Mona and sat beside her. Because of so many dangerous things that just happened, Mona did not have much of an appetitest night. She did not even eat much the entire day. But looking at the delicacies before her, Mona''s appetite returned. She even had her usual double-portion breakfast. Her portion was almost as much as Maxwell''s. After all, she was starving.


    After breakfast, Mona nned to see Teddy. No matter what, he was injured because of her. It was only right for her to visit him. But Maxwell was reluctant to let her go alone. Hence, he apanied her.


    Teddy had woken up at midnight. When he saw Nigel beside him, he was quite surprised. But then, seeing Maxwell enter while hugging Mona''s waist, his expression turned bitter. Regardless of whether he was willing to ept it. Mona no longer loved him. She had be someone''s wife.


    Sadness swirled in Teddy''s heart, making him feel abnormally ufortable. The pain in his heart seemed to be more serious than the pain in his body. Mona noticed his bitter look, brushed away Maxwell''s hand on her waist, and took a step forward. "How are you feeling?"


    It had been a long time since Mona had been so kind to Teddy. Seeing how gentle she was toward him, Teddy seemed to have been transported back to his uni days. Teddy recalled every detail of Mona''s kindness to him. Her thoughtfulness, and the smile that appeared before him every day.


    Immediately, regret dominated his thoughts. He couldn''t believe he had missed an opportunity to live with such a pure hearted woman. At that moment, he could only watch herugh happily in someone else''s arms. There was nothing he could do about it After suffering a stab wound on his back, he could only lie on the bed. Teddy suppressed the emotions in his heart, shook his head, and said, "Well, I feel much better. Then, he turned his head to the side. Mona and Maxwell could no longer see the emotions on his face. Mona nodded and looked at Teddy calmly. From what she could tell, there was no hatred in his eyes. It was as if he was looking at a stranger who had nothing to do with him. However, Mona still expressed her gratitude. Thank you for yesterday. If you need anything, you can tell Maxwell or me. We will try our best to help you," Mona said.

 Chapter 180

    When Albert discovered Jereiny would be executed in two months, he could not describe how he felt. His father had murdered his mother and was going to pay for what he''d done. He couldn''t help but wonder why power was so important to him.


    As he thought about it. Albert made his way to the state''s prison. He looked at Jeremy across the railing. It had only been a few days, but he had aged to the extreme. There were even injuries on his face. It was obvious that he had not lived well in prison and had been bullied.


    Albert picked up the phone but did not know what to say. He didn''t even want to call Jeremy his father anymore. He felt ufortable knowing his dad was a heartless person.


    "Albert, be a good person, and don''t be like your father, Jeremy aid with tears in his eyes. Aftering to the prison and learning he would be executed in two months, Jeremy had been thinking about the joy, sorrow, and regret of his life.


    "Don''t worry, my grandparents raised me right. I''m different from you. But let me ask if you regret what happened now. Do you regret destroying my mother''s brakes? Do you regret poisoning Grandpa? And do you regret trying to kill Mona?" He started cold, but he ended up shouting at him.


    Jeremy did have many regrets. But the thing he regretted most was colluding with Beatrice. The moment after he met her, his life took a turn for the worse. After gaining respect from his colleagues, he wanted more. His desires became boundless.


    In prison, Jeremy thought for many nights about what his life would be like if he never met Beatrice. If he consistently treated Emily well, loved her, doted on her, and even treated Mona well, perhaps Emily would one day fall for him. least be touched. He and Emily would have grown old together


    "Regret? Why bother? I''m reaching the end of my life now. There''s nothing I can do but ept everything Jeremy said while chuckling.


    Thope the afterlife won''t be so bad for you, Albert said. After that, he wanted to hang up and leave.


    But before Albert hung up, Jeremy hurriedly said, "Albert, can you ask Mona to meet me? I have something to ask her." He wanted to know about the memo in Emily''s phone. It was the only thing he wanted to know before he died.


    TIl tell her, but don''t get your hopes up. After all, you tried to kill her." With that, Albert hung up and left the prison. There was no need to say anything anymore. Jeremymitted those shameful and heartless things for power and money.


    After leaving the prison, Albert sent a message to Mona, saying that Jeremy wanted to see her. Albert didn''t care if she went or not. After leaving the prison, he left Nathontown and returned to the army. He didn''t want to stay there any longer and hear people talking about Jeremy.


    When Mona received Albert''s message, she was drawing designs for thepany. She took a look at the content and felt conflicted. But in the end, she decided to make time to see Jeremy.


    When it was almost time to get off work, Mona received a text from Maxwell, telling her to go straight home after work. However, she took a taxi to the prison. There, Mona told the police why she hade. The police asked her to wait in the reception room. Mona waited for a while before she saw police slowly walking over with the crippled Jeremy. He had heavy handcuffs on his hands, and his eyes had already lost the light of life.


    When Mona looked at Jeremy, Jeremy also looked at Mona and was surprised. Her face became more and more like Emily''s It was as if he was looking at the younger version of Emily. Jeremy could not help but feel a little dazed


    "What''s the matter?" Mona went straight to the point. There was no need for her and Jeremy to exchange pleasantries.


    "Mona, can you tell me the memo inside Emily''s phone?" Jeremy asked impatiently.


    Mona chuckled and stared into Jeremy''s eyes. She asked, "I know you weren''t the only one who destroyed my mother''s brakes. Beatrice is also involved, right? If you didn''t tell the police about this, then there''s no need for you to know the information in my mother''s phone."


    "Mona, what do you know about that?" Jeremy asked in surprise.


    Except for him and Beatrice, no one else knew that Beatrice took part in killing Emily. He couldn''t help but wonder if Mona had found solid evidence. However, if she had one, the police should''ve arrested Beatrice at that moment. Thinking about it, Jeremy felt that Mona might be testing him, the man who had raised her until her twenties.


    "I know everything. I know that you took the me for her and that Beatrice was the onepromising the brakes." As she spoke, Mona looked at her polished nails. They were shiny.


    "You''re mistaken. I was the one who broke the brakes. It has nothing to do with Beatrice. Jeremy pretended to be calm. However, his legs were trembling unconsciously, making the gunshot wound in his leg hurt. He grimaced in pain, reflecting his nervousness.


    "Is that so? Then I guess there''s no need for me toe today. I wish you a safe journey to the afterlife, and please, send my regards to my mom. Mona stood up and suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot! My mom hates you so much. I don''t think she wants to see you.


    Then, Mona was about to walk away, But Jeremy''s hand tightly gripped her clothes. "If I can prove Beatrice wasplicit in Emily''s killing, will you tell me the memo?"Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    If he didn''t know Emily had mentioned him in her memo, he wouldn''t bother begging Mona to stay. But since he was about to die, this matter had already be an obsession. If he did not know what Emily said about him, Jeremy believed his soul couldn''t rest in peace. "You need to know that I want Beatrice to pay for what she did. I want all the bad people who hurt my mother to be punished!" Mona clenched her fist and said with hatred. She wanted her mother''s soul to rest in peace by bringing her killers to justice. Afterward, Mona walked out of the prison. Jeremy looked at Mom''s back and saw another person through her figure and secretly made up his mind.


    The feeling inside the prison was especially oppressive. It was pitch-ck, and the environment outside was better. The sun was warm, and the wind was gentle. Jeremy wouldn''t have ended up like this if he made the right decision to keep loving Emily unconditionally. Jeremy felt his initial love for Emily was pure. But along the way it was mixed with ill will, obsession, and personal interest which resulted in an unfortunate oue. In a way, Jeremy had sabotaged his love life.


    0

 Chapter 181

    When Mona walked out, she saw Maxwell waiting outside the prison. He was wearing a ck windbreaker and leaningzily against his car with his arms crossed. Their gazes met, and Maxwell greeted her with a smile.


    The warm sunlight shone on Maxwell, adding some warmth to his cold temperament. The spring breeze wafted his scent and gently blew his fine hair. His eyes were especially bright as he looked at Mona.


    Seeing Mona leaving the prison, Maxwell strode straight to her and held her hand. He said softly, "Mona, don''t be afraid. Remember, it''s all in the past."


    Maxwell was afraid that when Mona saw Jeremy in prison, she would think of Jeremy holding a knife to her neck. Therefore, when he received Mona''s message, saying she was visiting Jeremy, he immediately skipped his meeting and went to the state''s prison.


    Maxwell also knew what Mona wanted to say to Jeremy. So, he decided to wait outside. Maxwell was convinced that when Mona saw his face after leaving the prison, her mood would improve.


    "I know it''s all in the past. I''m not afraid anymore. Let''s go home, I''m hungry. I want to eat pork," Mona shook Maxwell''s shoulders. After the offer, it was up to Jeremy to make a decision. Mona would just have to wait.


    Shortly after Mona left, Barbara visited Jeremy in disguise. After all, Jeremy had given her life, but he was extremely irresponsible as a father. So when he ended up in prison, Barbara felt he had brought this upon himself. She was even more disappointed when finding out he failed to die together with Mona.


    Seeing the aged Jeremy in prison, Barbara''s heart did not waver. However, she still called him father. When she looked at Jeremy, her eyes were still filled with tears. If not for the fact she was afraid Jeremy would say something to the police and implicate her or Beatrice, she would not havee to such a lousy ce. She cursed in her heart.


    "Barbara, you don''t have to worry. Stop overthinking things, and never try to take over Clem Group. My failure is a living example for you," Jeremy advised earnestly. Of course, he knew Barbara''s ambition and stubborn character. But regardless, she was his daughter. So, he still advised her.


    "Dad, I understand. I''ll listen to you," Barbara agreed.


    But in her mind, she ignored it. Jeremy said whatever he wanted her to hear. But she had her own life. She made her own choices, and the dying wish of a person could not control her.


    Barbara believed she was different from Jeremy. Jeremy''s life was a failure, while hers would be a sess. She would take everything Mona had.


    "I hope you''ll listen to me. Go back and tell your mother I''m sorry to have let her down," Jeremy said firmly.


    "Dad, you never disappointed her in any way. I don''t think she''ll ever hate you for your failure." Barbara thought Jeremy was referring to the fact that he did not die with Mona. She didn''t know that Jeremy was referring to the fact that they destroyed Emily''s brakes.


    Even facing death, Jeremy remained


    ???


    selfish. He still wanted to know what Emily wrote about him on her phone. So, he could only follow Mona''s instructions and tell the police how Emily had died. "Just tell her I''m sorry, alright? Take care of yourself. Ibhead back to my cell," Jeremy said and hung up. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Barbara did not put down the phone for a long time. Looking at Jeremy''s hunched back, her eyes were filled with resentment. She hated Jeremy for not giving her a home. She had been jealous of Mona since she could remember, so much so that the seed of jealousy had taken root in her heart and grown into a towering tree.


    After a long time, Barbara looked away. The corners of her mouth curled into a terrifying smile. She wiped the fake tears from the corner of her eye and left the prison.


    After returning home, Barbara delivered Jeremy''s apology to Beatrice. But Beatrice shook her head and muttered, "He never let me down. If Jeremy hadn''t insisted that he was the one who broke Emily''s brakes, I would be in the prison with him."


    Back then, it was them who


    knowing Jeremy had taken the


    me for her, Beatrice was relieved. She had worked with Jeremy to makeEmily''s life miserable. Along the way, they kept each otherpany, and it would be a lie to say that they had no feelings for each other.


    When Beatrice finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. Beatrice wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and walked towards it. She didn''t know who else woulde to her house.


    The moment Beatrice opened the door, she panicked when she saw two police officers standing at the door.


    She felt she hadn''t done anything wrong recently, so they shouldn''t be there to arrest her. However, Beatrice had done many wrongdoings. She couldn''t help but wonder if they had found something on her. "Officer, it''ste. What''s the matter?" Beatrice asked carefully. In response to Beatrice, a police officer took out his badge and cuffed Beatrice''s hand. He said firmly, "Beatrice Burton, someone has reported you for intentional murder. The evidence is conclusive. Pleasee with us." After saying that, he wanted to drag Beatrice to the police car.


    Beatrice immediately panicked. The police officer had already handcuffed her. She didn''t know if she still had a chance toe out. But in her mind, she knew that would be impossible. Beatrice didn''t want to stay in prison. So, she argued, "Officer, you''ve misunderstood. I''m an innocent civilian. Someone must''ve tried to frame me. You''re arresting the wrong person!"


    Beatrice kept arguing as she was brought to the car. Outside, the police arrival had caused a hugemotion. Barbara felt something was wrong and left her room, only to discover Beatrice was put in a police car. A trace of worry shed across her eyes. ''Does Dad have something to do with this?''


    Jeremy was in prison, and Barbara felt she only caught part of his words. At that moment, she realized that Jeremy''s apology might not refer to his failure to kill Mona. It was because he wanted to expose Beatrice. The more she thought about it, the more she felt it was true.

 Chapter 183

    Upon hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona looked up at Maxwell''s face. She noticed his smiling lips and sparkly eyes.


    Mona saw his handsome face almost every day. But she felt he had be increasingly handsome every time she looked at it. She couldn''t get tired of it. Maxwell''s face appeared as if carved by Greek Gods. "I''ve seen your face many times and have memorized it," Mona said with a smile.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    As they chatted, the elevator arrived at the ground floor. Maxwell had never let go of Mona''s hand. When they arrived at the state''s prison, Mona asked, "Maxwell, do you want to go in with me or wait here?"


    "I''ll go in with you," Maxwell said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and reached out to help Mona unbuckle. He walked into the police station with Mona leaning on his shoulder.


    After greeting the police, they went to the reception room to wait. Mona and Maxwell talked about the fun things she had encountered in thepany that day while waiting.


    Strangely, Barbara didn''te to thepany. But Mona guessed it had something to do with Beatrice''s recent arrest. Having not seen Barbara, the dynamics in Mona''s workce be stress-free. When Mona spoke, even Maxwell could hear the change in her tone. He could not help but ask, "Why are you in such a good mood today?"


    Mona nodded. "Of course. I haven''t seen Barbara for the entire day. I don''t have to maintain that fake sisterhood with her. My day has been stress-free."


    Recently, Bernard was filled with gratitude and indebtedness to Barbara. She had been a good granddaughter and yed to stay on his good side by being obedient. However, Mona nned to reveal her true colors.


    "You''ve been hustling a lot. What if I transfer you to a branchpany as their new design director? You match the qualifications and will have fewer chances to see her. How about that?" Maxwell looked at Mona''s fair face and reached out to touch it.


    "I''d be pleased, but wouldn''t that be an abuse of power? Also, what if Barbara disagrees?" Mona asked. If possible, she would love to stop seeing Barbara every day. She was tired of faking her attitude before her.


    "Like I said, you match the qualifications. Besides, it''s a promotion for you. As long as Grandpa agrees and feels it''s good, Barbara''s opinion doesn''t matter," Maxwell exined.


    Mona nodded and soon saw the police walking over with Jeremy. Seeing Mona, Jeremy sat down impatiently and picked up the phone beside her, wanting to know the words in Emily''s memo.


    Jeremy kept his promise, and so was Mona. Mona didn''t expect that along with Beatrice''s arrest, Jeremy submitted a CCTV recording of thempromising Emily''s brakes. The evidence was conclusive, and the police sentenced Beatrice to 30 years in prison. For Beatrice, thirty years was not a short time. But for Mona, it was a deserving punishment. At least she could avenge Emily and let her soul rest.


    Mona kept her promise and took out Emily''s phone. She opened the memo. Jeremy''s eyes were fixed on it for a long time. He recognized the phone to be Emily''s.


    "Sis you know that my mother almost fell in love with you?" Mona said while shaking her head.


    Her mother''s life was short but full of glory. If Beatrice and Jeremy hadn''t cut her life short, she would have been a famous international designer.


    Upon hearing Mona''s question, Jeremy subconsciously looked at the memo on Emily''s phone. They were all some of Emily Clem''s life records.


    [I ate the crayfish Jeremy prepared. He''s very considerate. He doesn''t leave a shell.]


    [I received a cupcake from Jeremy. It''s delicious!]


    [I received some flowers today. I don''t need to look at the card to know it was from Jeremy.]


    [I seem to have been captivated by him, but my broken heart can''t withstand a second blow.]


    With trembling hands, Jeremy finished reading Emily''s memo. When he was young, Emily was the ruler in his heart, his first love. However,ter on, he saw too many things in his eyes. His liking for Emily was also mixed with too many factors.


    But Jeremy couldn''t hold his tears


    when he saw thest sentence. He put down the phone with trembling hands. Just as he thought, Emily would fall for him if he persisted However, the path to win her heart was filled with traps and temptations. He had fallen into them, and there was no going back once he entered.


    Mona looked at Jeremy''s regretful face but felt no sympathy. She hated seeing his pitiful face. It would be unfair to Emily if she sympathized with Jeremy because of his regret. The man before her was responsible for cutting Emily''s life short.


    "If you meet her in the afterlife, tell her of your regret," Mona said coldly. Then, she took Emily''s phone and wanted to leave the police station.


    Just as Mona was about to stand up, Jeremy warned weakly, "Mona, be careful of Barbara!"


    If he had not cheated on Emily and colluded with Beatrice to kill Emily, Mona would still respect him as if he were her father. As she left, she didn''t pay much attention to his words. Jeremy didn''t know if Mona had heard his warning before the police took him away. He watched as Maxwell walked out with his arm around Mona''s shoulders. Hisst gaze fixed on Mona. Just like before, her figure reminded him of Emily''s.


    Mona heard Jeremy''s words and knew what he meant. Jeremy was warning her to look out for Barbara. His tone seemed sincere, so she took a mental note.


    Leaving the prison, Maxwell looked at Mona concernedly. He gently shook Mona''s hand and said, "Mona, I won''t end up like Jeremy. I will treat you well for the rest of my life."


    "I believe you. I''ve always believed you." Mona forced a smile at Maxwell. She had always trusted Maxwell''s love for her. If he didn''t love someone to the core, Maxwell wouldn''t do all the things he had done in her name,


    However, at that moment, Mona''s heart was quite heavy. All kinds of emotions intertwined, pressing down on her until she could not breathe.

 Chapter 184

    After Mona and Maxwell returned to the Clem Family''s residence, Maxwell heard from Polly that Bernard and Jane had gone to Barbara''s ce. The reason was that Barbara could not ept her mother had killed Emily. At one point, she did not go out of her home. She cried all day and did not eat or drink. Barbara''s housekeeper brought the news to Bernard. She said that she was worried a young girl like her would take things too hard andmit suicide. Upon receiving the news, Bernard and Jane hurriedly rushed to Barbara''s residence.


    However, what was more shocking for Bernard and Beatrice was that Beatrice was the culprit of their daughter''s killing. Last night, when Bernard and Jane heard from the police that Beatrice wasplicit in Emily''s murder, they hung up silently. They were unwilling to ept this fact for a long time.


    After all, their daughter had a good rtionship with Beatrice. They were so close that Jane would sometimes be jealous of Beatrice. Emily told Beatrice almost everything. Emily would bring Beatrice wherever she went. They were as close as sisters. Even everyone at Nathontown knew about their friendship.


    But then, hearing Barbara mightmit suicide at home, Bernard didn''t waste a second and rushed over. No matter what, she was innocent.


    After Mona finished listening to Polly, she pulled Maxwell outside. She guessed Barbara was used to win the sympathy of her grandparents by causing a scene such as this. This time, by making them think she mightmit suicide.


    Since Barbara often gave Bernard medicine, Bernard and Jane''s attitude towards her changed drastically. Barbara would visit their house for meals and even stay if it waste. But since Beatrice''s imprisonment, Barbara has lived alone. Mona had reason to suspect that Barbara''s purpose for acting pitiful was to move back to the Clem Family and obtain the pity and love of her grandparents.


    However, if that were Barbara''s reason, it would seem odd. After all, her mother, Beatrice, was Emily''s murderer. This would be awkward when she moved into Bernard''s house.


    ''But why is she acting so sad, self-reproaching, and guilty? Perhaps she didn''t know anything about what her mother had done.'' Mona wondered. It was not easy to chase Barbara out of the Clem Family''s house. Mona did not want Barbara to return and live with her grandparents. Even worse, she might try to kill her again.


    When Bernard suggested that Barbara should stay in the Clem Family''s house, Mona knew that Bernard must have tried the medicine Barbara gave. At first, Bernard thought the medicine would not be good for his health. However, Mona miscalcted. Bernard''s body had been recuperating well and felt much better.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s increasingly serious expression and tightened his grip on Mona''s hand. Heforted her, "Mona, don''t be anxious. Everything will be fine."


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona calmed down and said, "I''m just anxious. I don''t want Barbara toe back."


    Mona hurriedly opened the car door and got in. At the same time, she put on her seatbelt. Meanwhile, upon knowing Mona was anxious, he quickly drove away from the Clem family and rushed to where Barbara lived. Maxwell drove fast. He only wanted to make sure Barbara was safe. After confirming her situation, he nned to drive Mona straight home.


    When they arrived at Barbara''s apartment, Mona saw amotion and heard people around her discussing something. "I can''t believe that youngdymitted suicide. There''s blood all over the ground. It''s scary."Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    "When she was carried out by the ambnce, she was unconscious. Her face was as pale as a ghost. I don''t know if she can be saved."


    "Although her mother was wrong, that youngdy is innocent. If she dies, it would be a pity."


    "I know. She''s so young."


    Mona did not listen too much. She walked over and asked, "Who ismitting suicide?" She guessed that the personmitting suicide was Barbara.


    "It''s a youngdy who lives here. Her mother was taken away by the policest night. I heard she was sentenced to thirty years in prison. The youngdy probably couldn''t ept it andmitted suicide." "Yeah. Earlier, I saw a man rush over. He should be one of her rtives."


    "I understand. Thank you." Mona said and quickly got into the car.


    "Maxwell, go to the nearest hospital. Barbaramitted suicide!" Mona said anxiously. It was the oue she expected, but Mona was still shocked to hear about it. She couldn''t believe Barbara would go that far. "Mona, sit tight. I''ll drive faster," Maxwell said as he started the car again.


    They went to the nearest hospital from Barbara''s apartment. When they arrived, Mona felt she was sweating profusely. She was not worried that Barbara would pass away, but that her grandparents had already decided for Barbara to move in with them.


    She understood Barbara. She wouldn''t kill herself unless she had nothing else to live for. Meanwhile, Mona knew Barbara''s ultimate goal was to end her. There was no way Barbaramitted suicide.


    Barbara used to chase, threaten, and


    beat Mona and Teddy. Teddy couldn''t take it anymore, but Mona refused to sumb to her torture She knew Barbara wouldn''t give up until she got what she wanted. So, Mon¨¤ still firmly believes this was all anact that Barbara had


    swid


    orchestrated.


    Mona''s hunch was right. Barbara wouldn''tmit suicide. She hadn''t snatched everything from Mona, so there was no reason for her to end her life. She nned everything, including sending the person who informed Bernard.


    The timing of her "suicide" was set perfectly. Through the window, she saw Bernard and Jane leave their car. Only then did she take out the fruit knife she had prepared and cut her wrist. It was neither deep nor shallow. There was a lot of blood that flowed out, and it was scary. However, she calcted the time between her house and the nearest hospital. She knew this injury wasn''t enough to kill her.


    When Mona and Maxwell arrived at the hospital, Barbara left the emergency room and was sent to the ward Bernard and Jane were guarding her. After Mona learned from the nurse that Barbara was in that ward, she heard soft crying before Maxwell walked in,


    Barbara shouted, "Why don''t you let me die? My existence is a mistake. Why do you want me to live?!"


    The door did not close the doorpletely. Before Mona entered, her gaze met Barbara''s. Barbara''s eyes were filled with hatred. Meanwhile, Mona was calm. She weed Barbara''s hateful gaze and walked into the ward. "Grandpa, Grandma," Mona greeted. Then, he looked at Barbara solemnly. "What is happening?"

 Chapter 185

    When Jane and Bernard saw Mona and Maxwell enter, Jane quickly held Mona''s hand and said anxiously, "Mona, you''re here. Please, persuade Barbara. She''s taking things too hard and wants tomit suicide!"


    In the past, Barbara and Mona were close. They had a good rtionship. Since Barbara wanted tomit suicide, Jane believed Mona''s words would work. However, Jane had no idea that their rtionship had crumbled. They weren''t sisters anymore. Mona looked coldly at Barbara on the hospital bed. Barbara''s face looked lifeless, and her eyes were filled with despair. She curled up in the corner of the hospital bed. If Mona did not understand Barbara''s character, she would have been fooled by her realistic acting skills.


    Mona didn''t know why Barbara became a designer. With her acting skills, it would be a pity if she didn''t go to the entertainment industry. "Suicide? Really? Barbara, why are you trying to kill yourself?" Mona smirked slightly, and her tone had a hint of mockery. Barbara met Mona''s gaze, and her heart skipped a beat. She felt Mona could see through her tricks and her heart could not help but tremble.


    However, Barbara had a solid alibi to assure Mona. Beatrice had killed Emily, and she could use the crime as the base of her excuse. Barbara could say she disagreed with Beatrice''s actions and was ashamed of being her daughter. Hence, she thought ofmitting suicide.


    "Mona, you don''t believe me? I can''t live in this world anymore. I don''t have a family anymore. I think my existence is a mistake," Barbara said aggrievedly. Her slender hands sped Mona''s hand, and her eyes were filled with despair.


    "Barbara, what do you mean you don''t have a family? You still have me, your grandfather, your grandmother, and your cousin. You have Albert too. We all have your back," Bernard said.


    Bernard was aggrieved to see such a youngdy lose all hope in life. He couldn''t help but think about how Beatrice had raised her.


    "Really? Are you all my family?" Barbara asked curiously.


    Jane and Bernard both nodded. They quickly agreed. Only Mona looked at Barbara with a cold expression.


    "What about my cousin? Does my cousin still think I''m part of this family?" Barbara asked.


    For a moment, Bernard and Jane looked at Mona and nodded at her. "Of course. Barbara, now you need to rest," Mona said unwillingly.


    After what happened, Bernard was worried about Barbara living alone. So, it was better to let her live in the Clem Family''s residence. "It''s just like what Mona said. Barbara, take care of yourself first. After you''re discharged, we''ll take you..." Before he could finish, Mona interrupted. "Barbara, have a good rest first. Maxwell has something to discuss with Grandpa."


    After Mona finished speaking, he pulled Bernard out of the ward. Maxwell naturally followed behind.


    For a moment, only Barbara and Jane were left in the room. Barbara looked at Mona. She was about to achieve her goal. She was about to hear what Bernard had to say. However, Mona interrupted. She wondered if there would be any changes after Bernard and Mona left. Hence, she looked at Jane pitifully. "Grandma, I don''t want to live alone. Can I stay with you?"


    Jane didn''t know how to answer. After all, she held a grudge against Beatrice for killing her daughter,


    Emily. Then, upon looking at Barbara, she was quite worried that what happened to her daughter would happen again. In the


    beginning, Emily and Beatrice were


    close. Butter on...


    After this incident, Jane did not want Barbara to live in the Clem Family''s residence. She didn''t deny that she had saved Bernard. However, Jane did not want to risk Mona''s life.


    Looking at the silent Jane, Barbara was getting impatient. It seemed she was still on Mona''s side. If the personmitting suicide was Mona, she couldn''t imagine how Jane would cry.


    "Grandma, are you hesitating whether I can live with you? But Grandpa said that I can stay at the Clem Family''s house." Barbara asked innocently.


    Jane smiled and reached out to tuck Barbara in. "Let''s not think about that now. Rest well first. We''ll talk about it when you''re better." She said ambiguously.


    Meanwhile, Mona pulled Bernard to the stairs outside the ward. Usually, patients took the elevator, so it was quiet there. "Grandpa, are you nning to let Barbara return to your house?" Mona asked directly. Bernard nodded. "Yes, I''m sorry for what has happened to her. Moreover, I think her mental state is not quite right." Barbara used to test medicine for him, and he felt he owed Barbara his life. "I disagree," Mona said firmly.


    "Mona, I know you have a grudge against Barbara because of Emily''s death, but think about it. Beatrice was the real culprit. It has nothing to do with her. Barbara did nothing wrong, Bernard defended Barbara. He also understood how Mona felt. Emily was his daughter, and he felt more or less as aggrieved as Mona. But at the same time, Bernard couldn''t bear to see Barbara, his savior, living alone.


    "You are right, Barbara is not guilty in my mother''s death. But I don''t want Barbara to live back in the Clem Family''s residence. You can''t judge a book by its cover. Even her mother, Beatrice, looks innocent but is a heartless killer. Have you ever thought about what Barbara might do? What if something happens to me, or you, or grandma? It''ll be toote to regret it!"


    "Nonsense. Barbara is not such a person. Mona, you''re overthinking things," Bernard said firmly.


    "Grandpa, I''m not overthinking. I''m taking precautions. If you''re grateful to Barbara for testing the medicine for you, you can buy a house for her near our house. I have no objection as long as she doesn''t live under the same roof as we are," Mona argued. Mona did not want her grandparents to be bewitched by Barbara again. Despite looking like an innocent girl, Barbara was vicious at heart. Mona was worried that Barbara would do something twisted to her, and her grandparents.


    "But Barbara is having a mental problem. Why don''t we let Barbara stay at home for a while? We can buy her a house when she''s in a better state." Bernard admitted Mona''s worries were not baseless. However, he feared Barbara would take things too hard alone outside. "Grandpa, how can you be sure she won''t do anything harmful to us? What if something happens to us because of her? What will you say then?" Mona asked. If possible, she didn''t want her family to have any contact with Barbara. However, Barbara had helped cure Bernard''s illness. He owed her his life.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    So, Bernard sighed. "I''ll ask you the same thing. If Barbara lives alone andmits suicide again, what do you have to say?" Bernard was most worried about this. He believed Barbara had the right to start anew. So, if anything happened to her, he would never forgive himself.

 Chapter 186

    "Grandpa, your worries are unnecessary. I guarantee that Barbara will be fine," Mona said with certainty.


    Barbara would nevermit suicide. Everything Barbara did was to achieve her goal.


    After Mona finished speaking, Bernard did not say anything. She said a little jealously, "Grandpa, I''m your biological granddaughter. Am I inferior to Barbara?" "Of course you aren''t. I love you the most," Bernard quickly replied.


    Ever since Emily passed away, he had shifted his feelings for Emily to Mona. In his heart, even Albert could notpare to Mona, let alone Barbara.


    "Alright, since Grandpa dotes on me, listen to me. Don''t let Barbara live in the Clem family''s residence," Mona said domineeringly.


    Bernard met Mona''s determined gaze. He gritted his teeth and nodded.


    "I''ll listen to you. However, it''s unfair to Barbara. Mona, since Barbara dared to test the medicine for me, that shows that she''s not a bad person. You can try to get along with her again. If you still don''t like her, forget it. Don''t force yourself," Bernard said. After spending a few days together, Bernard could tell that Mona did not like Barbara. It was only because of him and Jane that Mona appeared to be on good terms with Barbara.


    He doted on Barbara as his granddaughter, but ultimately, Barbara was not as important as Mona in his heart.


    Mona said, "Grandpa, you know everything?"


    Bernard tapped the tip of Mona''s nose gently. "Of course. I might be old, but I''m not stupid. Alright, let''s go back to the ward. Let''s not talk about this for now. We''ll talk about it when Barbara is discharged."


    Mona nodded and helped Bernard to the ward. Maxwell looked at Mona who had gotten her way and was happy for her.


    "Hubby, why are you in a daze? Let''s go." Mona turned around and waved at Maxwell.


    Maxwell nodded and caught up with Mona in a few steps. He walked beside her and returned to the ward together.


    Back in the ward, no one mentioned letting Barbara live in the Clem family''s residence after she was discharged.


    Barbara was still in a bad mood, but she didn''t mention suicide anymore.


    Some tricks could only be used once. If she used this trick again, she knew very well that Bernard and Jane would be annoyed with her. This was especially true for Jane. Unlike Bernard who still owed her a favor for saving his life, Jane was not indebted to her in any way. After Bernard and Jane''s persuasion, Barbara gradually showed hope for life and stopped mentioning death. However, she looked unhappy. After a busy day, it was almost ten o''clock when Mona and Maxwell returned home. The two of them casually ate a little and went to bed.


    At night, Monay on the big bed and rxed. She thought to herself that luckily, she had made it in time today. Otherwise, it would be difficult to chase Barbara out after she returned to the Clem family''s residence. When Maxwell came out of the bathroom, he saw Mona lying on the bed.


    She was wearing a ckce nightgown that reached below her thighs. Her slender legs were casually crossed, and her ankles were so slim that they could be grasped with one hand.


    Maxwell''s gaze on Mona became even more intense as if a zing fire was burning in his eyes.


    He casually ced the towel in his hand on the chair beside him and strode to the bed. He took off his shoes and got on the bed. He ced his hand on Mona''s waist and rubbed his face against her neck. As soon as Maxwell got into bed, Mona felt it. She ced the phone in her hand by the bed and reached out to hug Maxwell''s waist.


    His body temperature was hot. Every time she heard his steady and strong heartbeat, she would feel exceptionally at ease.


    Mona''s fingertips touched the well-defined muscles of his chest. She said seductively, "Hubby, I''m d that you''re by my side today."


    As long as Maxwell was by her side, even if he did nothing, Mona would feel at ease and confident.


    In the dim night, Maxwell quietly


    kissed her twice. Finally, he wrapped the two of them tightly with the nket and sped her slender finger with his palm. He whispered, "I''ll be by your side from now on. I want a reward."


    After saying that, he raised his head and covered Mona''s lips.


    Mona''s body was a little stiff after being kissed by Maxwell. Mona and Maxwell had been busy these few days and had not been intimate. She was not used to being so intimate all of a sudden. She did not even know where to put her hands. All her attention was on their lips.


    Maxwell first kissed her with a strong desire. At the same time, he raised his palm and swept her thick brown hair away with his


    well-defined hand, scattering it


    her wless shoulders. He stroked


    her hair and held her slender shoulders.


    Mona did not think about anything else. As she was kissed by Maxwell, her body gradually turned limp.


    After an unknown period of time, Mona felt that she was about to run out of oxygen. At this moment, a strange feeling came from her body and her lower abdomen felt a little bloated.


    Mona thought about it. This was not good. She had been very busy these few days and had not thought about her period at all. It was already two to three dayste.


    Her period had always been irregr, always a few days earlier orter. She went to the hospital for a checkup and they said that there was nothing wrong, so she did not pay much attention to it. With that thought, Mona reached out and pushed Maxwell.


    Maxwell opened his bright eyes. There was dissatisfaction in his eyes. When he got up, he kissed Mona hard on the lips and asked in a low voice, "What''s wrong?"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona covered her face in embarrassment and could not bear to look at Maxwell anymore. She said in an extremely low voice, "It''s the 13th today."


    "I know. Does it matter?" Maxwell still did not understand.


    Mona''s face was so red that it could drip blood. She exined again, "It''s already the 13th. I think my period came on the 10thst month." After saying that, Mona added, "Get up quickly. I''m going to the toilet." She was afraid that she would have to wash the sheets if the bed got stained. It would be troublesome.


    After Mona pushed Maxwell to the side of the bed, she quickly took what she needed to the toilet.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s slender back and sighed silently. Today was the 13th. It was time for her period toe. It seemed that he had to take another cold shower tonight.


    Mona went to the toilet and found that it was just as she had expected. Her period was here. After dealing with it, she washed her hands and went out.


    Meanwhile, Maxwell had already prepared beetroot juice for Mona.


    As soon as Mona came out, Maxwell handed it over. "Drink it now, or you''ll feel ufortable again."


    Maxwell remembered it very clearly. Mona would feel ufortable on the first day of her period. asionally, she would be in so much pain that she could not get out of bed. Mona shook her head. "I don''t feel like drinking it. I''ve already brushed my teeth."


    After drinking the beetroot juice, she still had to brush her teethter. And this time, amazingly, she didn''t feel much pain.

 Chapter 187

    "No, Mona, be good and drink it now." Maxwell directly handed the beetroot juice to Mona. He would always remember Mona''s pale face from the pain. He did not want to see it again in his life. Meeting Maxwell''s determined gaze, Mona said, "Alright then."


    After saying that, she drank it in one go and ced the ss in Maxwell''s hand. She looked like she wanted to be praised and went straight to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Maxwell met Mona''s gaze and the corners of his lips curled up subconsciously.


    After everything was done, Monay on the bed. Only then did she feel a swelling pain in her lower abdomen, but it was not very ufortable.


    She thanked Maxwell in her heart for asking her to drink the ss of beetroot juice. Otherwise, she would probably feel worse.


    Maxwell noticed that Mona had frowned subconsciously. He ced his big hand on Mona''s lower abdomen and asked with concern, "Are you feeling very ufortable? Is this better?"


    The temperature of his palm on her stomach was hot, which relieved the swelling pain in her lower abdomen.


    Mona snuggled into Maxwell''s arms. His body was hot. To Mona, this was exactly what she needed. "Actually, it''s not very ufortable this time, but it''sfortable to have your hand on my stomach."


    Maxwell said, "I''m d you''refortable. I''ll leave my hand on your stomach then. Now go to sleep. Do you want me to give you a day off tomorrow?"


    Mona shook her head and rejected Maxwell''s suggestion.


    The Design Competition between cities would begin in a few months. The venue of thispetition was set at Noretin. Mona hadn''tpleted her design yet. She still had to produce itter, so time was a little tight.


    This time, the Design Competition in Noretin was even more solemn than that in Nathontown. There were a total of threepetitions. The first was a free ypetition, and the other two were on-the-spotpetitions to test the designers'' impromptu performance. Maxwell said, "Mona, let me know if you feel ufortable. Don''t hold it in."


    Mona nestled in Maxwell''s arms and nodded. Sleepiness hit her and she slowly closed her eyes.


    Maxwell left a kiss on Mona''s forehead before falling asleep with Mona.


    The next morning, the morning sun shone on the big bed. Mona moved her hand and opened her eyes in confusion to look at the time.


    When it was time to get up, Mona sat up, put on her clothes, and washed up.


    Perhaps it was because she had drunk beetroot juice yesterday, or perhaps it was because Maxwell had put his hand on her stomach for the entire night, in any case, after Mona woke up this morning, she did not have the same backache as before.


    Mona''s time in thepany had been pleasant for the past few days. Without Barbara around, she was in an exceptionally good mood. She even had a lot of inspiration for the design drafts.


    On Saturday, Barbara could be discharged. On the day she was discharged, Mona also went to the hospital to pick her up.


    Bernard had bought an apartment near the Clem family''s residence for Barbara. He had already gotten someone to move Barbara''s things over in advance.


    Along the way, Barbara was quiet. All along, Bernard and Jane had not mentioned letting her return to the Clem family''s residence. She had a vague guess that she had not achieved her goal.


    As soon as she saw that Bernard had brought her to an unfamiliar ce, Barbara knew what Bernard meant.


    Mona was the first to praise, "Grandpa, the apartment you prepared for Barbara looks pretty good."


    It was indeed not bad. Bernard was afraid that Barbara would feel upset that she was not allowed to return to the Clem family''s residence. Hence, he specially bought the best apartment near the Clem family''s residence and allocated servants and a driver.


    Barbara looked at the apartment in front of her. It looked alright, butpared to the Clem family''s residence, it was still not as good. After all, the Clem family''s residence was not only a ce to live but also a symbol of status. "Grandpa, am I not allowed to live with you?" Barbara asked, feeling aggrieved.


    "Well..." Bernard felt sorry for Barbara. He did not know how to reject Barbara when she asked that directly.


    "Barbara, look at what you''re saying. You''re not young anymore. You can move out and live alone. Don''t tell me you still have to pester Grandpa and Grandma every day? That won''t be good. Moreover, all the people in our circle have moved out and lived alone. If you keep pestering Grandpa and Grandma, you''ll beughed at," Mona said bluntly.


    It was true that people of their age in their circle had moved out, but they usually went home once a week, just like Maxwell. However, the Clem family did not require this of Barbara.


    "Yes, yes, yes. What Mona said makes sense. You''re not young anymore. You''re old enough to get married. If you have someone you like, don''t forget to tell me," Bernard said.


    Bernard did not have a choice. Between Mona and Barbara, he would subconsciously be biased towards Mona. Since Mona was unwilling to let Barbara return to the Clem family''s residence, he had no choice but to agree.


    "Grandpa, I''m still young. It''s still too


    early for me to get married. Let''s not talk about it anymore. I''m going to check out the apartment you


    prepared for me," Barbara said


    mischievously. After saying that, she walked into the apartment like a child.


    Mona looked at Barbara''s back and felt that Barbara''s acting skills were really good. However, she won this round. In the end, Barbara did not return to the Clem family''s residence.


    The incident of Barbara''s suicide gradually came to an end, and Mona''s days went on as usual.


    However, Mona still met Barbara frequently in thepany. She and Maxwell nned to transfer Barbara to the branchpany in the name of reward after the Design Competition in Noretin was over.


    One day, after Mona got off work, she waited for Maxwell to pick her up at thepany as usual. After waiting for a long time, Maxwell did note.


    About half an hourter, Mona was getting anxious. She was vaguely worried and was about to pick up her phone to call Maxwell.


    At this moment, she received Maxwell''s WhatsApp message. [Honey, I''m really sorry. I can''t pick you up tonight. I asked Nigel to pick you up. Something happened to Bud. I have to rush over.] When Mona saw Maxwell''s message, she calmed down a little. She thought that something had happened to Maxwell. She was d that he was fine.


    Mona texted: [It''s okay. Come back early after you''re done.]


    After Mona put away her phone, she soon saw Nigel rushing over. She was sent home by Nigel.


    On the way, Mona thought of Maxwell mentioning Bud. She could not help but think of Bud''s girlfriend, Chelly.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Maxwell had asked Nigel to investigate Chelly, but there had been no news.


    "Nigel, Maxwell asked you to investigate Chelly. Is there any progress now?" Mona asked subconsciously.


    Nigel tightened his grip on the steering wheel and said, "Mrs. Carter, there''s still no news from my subordinates. I''ll tell you when there''s news."


    During this period of time, he had been helping Maxwell with thepany''s matters. He had even forgotten to urge his subordinates about Chelly''s matter. "Alright, sorry to trouble you, Nigel," Mona said.


    When Mona returned home, it was past ten at night. She had already finished dinner, but Maxwell had not returned yet. Mona could not help but wonder what had happened to Bud.

 Chapter 188

    For some reason, when Mona thought of Chelly, she recalled thest time she''d seen Gordon grasp Chelly by the shoulders. vague unease tugged at her heart.


    A


    It was nearly eleven o''clock at night when Mona finally heard the sound of a car pulling up outside it was Maxwelling back.


    Mona sat up quickly from the couch and hurried outside to greet him.


    Maxwell parked his car and strode forward just in time to see Mona stepping out of the doorway.


    She was wearing a white nightgown, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and the warm light from the house softened her features, adding warmth to her smile.


    The softest part of Maxwell''s heart seemed to awaken. This was what it felt like to have someone waiting for him at home!


    Before, when he hadn''t been married to Mona, no matter howte he returned, the house had always been dark, an echo of his own solitude.


    But now, with Mona, his home was filled with light, and someone cared for him.


    Mona saw Maxwell standing still, gazing at her, and walked over, taking his hand as she asked softly, "What''s wrong? Stunned at the sight of me?" Feeling her touch, Maxwell wrapped her small hand in his own, his eyes meeting her bright gaze. "Yeah, you''re simply too beautiful to look at." At those words, Mona''s mouth lifted into a light smile. "We''re not newlyweds anymore. Aren''t you embarrassed to be this sweet?"


    Although she feigned a little disapproval, her heart was full of happiness.


    After all, everyone would want their beloved to shower them with praise.


    "Not at all," Maxwell said sincerely, "You''re still as young and lovely as ever. I''m just speaking the truth, not sweet talk."


    "Alright, alright, if you say so," she replied with a smile.


    By now, they had made their way back to the living room. Since Maxwell had already eaten dinner outside, they went straight to their room. Maxwell headed to take a shower, while Monay on the bed, texting Ava, who had reached out first.


    Ava sent a message. [Mona, I''m in love! It''s that movie star I mentioned before-Joseph Vander. I''ll find a chance to introduce you to him sometime.]


    As Mona read Ava''s text, she sensed an unusual somberness in her friend''s tone.


    Normally, Ava was upbeat and expressive, her words reflecting her joy. Perhaps in the past, when she had a new boyfriend, she''d have introduced him right away, eager to share the excitement.


    In this brief moment, Mona couldn''t help but feel that Ava might not have fully moved on from Bud, and meeting Joseph had merely given her a suitable distraction.


    Mona thought for a moment and replied: [Ava, do you love him?]


    In the dark of night, Ava looked at the question Mona had sent her: [Do you love him?]


    Ava silently asked herself, ''Do I love him? Did I ept Joseph because I love him?''


    The answer was obviously no.


    Ava: [What''s the point of loving? We fit well together, and he''s kind to me. He loves me, he spoils me, he''s willing to skip kissing scenes for me, and he even acknowledges me publicly online.]


    For an actor on the rise, admitting he


    has a girlfriend could mean losing support from his female fans, and refusing to do kissing scenes would limit his career. But Joseph was willing to make these sacrifices for Ava surely, this was true love from him.


    When Mona saw Ava''s reply, she knew Ava''s heart hadn''t let go of Bud. Perhaps Ava''s recent return to the country and seeing Bud with his girlfriend had influenced her decision, along with the fact that Joseph was genuinely good to her.


    In truth, Mona''s guess wasn''t far off.


    The final reason Ava epted Joseph was that she''d unexpectedly run into Chelly at a restaurant and overheard Chelly say that she and Bud would soon be married. Meanwhile, Joseph had been persistently pursuing Ava, and it


    made sense to give him a chance.


    She needed to let Bud go, and she read online that the best way to move on from someone was to open her heart to someone new.


    And Joseph, who had been so devoted to pursuing her, seemed like the right choice.


    After a long pause, Mona finally replied: [Ava, no matter who you''re with, I just want you to be happy every day.]


    That was probably the biggest wish of any best friend-to see their friend live a happy, fulfilling life.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ''Happy?'' Ava thought as she looked at Mona''s message. ''Am I really happy with Joseph? It seems... not bad.''


    Ava then replied: [Don''t worry, I''m sure I''ll be happy.]


    Just then, Maxwell emerged from the shower. Mona put down her phone, walked over to him, and took the towel from his hand, gently rubbing his hair dry.


    His dark hair was freshly shampooed, giving off a clean, refreshing scent.


    As she dried his hair, she asked, "What''s up with Bud today?"


    She wondered if Bud''s recent behavior might have something to do with Ava''s new rtionship.


    Ava was loyal in love, and it was unlikely she could move on so quickly.


    With Mona, Maxwell never hid anything, including Bud''s quiet reminder on the way out: "Don''t tell your wife."


    "It''s simple," Maxwell said. "Bud''s about to marry Chelly, and only now he''s realizing that the one he truly cares for is your best friend."


    That was why Bud approached Maxwell for a drink, hoping Maxwell could help him figure out what to do and make a decision about his next steps.


    Mona''s hand, which had been gently rubbing Maxwell''s hair dry with the towel, suddenly paused when she heard Maxwell say that the person Bud truly loved was Ava. "Really? Bud admitted it himself?" Mona asked, clearly surprised.


    Maxwell nodded. "He never wanted


    to get married, didn''t want kids, and if it hadn''t been for that ident


    recently, he wouldn''t have even


    thought about finding a girlfrie


    So, when Ava pursued him, he turned her down. Now, with his


    wedding around the corner, he''s just


    realizing it''s Ava he cares about."


    "This is going to be veryplicated," Mona murmured.


    Bud was about to marry Chelly, and Ava already had a boyfriend-two people who loved each other were now with someone else.


    "Lately, Nigel has been getting slower and slower. There''s still no word on Chelly, even after I asked him to look into it," Maxwell said, reaching for his phone to call Nigel.


    Mona quickly stopped him. "Honey, you don''t need to call him. I spoke to Nigel on the way here, and he said we should have some news in a few days."


    It was already past eleven, and Nigel was likely resting. Maxwell, as a boss, really had no sense of time, and Mona couldn''t help but feel a bit sorry for Nigel. Meanwhile, Nigel, hard at work elsewhere, suddenly sneezed twice, wondering if someone was bad-mouthing him!


    "Alright, let''s wait a couple more days, then," Maxwell said, putting his phone down. He rxed, enjoying Mona''s attentive care, and ced hisrge hand over hers, stroking it softly.

 Chapter 189

    On Saturday, Ava and Mona were both free, and Ava managed to ask Mona out for lunch. She nned to introduce Joseph to Mona, while Mona considered telling Ava in person that Bud actually loved her. When Mona woke up, it was already past nine o''clock. Maxwell had already left for the office. Now that he was in charge of twopanies, he didn''t even get weekends off.


    After she freshened up, Haley drove Mona to the restaurant she and Ava had agreed upon.


    Their reservation was at a members-only restaurant, chosen mainly to avoid Joseph being photographed. The ce was popr among celebrities, and paparazzi couldn''t get in, ensuring privacy.


    As soon as Mona and Haley walked in, Joseph greeted them warmly and helped them to their seats.


    This was Mona''s first time meeting the movie star Joseph. She had only seen him in TV dramas before and was surprised that he looked much the same in person as on screen. He was quite handsome and looked well-matched sitting next to Ava. "Mona,e on, sit down! Let me introduce you. This is my boyfriend-can you believe it? My boyfriend is a movie star!" Ava said enthusiastically. "Joseph, this is my best friend, Mona, who is going to be an international designer someday."


    In her mind, Ava had imagined what it would be like to introduce her boyfriend to Mona. She had always pictured Bud in that role, but now that it was Joseph, she realized it felt just as nice.


    Mona politely nodded at Joseph, who smiled at her in a gentlemanly way before stepping out to call the waiter to start the meal service.


    Once Joseph left, Mona looked at Ava and said, "He''s much easier to get along with than I expected, and he treats you well."


    In Mona''s mind, she''d always thought movie stars were aloof and distant, and it would be Ava who was always the one to take the initiative to do everything.


    She hadn''t expected Joseph to make such a positive impression, even remembering to pour water for Ava without her asking.


    She couldn''t help but wonder what Ava truly thought of him.


    "Of course," Ava replied with a smile. "Out of everyone who pursued me, he''s treated me the best."


    Joseph soon returned and took his seat next to Ava.


    While they waited for the food, he kept the conversation lively, never letting a lull settle over the table.


    Mona observed closely. When Ava lifted her hand, Joseph anticipated that she was reaching for a napkin and was already handing one to her before she had to ask.


    She was even more satisfied with Joseph.


    They were talking andughing when Maxwell and Bud entered.


    Amidst the crowd, Maxwell immediately spotted Mona. It seemed he and Mona were destined to cross paths of all ces, the clients had randomly chosen the very restaurant where Mona was dining with her friends. Maxwell let hispanions head up first while he made his way over to Mona, with Bud trailing close behind.


    As they approached, Bud noticed a man beside Ava, being particrly attentive, even wiping her mouth.


    Bud felt an urge to get the man away from Ava immediately.


    Following his instinct, Bud walked right over, grabbed Joseph by the shoulder, and pulled Joseph aside to sit next to Ava himself.


    He shot her a questioning look. ''This man was so attentive to her that his arm almost touched hers, and yet she didn''t know to ask him to go away,'' he thought unhappily.


    Joseph, who had been sitting there without expecting an interruption, was thoroughly confused. Seeing the stranger in his seat now staring intently at his girlfriend, he couldn''t just let it go.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Joseph pulled Bud back up and said firmly, "This is my seat."


    Then, he sat down beside Ava, put an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. Ava, a bit startled, found herself leaning against Joseph''s shoulder.


    Bud''s temper red at this sight, and he reached to grab Joseph by the cor, but Ava quickly stepped in, pushing Bud''s hand aside.


    "Bud, have you had enough?" she demanded, clearly annoyed.


    Bud pointed to himself with a bitter smile. "Me? Have I had enough? Ava, he has his arm around you, and you''re just letting it happen?"


    He was genuinely worried about her being taken advantage of.


    "You''re mistaken," Ava replied, cing her hand on Joseph''s. "This is my boyfriend, Joseph."


    With those words, she turned away from Bud and nced at her hand entwined with Joseph''s, tightening her grip in a subtle show of closeness.


    Bud stared at their sped hands, feeling a pang of emptiness, as if he''d lost something precious.


    "You... have a boyfriend?" he asked, still in disbelief.


    He could still remember the days when Ava would chase after him messaging him constantly. The idea that she suddenly had a boyfriend was something Bud didn''t want to, and couldn''t, ept.


    Ava met Bud''s gaze. "Yes, I have a boyfriend. I heard Ms. Sterling say you''re getting married-congrats!"


    Bud was about to ask Ava if she


    hadn''t once said he was the one she


    loved and how she was suddenly a rtionship, but once he heard what Aya said, he couldn''t bring himself to ask any of his questions.


    ''That''s right. I''m about to get married, so what right do I have to ask if she is seeing anyone?'' he thought.


    "Thanks," he replied, forcing a small smile. "I''ll invite you to the wedding, so you can have a drink on me." His gaze held a faint sadness as he looked at her.


    "Sounds good! Ava and I will definitely be there," Joseph said, his hand on Ava''s shoulder tightening slightly.


    He had acted in enough dramas to recognize aplicated rtionship, and it was clear there was something between Ava and Bud.


    But now Ava was his girlfriend, and he wasn''t about to let the two exchange nces in front of him.


    Bud gave a dismissive grunt, irritation simmering beneath the surface while thinking, ''I''m talking to Ava, so why is this Joseph butting in?''


    "Alright, Maxwell, time to meet with your clients. Don''t keep them waiting," said Mona, giving Maxwell a gentle nudge.


    She could tell that if this kept up, Bud and Joseph might actuallye to blows.


    Reluctantly, Maxwell let go of Mona''s hand and nudged Bud toward the staircase.


    Before leaving, Bud stole onest nce at Ava, now firmly wrapped in Joseph''s arms. That possessive hand on her shoulder was


    infuriating, and he had half a mind to go over and knock it off.


    "Let''s go!" Maxwell urged, pulling him along.


    "She has a boyfriend. This is my fault. I regret it. If I''d epted Ava''s feelings back then, none of this would have happened," Bud muttered in remorse.


    He genuinely regretted it now, but he no longer had any right to stand by Ava''s side.

 Chapter 190

    "Regret won''t help. You''ll just have to find a way to salvage it. If you really don''t want to marry Chelly, talk to her nicely, thene back here and go after Ava," Maxwell said. This was Bud''s biggest headache. He didn''t even know how to tell Chelly about the breakup.


    After all, he had done everything have been done he was supposed to as her boyfriend, and even some things he wasn''t. Calling off the wedding now would make him look like aplete scumbag.


    But if he married Chelly without truly loving her, it wouldn''t be fair to her.


    Only after starting his rtionship with Chelly did he realize he might have feelings for Ava. Or maybe it was because Ava hadn''t sent him any WhatsApp messagestely or shared her daily life with him. It hit him only then: he missed having Ava by his side. But he realized it toote. He had already made a huge mistake. He already had a girlfriend and was nning to get married.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    It was night, and the sky was dark, making the stars above seem especially bright, like scattered pearls.


    After Ava and Mona finished their meal, Mona couldn''t find a moment to speak with Ava privately. So, she went back to the Clem family to spend time with her grandparents, while Ava and Joseph went to see a movie.


    Joseph held Ava''s hand as he walked her to the door. He didn''t let go, just gazing at her with bright eyes.


    After a while, Ava looked up, puzzled, wondering why he hadn''t released her hand.


    Their eyes met in the quiet darkness.


    Ava sensed Joseph''s questions and asked, "Is there something you want to know?"


    Clearly, she was referring to Bud.


    "Yes. What''s your rtionship with Bud?" Joseph asked. He had a vague guess in his heart.


    Ava exhaled deeply and replied, "I used to love him a lot, but he didn''t feel the same. He already has a girlfriend and is about to get married, so I let it go."


    When Ava decided to ept Joseph, she''d told him she had someone else on her mind. He''d said it didn''t matter to him then, as long as she gave him a chance to be the one in her heart.


    Now, she didn''t want to keep anything from him. Whether or not she still had feelings for Bud, even she wasn''t sure.


    Joseph''s voice held a hint of nervousness as he said, "I figured as much. But how about now? Does he have any less of a ce in your heart? Or, put another way, do I have more of one?" He had been acting for years, ying a wide range of roles.


    The first time he met Ava on set, he immediately sensed her inner conflict. On one hand, she wanted to live a happy life, and on the other, she seemed unable to be truly happy. After that first meeting, Joseph found himself drawn to Ava''s contradictions.


    He wasn''t one to give up easily, and if he wanted something, he''d fight for it even if he might never fully get it. So, the third time they met, he confessed his feelings for her. Ava shook her head honestly. "I don''t know."


    After a moment''s hesitation, she looked at him, feeling a pang of guilt for not loving him fully yet still being with him. She added, "If you''re ufortable with this, you can break up anytime. I won''t-"


    Before she could finish, Joseph pressed his fingers gently to her lips, whispering, "Ava, listen. The second time I saw you, I fell in love with you. The third time we met, I knew I had to tell you how I felt. And you finally agreed to be with me. So, I won''t give up so easily. If I don''t hold enough of a ce in your heart yet, it just means I have to try harder. Don''t talk about breaking up."


    Hearing his words, Ava felt she might have been too hasty in agreeing to be his girlfriend.


    She looked at him carefully. His skin was smooth, his nose straight, and his eyes bright. He really did look like the dream partner so many admired.


    Joseph met her gaze, his heart pounding faster as his eyes lingered on her lips.


    He was still holding her hand, and he slowly leaned closer, wanting to kiss her.


    Ava''s heart raced as he moved closer.


    She knew he was about to kiss her.


    Though she didn''t feel quite ready, she was, after all, his girlfriend. A kiss was natural.


    With that thought, hershes fluttered, and she closed her eyes, waiting for him.


    She waited for a while, but the kiss didn''te.


    She slowly opened her eyes to see Bud''s furious face staring back at her. Before she could react, Bud punched Joseph directly in the face.


    It happened so fast that Ava didn''t have time to react. Bud''s punchnded squarely on Joseph''s face.


    Joseph wasn''t one to back down, though, and he punched back. In no time, the two of them were trading blows, one after the other, as Ava looked on in shock.


    Ava rushed forward, trying to break up the fight, shouting, "What are you doing? Stop it, Bud! Are you out of your mind?"


    Even though Ava had closed her


    eyes momentarily, she knew it was Bud who''d started it. When she opened her eyes, she saw for herself that Bud had been the one t@throw the first punch.


    "Out of my mind? Do you even know what he just tried to do?" Bud yelled back at her.


    "What does it matter to you? He''s my boyfriend, and he''s done nothing to hurt me," Ava shot back, seizing a pause in the scuffle to walk forward and pull Joseph to her side.


    "Fine!" Bud snapped, pointing at her. "Your boyfriend, huh? I guess I''m the one being nosy."


    ''Fuck!'' he cursed, gave a frustrated kick to a nearby stone pir, and stormed off.


    He''de here hoping to talk things over with Ava, but he did not expect to see this scene in front of him.


    He hadn''t even thought it through-just yanked Joseph away right in front of her.


    Only a few days ago, she''d kissed him when she was drunk. And now she could allow someone else to kiss her.


    The more Bud thought about it, the angrier he got. He climbed into his car, but sat there, not starting it.


    He just couldn''t drive away like this after seeing Ava bring another guy home in the middle of the night.


    Grinding his teeth in frustration, he cursed again. His mouth stung where Joseph had hit him, and the pain only fueled his anger. He punched the steering wheel, hard. ''One hour,'' he thought to himself. ''If Joseph doesn''te out in an hour, I''m going in.''


    Meanwhile, Joseph was still riding a wave of exhration after being brought home by Ava. This was his first time at Ava''s ce. He still had to thank Bud for doing a good deed. Though he didn''t kiss Ava as he''d hoped, without Bud''s interruption, he wouldn''t have a chance to get into Ava''s house.


    He admitted to himself that he''d probably rushed things.


    "Sit down for a minute, and I''ll get some medicine," Ava said, letting go of Joseph''s hand as she headed to the second floor.

 Chapter 191

    After Ava went upstairs, Joseph took a careful look around the living room where she lived.


    The space was simply decorated, mostly in shades of white. After surveying it, he sat down on the couch and waited for Ava to return.


    He touched his cheek absentmindedly; it was bleeding slightly-Bud had hit him hard.


    But he thought it was worth it since Ava had brought him here.


    When Ava came down with a first-aid kit, she noticed the corners of Joseph''s mouth lifting into a small smile.


    The sight made her guilt deepen just a bit more, and she hurried over to him.


    "I''m so sorry. I don''t know why he snapped like that, making you take a punch for nothing," she said apologetically, opening the first-aid kit and sitting beside him.


    "What are you apologizing for? I took the punch, but I gave one back, too," Joseph replied, frowning slightly.


    He didn''t like it when Ava apologized to him. It made him feel like she was aligned with Bud, leaving him on the outside.


    But Ava was his girlfriend, not Bud''s.


    "Alright, alright-keep still and lower your head so I can treat it," Ava said, dipping a cotton swab into antiseptic. She reached for his cheek.


    Joseph tilted his face towards her hand as instructed.


    They were sitting close, and Joseph could smell the fresh, clean scent that seemed to cling to her.


    His heart sped up just a bit.


    Ava dabbed the cotton swab on his injured cheek.


    Perhaps it was because it was Ava''s first time doing that, so it seemed she wasn''t used to treating wounds gently. Joseph couldn''t help but hiss in pain and leaned back a little. Seeing his reaction, Ava quickly apologized and said, "I''m sorry, I didn''t realize I was being rough."


    "It''s fine-I overreacted," Joseph said.


    After the first attempt, Ava lightened her touch, and soon she was cing a band-aid on his cheek,pleting the job.


    She nced at the band-aid, and a brief thought about Bud''s injury crossed her mind.


    She quickly dismissed it, though. There was no use worrying about someone who had other people to take care of him. "Alright," she said, looking at the band-aid on Joseph''s cheek. "But that band-aid does take away from your look a bit."


    As a public figure, he normally looked impable, but now the band-aid made his face look a bit less polished. "So, do you mind?" he asked with a faint smile.


    Ava shook her head. "What would I mind? It''s nothing. Do you want some water? I''ll go get you a ss."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    As she said this and prepared to get up, she noticed Joseph''s face was too close to hers. The warmth of his breath brushed against her, making her a little ufortable. Seeing Ava trying to get up, Joseph grasped her hand firmly, causing her to fall onto hisp. Her face instantly flushed, and she felt awkward in the situation.


    Joseph''s arm instinctively wrapped around Ava''s waist, and his chin rested on the inside of her neck. "Don''t move. I want to hug you," he said softly.


    When he spoke, the warmth of his breath against her neck made Ava''s heart race.


    She avoided looking directly at their positions but was acutely aware of their extraordinarily intimate proximity. Her hands were tangled together, unsure of where to go. After a few moments, Ava couldn''t help but say, "Okay now?"


    She wanted to get up. This position felt too intimate and somewhat ufortable.


    Hearing this, Joseph reluctantly released his grip on her waist, his lips brushing against her neck in the process.


    As soon as she was free, Ava quickly got up from Joseph''sp and sat to the side, a considerable distance away from him.


    Neither of them spoke, and the living room fell into an extraordinary silence. Even the slightest sound could be heard.


    After a few moments, Joseph


    noticed Ava sitting in the corner and realized he had been acting a bit edgy today. After instructing her to close the door when she went to bed, he suggested he should leave.


    Out of politeness, Ava walked him to the door.


    Once they arrived, Joseph didn''t say anything for a long time, his hand still warm from holding hers. She urged him, "It''s gettingte. You should go home now!" "Well, give me a hug, Ava," Joseph replied, gently wrapping his arms around her and rubbing her short hair.


    It was slightly curly and felt nice to the touch.


    Once the hug was over, Joseph let


    go of Ava "I gatta go. I''m going into the crew tomorrow, so we won''t have much time to see each other. If you have time, you cane visit me at the crew."


    "Okay, I''ll try toe by when I can," Ava said.


    She wasn''t sure what her schedule would be. She felt a bit restless since returning to the country and was looking for work. Making money was one thing, but passing the time felt more pressing, and she just felt so bored when idling away the days. When Joseph left in his RV, Ava headed her room as well.


    Inside the car, Bud dropped the cigarette from his hand and opened the window for some fresh air.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he picked up his cell phone and dialed Chelly''s number.


    Not long ago, he had just begun to realize that he was in love with Ava, but after seeing her so close with another man tonight, he understood his feelings had deepened. As Maxwell had said, he had made mistakes, but from now on, he wanted to do better.


    He wanted to follow his heart.


    *****


    The next day at noon, Ava clocked out from the office and headed straight for the front door.


    Just as she stepped outside, someone yanked her arm and smacked her across the cheek.


    Ava wasn''t known for her patience. She had never been pped in the face before!


    Fury surged within her, and she instinctively swung back with her other hand.


    It was only after the fact that she realized the person who had struck her was Chelly, Bud''s girlfriend.


    "What was that for?" Ava eximed, momentarily disregarding the sting on her cheek.


    She couldn''t understand why Chelly was so angry, especially since she hadn''t done anything wrong to her and barely knew Chelly.


    "Everyonee here and see! This


    woman is a homewrecker!" Chelly shouted, her voice rising above the crowd. "My boyfriend and I are almost married, and now he wants to break up with me all because of hert Tell me, shouldn''t I hit you?"


    Chelly''s loud usations and the sound of p just now soon drew a crowd, with onlookers gathering around.


    Ava had only recently joined thepany, so she didn''t know her coworkers very well.


    The people who passed by nced at the scene with curiosity, their expressions reflecting a mix of confusion and intrigue.


    "Are you out of your mind? What does your breakup have to do with me?" Ava retorted angrily.


    Anyone would feel ufortable being falsely used of being a homewrecker, especially when the situation involved Bud.

 Chapter 192

    Ever since Ava and Bud said she had given up on Bud, it wasn''t just words-it was concrete action.


    After returning from her trip abroad, Ava even had a boyfriend. Now that Chelly and Bud have broken up, to say that Ava had anything to do with it would bepletely wrong. "It''s because of you that he broke up with me!" Chelly sobbed, ncing at the crowd gathered near the entrance.


    She then took out her cell phone and yed the recording of her conversation with Bud from the night before.


    As the phone connected, Chelly spoke first, "Bud, why are you calling me sote today?"


    Everyone around could hear that it was Chelly''s voice, slightly quavering.


    After that, there was a long pause without anyone speaking.


    No one knew how long it took, but finally, Bud''s voice came through. "Chelly, let''s break up. I''m sorry."


    Again, there was a long silence, until Bud added, "It''s my fault. I''ll make it up to you materially. I''m hanging up now."


    As Bud prepared to end the call, Chelly cried out, "But can you tell me why? Did I do something wrong? Didn''t you say you would be responsible for me?"


    Bud sighed on the other end and then said, "It''s not your fault. You''re fine. It''s my problem. I love someone else."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Is it Ava?" Chelly asked.


    Bud responded with a soft "yeah" before hanging up.


    When the recording ended, Chelly pointed at Ava and said, "You said it wasn''t because you that I broke up with my boyfriend. Then what was that just yed? We were both going to get married! If you hadn''t given Bud any hints, he would not have resolutely broken up with me! Everyone judge for yourselves-does this have anything to do with Ava? Is it okay for me to confront her?"


    Once Chelly''s words hung in the air,bined with the earlier recording and Bud''sst response, it was clear that most people sided with Chelly.


    A few gossip-loving coworkers whispered among themselves, "Can you believe it? The new coworker is a homewrecker!"


    "Look at her sly demeanor. She seems like the kind who can seduce anyone."


    "Oh, poor Chelly. Her boyfriend is gone just like that."


    "It''s pathetic, but her boyfriend is also not a good man."


    *****


    Ava looked a bit dazed after listening to the recording. ording to it, Bud had broken up with Chelly because of her. Knowing that Bud loved her made her feel a little funny inside.


    When she loved Bud, he had avoided her like the gue, and now that she had given up, he loved her back.


    It felt like a big joke!


    "Believe it or not, I didn''t give Bud any hints. Get out of my way!" Ava said coldly.


    She didn''t know why her emotions were so calm. It was as if Chelly''s words had nothing to do with her.


    "Okay, you say you didn''t give Bud any hints. Do you dare to swear that you won''t be with him even if hees to you? If you swear like that, I''ll believe you," Chelly said, ring at Ava.


    Though Chelly looked usually quiet and gentle, her words had a surprising weight that made people feel a bit oppressed.


    "Ava, if you really have nothing to do with Bud, just take an oath. It''s not like you have anything to lose," said a coworker who was working in the same office as Ava.


    "Yeah, Ava, if it''s got nothing to do with you, just take an oath," someone else chimed in.


    Ava took a deep breath, met Chelly''s eyes, and held out her fingers. "I, Ava, swear that if Bud confesses his love to me, I..."


    Before she could finish, Bud rushed over, yanked her away, and pulled her behind him. "Ava, what are you doing?"


    His tone was anxious. He hade specifically to talk to Ava, and as soon as he arrived, he heard the chatter here and walked over Unexpectedly, he heard Chelly pressuring her to swear.


    "Bud, you..." Chelly eximed, pointing at Bud and Ava.


    As soon as Bud approached, the people around them whispered usations, throwing insults at Ava and Bud.


    It was clear they believed Bud had broken up with Chelly for Ava.


    "I broke up with you, Chelly, and Ava doesn''t know about it. If you have any anger, take it out on me. Why did youe to her?" Bud said, locking eyes with Chelly.


    He had already given Chelly all thepensation she needed, and since she had epted it, it made no sense for her to confront Ava.


    "I... Well, why did Ie to her? Isn''t it to find out what''s so special about her that made you ditch me, the one you were about to marry?"


    Chelly said as tears streaming uncontrobly down her cheeks. Her eyes red at Bud, filled with sadness.


    "What you two broke up over is none of my business. I already have a boyfriend," Ava snapped.


    Then Ava walked straight out of thepany, not even ncing back at Bud.


    The things she had given up, the people she had let go of-now they were all trying toe back to her. But she wouldn''t be swayed. Once something was lost, it was gone for good.


    At first, she had chased after Bud, giving it her all, but he never reciprocated her feelings.


    After she was back from traveling abroad, her heart was gradually forgetting him.


    But now, just when she was moving on, he suddenly wanted to return to her life. She didn''t understand. He imed to love her, but how long would that feelingst? There was no way to go back.


    As Ava left, the onlookers-who had been watching the drama unfold-slowly dispersed.


    Bud turned to Chelly, who was now in tears, but he felt little sympathy. All in his mind was just the p mark on Ava''s face.


    "Don''t cry. If you have grievances, you can talk to me. But remember, don''t disturb Ava''s life," Bud said bluntly.


    After saying that, he hurriedly left to catch up with Ava, eager to have a serious conversation with her.


    Chelly watched Bud rush away, and a sneer involuntarily crept onto her face.


    She was determined to steal away the man in Ava''s heart. As long as Ava and Bud weren''t happy, she felt satisfied. Now that both of them were suffering, her happiness was doubled.


    Outside, Bud quickly caught up with Ava and blocked her path. "Ava, we need to talk," he said urgently.


    Ava looked at the familiar face in front of her-the face she had once dreamed about day and night, but also the face that had caused her the most pain.

 Chapter 193

    "You and I have nothing to talk about. Get out of the way. I want to go home," Ava said coldly.


    "Ava, you heard me. I broke up with Chelly. It was an ident that I got together with her. I realize now that the person I truly love is you. I regret it, and I''m wondering if there''s still a chance for us," Bud said, looking into Ava''s eyes with sincerity. These days without Ava by his side, he always felt that something was missing. He couldn''t even eat or sleep well.


    Ava heard the words she had always dreamed of hearing. But now that they finally reached her ears, they fell t, stirring little emotion within her.


    It wasn''t even as shocking as when she realized Joseph loved her.


    Ava exhaled deeply. "Bud, do you remember what I said thest time I saw you?"


    Bud frowned as Ava''s words echoed in his mind. "So you have a girlfriend? I get it, Bud. In the meantime, I''ve decided to stop loving you, so you can rx."


    Seeing Bud''s expression, Ava knew he recalled what she said before. "When I said I gave up on you, if you had chased after me at that time, I would have changed my mind and continued to love you. But you didn''t. The fact that you didn''te after me means the bond between us was severed from that point onward."


    With those words, Ava felt a sense of relief, as if a heavy stone that had been weighing on her heart had finally shattered.


    Bud met Ava''s serious gaze, and all he felt was regret.


    That would have been great if only he had caught up with her that day, disregarding any so-called criticism for being a scumbag.


    "Ava, can you give me another chance? I''ll make it up to you," Bud said, reaching for her hand.


    But before Bud''s hand could touch Ava, she stepped back, creating distance between them.


    Ava''s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she shook her head. "There''s no chance. That was myst opportunity. Since I''ve decided to let go, I have tomit to that decisionpletely."


    She paused and added, "Besides, Mr. Ray, have you forgotten that I already have a boyfriend?"


    After finishing her sentence, she walked around Bud and continued on her way.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    As Ava was about to walk away, Bud gently tugged on her arm and asked once more, "Ava, really, can''t you give me one more chance?"


    Ava nced down at Bud''s hand pulling on her arm. With a heartfelt gesture, she shook Bud''s hand off and walked away.


    What was missed was missed, and what was decided was decided. There''s no need for one more chance.


    She had endured so many difficult days and nights alone, but that painful period was now behind her.


    Now, she no longer needed Bud.


    Bud watched Ava''s slender, stubborn back, feeling as if the most important thing in his heart was slipping away-just as it had thest time at his house.


    Last time, he hadn''t wanted to stop her, and this time, he desperately wanted to keep her but couldn''t.


    When Mona learned that Ava had been pped, a day had already passed since the incident.


    She immediately called to find out what had happened.


    On the other end of the phone, Ava replied casually, "It''s nothing. She pped me, and I returned the favor. I didn''t lose anyway."


    Mona knew Ava was not the type to suffer silently. Remembering what Maxwell had said to her, she couldn''t help but ask, "Ava, can you really let go of Bud in your heart?"


    Ava''s silence spoke volumes, but then she replied, "I''ve really let him go, Mona. You know me I am never one to give up. But once I quit, it''s all over."


    A few momentster, Ava added, "I''m doing pretty well now. My boyfriend loves me, and you''re my best friend. But if I broke up with Joseph and got back together with Bud, I don''t think I''d be as happy." Deep down, it seemed she wasn''t entirely unwilling to break up with Joseph. She had grown ustomed to his constant chatter in her ear.


    Bud had be a thing of the past in her mind.


    Hearing what Ava said, Mona felt a pang of sympathy for both Ava and Bud.


    But a missed connection was a missed connection.


    She could only conclude that Ava and Bud were never meant to be together.


    "It''s good that you''re happy," Mona said sincerely.


    To her, Ava''s best friend, Ava''s happiness was what mattered most, no matter who she was with.


    After reminding Ava to talk to herself whenever Ava was in a bad mood, Mona hung up the phone.


    Shortly after, she nced at a message from Nigel about Chelly and fell deep into thought.


    The message read that Chelly was actually Chelsea Parrish, Ava''s half-sister.


    When Soren was taken away by the police, Chelsea didn''t die. Instead, with Gordon''s help, she received a healthy heart and survived.


    Only after Chelsea regained her health did she undergo stic surgery again, and then she returned from abroad.


    At this point in the investigation,


    Mona naturally understood that Chelsea''s return to the country was motivated by revenge-specifically, revenge for Soren. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have changed her name to Chelly and added hisst name Sterling to hers. Her first act was to steal Ava''s favorite man Bud.


    As Mona pondered this, Maxwell walked in and saw her sitting on the sofa, lost in thought. He walked over, sat beside her, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and asked softly, "What''s on your mind?" Hearing Maxwell''s voice brought Mona back to reality. "I''m trying to understand Chelsea''s purpose foring back home. She shouldn''t just be aiming to take Ava''s favorite, Bud, and leave it at that."


    "It must be more than that," Maxwell


    replied. "Back in that foreign country, it was Bud who saved Ava from Soren, which also led to Soren''s imprisonment. Even if Bud hadn''t mentioned the breakup, Chelsea wouldn''t marry him either. She did it purely to hurt both Ava and Bud."


    Mona nodded. "So, Bud and Chelsea didn''t have anything going on at all that night."


    "Exactly. Bud was deceived by Chelsea," Maxwell exined. He sent someone to investigate the hotel. When Chelsea took Bud into the room, he was already unconscious. Bud couldn''t have done anything to Chelsea in that state.


    It was all a setup by Chelsea, and Bud fell right into it, losing the person he loved. Knowing that Bud was the victim, Mona felt torn about whether to tell Ava.

 Chapter 194

    Mona felt it did not matter who Ava''s boyfriend was as long as Ava was happy.


    She still remembered the period when Ava was drunk, constantly crying, and depressed because of Bud. Ava had finally broken free from the bad situation.


    If Ava knew nothing had happened between Bud and Chelsea, she would have been upset for nothing.


    However, after giving careful consideration, Mona decided to tell Ava the truth. It was Ava''s life. She should not make the decision for Ava.


    After thinking it through, Mona immediately sent Ava WhatsApp.


    [Ava, there''s something I''ve thought about for a long time and decided to tell you.


    [Chelly was Chelsea. She did not die from the heart attack. Instead, she recovered with Gordon''s help. Besides, Bud has been deceived by her. There was nothing between him and Chelsea.] After sending Mona the message, she turned off her phone and leaned her head on Maxwell''s shoulder.


    If Chelsea had not intervened in the rtionship between Ava and Bud, Mona knew that Ava would not have given up on Bud.


    It was because Bud was Ava''s first love.


    However, Avapletely gave up on her feelings for Bud because of Chelsea''s evil n. Mona did not know how their rtionship would turn out in the future.


    "Are you still worried about your best friend?" Maxwell tucked Mona''s hair behind her ear.


    Mona nodded. "I feel that it''s a pity that the two of them lost each other."


    It was pity because Ava used to like Bud so much. If Ava realized she had misunderstood him after giving up on their rtionship, she must be regretful.


    "If they really like each other, they will still be together no matter what hardships they go through"


    As Maxwell spoke, he picked Mona up from the sofa with his strong arms, cing her on hisp. Mona subconsciously hugged Maxwell''s neck. "Why didn''t you say anything when you picked me up?" Maxwell wrapped his arm around Mona''s waist and looked into her eyes. "Let''s talk about it next time." As soon as he finished speaking, he kissed Mona''s lips, and his hands began to caress Mona''s body. Slowly, their lips met. Their breaths melted into each other.


    A momentter, Maxwell bit Mona''s earlobe and said in a low voice, "I miss you."


    Mona knew very well what Maxwell meant. She blushed and wrapped her arms around his neck.


    She sat on hisp limply. She was carried to the big bed by Maxwell.


    Mona leaned softly against his shoulder. She was wearing bright red pajamas. It was very big and draped loosely over her body.


    Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes were misty as she quietly looked at the television in front of her that had been turned off.


    Mona was ced on the pure white bed by Maxwell. Her thick ck hair fell down, forming a sharp contrast with the color of the bedsheets. The scene was very eye-catching.


    Her mind was nk. She was like a porcin doll in the show cab. She was both precious and fragile.


    Maxwell quietly bent over in front of her. He kissed her attentively, not missing even the single mole near her corbone.


    After a while, Maxwell suddenly had an idea. It would be good if they had a small child who looked like Mona and him.


    "Honey, turn off the lights!" Mona said shyly.


    For some reason, she felt a little nervous being stared at by Maxwell.


    Even though they had been together for a long time.


    When Maxwell heard Mona''s voice, he lost his train of thoughts. He reached out his arm and turned off the lights in the room, leaving only the warm nightlight beside the bed. The atmosphere created by the warm lights was very romantic.


    Maxwell pressed his lips against Mona''s ear and said softly, "Mona, I want to have a child with you tonight."


    It did not seem to be a whim. Since the day he and Mona registered their marriage, he had fantasized about their child.


    Mona''s skin was very sensitive,


    especially her earlobes. At that moment, they were alreadypletely red. She slightly avoided Maxwell. "Let''s talk about the childter We''ll talk about it after we''re


    less busy."


    To be honest, Mona had not thought about children. She was not sure if she was a good mother. Besides, she had been very busy recently, and she had not put many thoughts about it. "Alright, we''ll discuss about children after you''re done with your work," Maxwell said with a little disappointment.


    When Mona saw Maxwell''s hand reaching into her pajamas, her lips curled up slightly. She tried to avoid his touch and moved to the side but was pulled back by Maxwell.


    For some reason, Maxwell was exceptionally gentle, allowing Mona to experience afort that she had never experienced before.


    Soon, there were no more chatters in the room. There were only the faint sounds of friction and movement.


    In the end, Mona felt that she did not have much stamina left. She rested her arm weakly on Maxwell''s shoulder and gradually fell asleep.


    Meanwhile, Maxwell was like azy lion. He was rxed yet full of danger. In the end, he voiced his thoughts.


    "When we have a daughter in the


    future, it''s the best if her eyes are like yours. They would be


    almond-shaped. When others look at her, they''ll be captivated by her Her nose should also be like yours. It''s tiny and petite, like a miniature version of yours. She''ll definitely be a doting little girl."


    Mona''s slender fingers sank into Maxwell''s firm shoulder muscles. Her other hand gripped the pillow tightly. In a daze, her red lips parted slightly, and she said with a broken voice, "Yes, the child will look like you too."


    "Mona, that''s great. Let''s make a deal. After you finish with your work, we''ll have a baby."


    After saying that, Maxwell''s lips curled up slightly. His hand tightly wrapped around Mona''s waist, and he did not continue talking. Instead, he lowered his head and continued to kiss her.


    *****


    At the same moment, in the Ray residence.


    Bud sat alone at home. He held a cigarette in his hand. Cigarette smoke filled the air. He looked at the WhatsApp message sent by Maxwell with a cold gaze.


    After a while, Bud threw the phone to the ground forcefully. The phone screen was immediately smashed into pieces, and there was a loud bang in the quiet room. But even so, it could not dispel the anger in his heart.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Bud did not sleep the entire night. Before dawn, he drove straight to Ava''s house. He sat in the car, smoking and staring at the apartment in front of him.


    He sat there until the scorching sun shone on the ground, giving off a depressing vibe that created a suffocating atmosphere.


    Ava went to work on time. She saw Bud when she walked out of the door.


    As Bud had not slept the entire night, his eyes were a little red, and his chin was stubbled. His clothes were from yesterday, and he looked a little disheveled.

 Chapter 195

    When Bud saw Ava, he subconsciously blocked Ava''s way and said, "Ava, nothing happened between Chelly and me. Everything was her -" Evil scheming. Before Bud could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Ava. "You don''t have to say anything. I knew it. But so what? In the end, we''re still not fated to be together." After Ava saw the message from Monast night, she thought about it thoroughly. But, in the end, she was still firm her decision.


    She felt that Bud and her werecking a little fate.


    Her love was already gone. She doubted she should rekindle the rtionship.


    "Ava, what do I have to do for you to give me a chance?" Bud grabbed Ava''s arm tightly, as if he was holding onto thest bit of hope between the two of them.


    Ava felt the warmth from Bud''s palm, and she subconsciously struggled to be free. But, Bud held her tightly.


    "Bud, I''ve said it before. There''s no more chance. It''s over before the two of us even before we even started," Ava said coldly.


    Even without Chelsea''s interference, someone else would have interfered. The only thingcking in their rtionship were their strong faith in each other.


    "Ava..." Bud looked at Ava in disbelief. His tone was full of regret.


    He had lost Ava for real. Looking at the determined expression on Ava''s face, he felt extremely regretful.


    Just as Bud was about to say something, Ava was pulled over by someone suddenly.


    Joseph appeared in front of Bud and put his arm around Ava''s shoulder, as if dering his sovereignty. He looked at Bud with hostility.


    "Ava, let''s go. I''ll send you to the office."


    Joseph ignored Bud and pulled Ava toward the car.


    During filming, he kept feeling a little flustered. He subconsciously thought of Ava. Fortunately, he had applied for leave from the directort and rushed back overnight. Otherwise, Ava might be tempted by Bud.


    Ava came back to her sense as a strong arm suddenly embraced her shoulder.


    She looked at the person in front of her and followed Joseph''s lead subconsciously.


    Ava did not even look at Bud when she passed by him..


    She no longer had any feelings for Bud.


    "Ava, is it impossible for us to have a future?"


    Bud''s voice could be heard from behind. Ava did not reply as she was being dragged into the car by Joseph.


    Some answers were very clear. There was no need to repeat again.


    After they got into the car, the cold air inside woke up Ava a little.


    When she looked up, she met Joseph''s burning gaze.


    Ava subconsciously moved back and said, "Didn''t you go for filming? Why do you have time toe back?"


    Joseph followed Ava''s move. When she moved a little, he moved a little. In the end, he squeezed Ava into the corner of her seat.


    Joseph trapped Ava between his arms and the car seat. The space between them was so tight that Ava could clearly see the small mole on the tip of Joseph''s nose.


    "Yes, I went for filming, but I missed you. So, I took the overnight flight. Did you miss me, Ava?"


    As Joseph spoke, he continued to move closer to Ava. Ava could fell his breath on her face. She felt a little itchy.


    Ava subconsciously shrunk back, but she was stopped by the seat behind her. She could not shrunk back, so she was forced to meet Joseph''s gaze. "Yes, yes, I miss," Ava stuttered.


    In the dead of the night, she remembered Joseph''s advice. He said, "Don''t forget to cover yourself with a nket when you sleep. Don''t drink too much cold beverage. "His advice immediately popped up in her mind.


    Hearing what he wanted to hear, Joseph moved back a little. There was some distance between the two of them. "It''s good that you miss me. Has he been harassing you, Ava?" Joseph did not mention the name, but both of them knew that he was talking about Bud.


    "No. He tried to meet me twice in the past two days, but I rejected him," Ava said directly.


    "You did a great job. Can I reward you with a kiss?" Joseph said subconsciously. Then, his gaze was burning as he looked into Ava''s eyes.


    Joseph''s heart was beating a little


    fast. He did not know if Ava would


    reject him. Based on his intuition, the possibility of rejection was very high. Suddenly, he felt like retracting what he had just said.  en FindNovel


    It would be a little awkward to be rejected.


    Ava was a little flustered by Joseph''s stare. Her hands subconsciously intertwined.


    After hesitating for a moment, she pressed her red lips against Joseph''s cheek.


    Her hot breath and soft touch almost sent Joseph to the heaven. For a moment, he could not even breathe properly.


    When Joseph saw Bud grabbing Ava''s arm at the entrance of Ava''s house, he was not confident.


    Ava and he were only a vani couple. They had never done anything intimate. He was not confident and was afraid that Ava would break up with him because of Bud. Therefore, he was a little anxious to get her affirmation just now and wanted to ensure that Ava was still willing to be his girlfriend.


    He did not expect Ava to kiss him.


    After Ava''s lips left Joseph''s face, Joseph was still in a daze. For a moment, he could not tell whether he was in reality or in dreand. After the kiss, Ava retracted her gaze. She did not dare to look at Joseph. She was so shy that she had taken the initiative.


    She did not seem to regret after kissing him. It was just that she felt a little awkward with Joseph.


    After the kiss ended, the two of them did not speak for a while. Joseph just looked at Ava in a daze and did not say anything.


    After a while, Ava could not stand Joseph''s strange gaze anymore. "Are you sending me to the office? Can you start driving?"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Joseph immediately nodded and moved back. He put down the brakes and giggled at Ava. Then, he ignited the car engine and drove toward herpany.


    Meanwhile, Bud looked at Ava inside the car. He clenched his fists tightly. He was angry at Chelly and himself. He regretted that he did not understand his feelings earlier.


    *****


    Chelly saw Bud waiting in front of her house with a cigarette in his mouth when she walked out from her home. His tie was hanging loosely on his neck.


    Looking at Bud''s condition, Chelly felt a sense of aplishment. It was a victorious feeling from revenge.


    "Chelly, Chelsea, which name should I call you? Chels?" Bud stood up and looked at the person in front of him.


    Chelsea smirked. "Do you know the truth already, Bud?" She nodded. "It''s earlier than I thought."


    "Chelsea, nothing happened


    between the two of us. You were the


    one who framed me since the


    beginning. Your goal was to


    separate Ava and me? Is that right?"


    Bud asked angrily. FindNovel

 Chapter 196

    Chelsea smirked slightly. "That''s right! Bud, you''re very smart! I intended to upset Ava. My n seeded beyond my expectations! "Ava doesn''t like you anymore. She has a new boyfriend. Yet, you like her now. That made you sad."


    At first, Chelsea''s goal was to upset Ava. She did not expect to hurt both of them. It was an unexpected oue.


    The two of them were the culprits behind Soren''s imprisonment. As long as the they were not doing well, she would be happy.


    "Fuck! You''re crazy, Chelsea!" Bud cursed. Looking at the woman in front of him, Bud wanted to beat her up so badly.


    "Yes, I''m sick. I have had heart disease for so long. How can I not be sick?


    "I had a chance to live happily with Soren. Because of Ava and you, Soren went to prison, and I almost died. I hate both of you! As long as you''re in pain, I''m happy." Chelsea looked at Bud, who was exasperated, and felt very satisfied.


    Ever since she recovered from her heart disease, she treated every day she was alive as a gift.


    Bud looked at Chelsea, who was smiling proudly in front of him. If Chelsea was a man, he would definitely beat her up. Unfortunately, she was a woman.


    And, Bud did not hit women.


    "Chelsea, don''t show up in front of me again. Otherwise, I''ll beat you up every time I see you."


    Bud pointed at Chelsea''s face and clenched his other hand into a fist. If Chelsea dared to say another word, he would not hesitate to smash his first into her face.


    No one would be spared from anger if they encountered what Bud did.


    When Chelsea saw Bud leave angrily, she felt a sense of satisfaction.


    Her pretense for such a long time was not in vain.


    There was still a long way to go. There was still a long way to go among Bud, Ava, and her.


    Spring passed, and summer came. Time passed quietly. Soon, it was time for the intercity Design Competition.


    As the Design Competition was held in Noretin, the team members from the Design Department of Clem Group were going to check into the Noretin hotel seven days in advance to start preparing for the Design Competition. The night before Mona left for Noretin, Maxwell got off work early.


    He watched Mona pack her luggage. When he saw Mona carrying something, he would quickly give her a pair of hands. His expression was filled with unhappiness.


    Mona noticed his unhappy expression, and her heart skipped slightly. She could not bear to part with Maxwell either.


    After Mona finished packing her luggage, she sat on the sofa and looked at Maxwell, who was sitting beside her. She extended her arm to him.


    "Maxwell, please massage my arm. I''m sore," Mona said coquettishly.


    Maxwell grabbed Mona''s slender arm. He massaged her arm a few times as told.


    Her arms were very thin, and Maxwell could wrap her wrist with one palm. She was wearing a homely short-sleeved shirt, and her skin was very smooth. Maxwell could not stop touching her.


    "Is itfortable?" Maxwell asked after massaging it for a while.


    Mona nodded. "It''sfortable. Please do it on my other arm."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she handed over her other arm. A smile appeared on her face.


    Maxwell squeezed her sore arm. His palm was huge, and he used just the right amount of strength. She was embraced by a feeling offort.


    "Mona, you''ll be gone for a long time. I can''t bear to part with you," Maxwell said aggrievedly.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    He said like he was being abandoned. His tone was extremely sour.


    However, he still had to work. He was so busy with work that he could not follow Mona. The two of them could only stay apart for a period of time.


    "I''m reluctant to leave you too. When


    I have time,e back to see


    you. Be good at home, eat on time, and rest well. If I find out that you stay upte to work, I won''t let you off easily," Mona said while enjoying thefort brought by Maxwell.


    Ever since the two of them got together, they had not been separated for long. The only time they were separated was when Bernard was poisoned. Now that they were having a short separation, Mona felt empty and a little ufortable. However, she did not say anything even though she was reluctant. She was afraid that if she said it, Maxwell would be even more unwilling to let her go to Noretin. He might use his executive decision as the group chairman to detain her.


    He might also follow her to Noretin. Then, no one would be there''s to take care of thepany.


    In the past, Maxwell would let Bud handle thepany business. However, every since Chelsea''s incident, Bud waspletely out sorts. Maxwell had asked him take annual leave. Now that everything in thepany was handled by Maxwell, he was extremely busy every day.


    ¦¯¦«¦¯


    "Alright, I''ll wait for your special treatment and pampering at home. I''ll be there on the day of yourpetition for sure. When you''re out there, please remember that you''re married and someone is waiting for your return at home,"


    Maxwell said firmly.


    On the day of Mona''spetition, he would fly to Noretin regardless of his busy schedule. He had to apany Mona on such an important day,


    "Alright, I''ll pamper you now." After saying that, Mona knelt on Maxwell''sp. She retracted her hand from Maxwell''s hand and wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck.


    She aimed at Maxwell''s thin lips and kissed him.


    After the kiss, she would not see Maxwell for a few days.


    The kiss was exceptionally gentle. They were longing for each other as they slowly felt each other''s breath.


    The next morning, Mona opened her eyes and met Maxwell''s burning gaze. She touched his abs with her gentle hand. His abs were very hard. After fully waking up, she urged Maxwell to get up.


    She was leaving for Noretin today. Maxwell was not in a hurry at all. He did everything slowly.


    Finally, Mona could not take it anymore. "Maxwell, what are you dawdling in your room for? Hurry up and send me to the airport."


    "I''m changing. I''ll be right there."


    After Maxwell finished speaking, he quietly took out the clothes in the wardrobe and slowly changed into them.


    After a while, Mona, who was in the living room, could not wait any longer. Realizing that she was about to miss her flight, she could not help but urge him again, "Maxwell, are you done? If not, Haley and I will leave now." When Maxwell heard what Mona said, he quickly changed his clothes.


    He did not want Mona to go to Noretin. He could not bear to part with her. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. If Mona missed her flight, she might goter. Anyway, the first few days were just for preparation. In Maxwell''s opinion, Mona did not need to go at all, but Mona did not want to have special treatment. He could only listen to her.


    When Maxwell went downstairs, Mona was furious.


    If Maxwell still did note down, Mona would carry her weapon and run into the room to see if there was a siren pestering Maxwell.

 Chapter 197

    "Maxwell, is there something good holding you in the room? Why are you taking so long to change your clothes?"


    Mona could not help but tease Maxwell when he finally came out of the room.


    "There''s nothing better than you. I''m ready now. Are we still going to the airport?" Maxwell said sincerely.


    After he went downstairs, he held Mona''s hand immediately by instinct.


    Haley was used to these situations. She grabbed Mona''s suitcase and walked out of the house, giving them some personal space.


    She was not going to be a third wheel.


    "We''rete because you''re slow. Hurry up."


    As soon as Mona finished speaking, they followed Haley''s footsteps.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Halley drove on the way to the airport. Mona and Maxwell sat in the back. Maxwell held Mona''s hand and never let go. His gaze was still on Mona.


    The more he looked at her, the more he felt that she was beautiful. He was getting more reluctant to part with Mona and would like to keep her close by his side. He could not imagine how he had lived without Mona in the past.


    Mona felt embarrassed by Maxwell''s intense gazes. She leaned into Maxwell''s embrace. She closed her eyes and took a nap to ignore the gazes. She would just let Maxwell look at her however he wished!


    After Mona closed her eyes, her long eyshes moved gently. The shadow of the lushyshes cast on her snow-white face, giving off a sense of tranquility. Maxwell stared intently at Mona''s sleeping face. He subconsciously tucked Mona''s hair behind her ear.


    Mona was not asleep. She only closed her eyes. When Maxwell touched her, she subconsciously blinked. She opened his eyes and looked at Maxwell. "Mona, when are youing back to give me the special treatment?" Maxwell asked.


    The two of them had not separated yet. Maxwell was already thinking about when they would meet again.


    "I''lle back when I''m not busy," Mona said. She did not know when she woulde back.


    After hearing Mona''s ambiguous answer, Maxwell frowned. "What if you''re always busy? Why don''t I help you apply for a day off from your manager?" "Please don''t do so! Maxwell, I''ll give you a surprise when Ie back. Don''t misuse your authority recklessly." Mona strictly prohibited him.


    If the department manager gave her a day off for no reason when they were busy, other designers would not take it well.


    "I know. I''m just saying. You have toe back. Otherwise, I''ll be sad," Maxwell said aggrievedly.


    "Alright, I''ll definitely be back," Mona said softly.


    While they were talking, the car had already arrived at the airport.


    After the car stopped, Maxwell still held Mona''s hand and did not open the car door. He looked like he was being abandoned.


    Mona could not stand it anymore. If others knew thepany chairman was so needy for his wife, they might not have a good impression of him! "Alright, I''ll be back in a few days. Don''t be sad. You''ll be fine alone." After Mona finished speaking, she kissed Maxwell on his cheek. Then, she slowly retracted her hand from Maxwell''s grip. She was about to miss her flight.


    Before Mona could open the car door, she was pulled by Maxwell from behind. He held the back of Mona''s head as he kissed her on the lips. The kiss was filled with strong desire and possessiveness.


    After a long while, Maxwell let go of Mona. He stroked Mona''s cheek twice and said, "When you reach Noretin, remember to inform me. Don''t talk nonsense with strangers over there. Also, if you don''t want to talk to Barbara, just ignore her. After the Noretin Design Competition ends, I''ll transfer her out. Most importantly, don''t forget to miss me."


    alk to


    No matter what Maxwell said, Mona would nod. Mona felt like Maxwell was a parent sending off his young kid for a school outing, and she was the school kid.


    "Alright, alright, alright. My dear husband, I''m leaving now. Bye!" Mona ced her hand on Maxwell''s hand and took his hand off her cheek.


    After Maxwell nodded, Mona opened the door. She looked at Maxwell longingly before getting out of the car. Their eyes met. A momentter, Mona closed the door.


    She might not want to leave if they kept looking at each other any longer.


    Maxwell looked through the car window and saw Mona joining the team members from the Design Department. Although he was reluctant to part with her, Mona had her own career and job. He could not imprison Mona by his side and crush her dream on the name of love.


    He wanted Mona to shine in the field she was good at. He wanted her to live confidently and happily, even if he had to let go.


    The ne flew across the blue sky and departed from Nathontown to Noretin.


    On the ne, Mona finally felt the sadness of being separated from Maxwell. She felt emptiness, but fortunately, they were not separated for very long.


    After the nended, the group


    went straight to the hotel they had booked in advance. The Noretin Design Competition was hosted by the Conrad family from Noretin, The hotel booked by the Design Department belonged to the Conrad Corporation, which was involved in a wide range of businesses.


    Haley helped Mona push her luggage, while Mona checked in at the hotel front desk.


    When the hotel receptionist heard that they were the design team from Nathontown, she asked respectfully, "Hello, may I ask if Ms. Mona Clem is among you?"


    Mona was a little confused when she was being called out. But, she still nodded. "Hello, I''m Mona. What''s the matter?"


    The receptionist smiled respectfully. "It''s like this. Yourst name is quite unique. We would like you to upgrade all your standard rooms to VIP rooms for free. The procedure has beenpleted. You can move in directly. Remember to give us the five-star rating in your


    review!"


    ''An unique surname?'' Mona asked herself silently, ''Was it that unique? But it was nice to have a free upgrade!''


    She was having a lucky streak recently.


    "Thank you." Mona smiled and walked to her room.


    It was nice to have a free upgrading


    from a standard room to a VIP room. The members from the Design Department looked at Mona with gratitude. The VIP rooms would be veryfortable. The room had arge bathroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a big bed. Several people immediately thanked Mona.


    Mona smiled and said that it was the good fortune of the entire Design Department.


    The people who checked inter also heard about the benefit for people with thest name of "Clem." Coincidentally, their design team also had personnel with thest name of "Clem."


    However, the receptionist only smiled and said that there was only one free upgrade. It had already been used by the previous customer. They could only ept the fact that they were unlucky.


    However, what they did not know was that even if they were the first to arrive, the upgrade still belonged to Mona. In the end, thest name "Clem" was not important, eBay mattered the most was the name of "Mona Clem."

 Chapter 198

    After Haley helped Mona put her luggage into her room, she couldn''t wait to run to her own room. She wanted to see what her own room looked like.


    Her room was right next to Mona''s. The close proximity made it convenient to protect Mona at any time.


    After Haley left, Mona closed the door, walked forward, and pulled open the heavy curtains. She then saw the entire view of Noretin.


    The two cities, one in the north and the other in the south, looked very different in terms of architecture. The building walls in Noretin were rtively thick, but Nathontown was different. The walls were thinner.


    Mona looked for a while and thought of Maxwell in Nathontown. Based on her understanding of him, he was either reading documents or in a meeting.


    She took out her phone and sent Maxwell a voice message.


    [Maxwell, I''ve arrived in Nathontown. Let me ask you something. Does my surname sound nice? Because of it, the hotel upgraded our regr room to a VIP room for free. I''m quite happy.]


    After sending the message, Mona went to unpack her luggage. She usually stayed in VIP rooms whenever she traveled. Since this time was a group booking, she didn''t want to make things special for herself and just went along with everyone else''s room type, but she was surprised to find that she had been upgraded to a VIP room anyway.


    She thought, ''It seems even fate doesn''t want me to stay in a regr room.''


    Far away in Nathontown, Maxwell was in a meeting while waiting for Mona''s message.


    After the sales manager finished reporting, he waited for a while but did not see any reaction from Maxwell, who was sitting in the front row.


    He felt a sudden flutter of anxiety and couldn''t help but think, ''Did I say something wrong? It''s been a while since I finished, and Mr. Carter still hasn''t said anything.''


    Just as he was in a fluster, a phone rang in the silent room, breaking the silence.


    As his phone rang, Maxwell immediately snapped out of his thoughts. When he saw the voice message from Mona, he wanted to open it right away, but remembering he was in the meeting room, he quickly said the meeting was adjourned and left.


    This left the sales manager and many people looking around, especially the sales manager, who still did not know if there was anything wrong with his proposal.


    Maxwell didn''t care about any of that. In his mind, nothing mattered more than Mona.


    As soon as he arrived at his office, Maxwell eagerly listened to the voice message from Mona. Her voice rang in his ears, and it improved his mood considerably.


    ''The surname Clem in Noretin?'' Maxwell pondered. After a while, his expression became somewhat serious, and he frowned involuntarily.


    Maxwell thought of Brendan, the man who had helped Mona at the auction.


    He was already worried about Mona going to Noretin alone in the first ce. Now that he thought about this, he suddenly wanted to drop everything and join her at Noretin. [Mona, there''s no such thing as a free lunch in the world, and we don''t get something for nothing. I think someone has arranged for the room upgrade.]


    Maxwell didn''t mention Brendan. He knew that with Mona''s intelligence, she would figure it out on her own.


    As soon as Mona heard her phone vibrate, she put down the lotion she was holding and unlocked her phone. Maxwell''s words appeared before her eyes. She replied: [Honey, if you want to tell me that Brendan did it, just say it. You even let me guess it myself. Hmph!]


    If it weren''t for Maxwell''s reminder, Mona wouldn''t have thought of Brendan at all. She hadn''t heard that name in so long that she had almost forgotten about him.


    But with just a little reminder from Maxwell, Mona recalled it. She still owed that person a huge favor and wondered if Maxwell had helped her repay it.


    [Mona, don''t be angry. I''ll say it directly next time. If you run into this guy in Noretin, stay away from him. Don''t get too close.]


    Maxwell reminded her again worriedly. He also wanted to fly directly to Noretin, but thepany was swamped with work. He could not affect thepany''s operations because of his personal matters. Many employees depended on thepany''s sess to earn living.


    Mona replied: [Don''t worry. I know all about it.]


    their


    Maxwell did not feel much sense of security. Mona was aware, and she would do her best to fill him with a sense of security.


    The night was as dark as ink, and a bright moon hung in the sky. A few stars appeared near the moon. They were exceptionally bright.


    Designers from all cities had gathered in Noretin. As the organizer, the Conrads held a small g at the hotel to wee everyone participating in the Design Competition.


    When Mona arrived, she was worried that there would be a g to attend, so she specially prepared an evening gown, and now it came in handy.


    She was wearing a short ck gown


    made of gauze, revealing her evenly shaped calves. The gown was


    designed to cinch at the waist,


    perfectly revealing her delicate


    waist. Against the night backdrop, her skin appeared exceptionally wless.


    Even if she stood far away without making any moves, she would involuntarily draw the attention of the people around her.


    Mona followed the Design Department''s manager, Leander, signed her name, and walked in.


    She had attended many balls. Each time, after greeting people, she would immediately go to the nearby lounge to rest, and this time was no exception.


    The men and women at the ball were all dressed in exquisite outfits. The men typically wore suits, and thedies donned gowns, showcasing various clever design details.


    Most of the people attending this ball were designers from various cities, so the gowns they wore were their biggest trademarks, subtlypeting with one another.


    Mona did not think too much about it. She followed Leander. When someone mentioned her, she shed a standard smile. Once the dancing began, she went to the side to rest, with Haley following her closely. When they came, Maxwell specifically reminded Haley that her duty ofing along with Mona to Noretin this time was to follow Mona at all times to protect her and not let her suffer any harm.


    Haley naturally knew the importance of this matter. It was also her task, so she had been following Mona after they left the hotel, never leaving her side.


    The heels of Mona''s shoes were somewhat high, and she had been standing behind Leander for a long time. As soon as she reached the resting area, she felt a strain in her feet, She even felt her shoes vaguely rubbing against her feet, and the skin of her heels seemed to have been somewhat scraped.


    After Mona sat down and saw that no one was paying attention to her, she lowered her head to look at her feet. Just as she had guessed, ayer of her skin on the heels had been scraped off by her shoes. "Mona, your foot is bleeding," Haley said. "It''s so serious. Wait here. I''ll go find someone to ask if there are any adhesive bandages."


    Mona was not overly surprised. Instead, Haley seemed to be more distressed than Mona was about her injury.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

 Chapter 199

    Just as Mona was about to say that there was no need to look for adhesive bandages, Haley had already run forward. Then, she seemed to have thought of something and hurried back to Mona''s side. Looking into her eyes, she said seriously, "Mona, I''ll be right back. Just stay put."


    Mona instinctively nodded. Haley then quickly walked ahead.


    Throughout the entire process, Mona was bewildered. Haley was really swift and decisive in getting things done.


    She recalled what Haley had said before she left, finding Haley''s words sound so simr to what Maxwell had told her when she came to Noretin.


    She thought, ''It seems that Maxwell not only reminded me, but he also reminded Haley. He''s too concerned about me, treating me like a minor that he needs to look after.''


    While Mona was thinking, an adhesive bandage and a hand with well-defined knuckles suddenly appeared in front of her.


    Mona instinctively looked up and met Brendan''s gaze, which held a subtle hint of amusement.


    For a moment, she didn''t know if she should put down her hand or ept the adhesive bandage he handed her.


    "What''s wrong?" Brendan said. "Mrs. Carter, you don''t know how to call me Brenny when you see me, huh?" As Brendan spoke, he spontaneously ced the adhesive bandage in Mona''s hand and sat across from her.


    Being reminded of this, Mona felt a wave of shame wash over her. When she recalled what she said about calling Brendan "Brenny" if she had the chance to meet him in the future, she felt so awkward that the awkwardness seemed to stretch all the way from where she was to the entrance of the ball.


    "What''s wrong?" Brendan said, looking into Mona''s eyes. "Could it be that you don''t keep your word?"


    His eyes were deep blue. At a nce, they were like the night sky, making it difficult to discern his feelings.


    "Brenny!" Mona called out somewhat reluctantly.


    After calling out, she felt like sitting here with Brendan was almost unbearable due to the awkwardness. She had no idea why she would run into Brendan at a ball.


    The corners of Brendan''s lips curled up slightly. "Yes, that''s more like it. If you see me again in the future, don''t forget to call me ''Brenny''. If anyone bullies you in Noretin, just mention my name, and I''ll stand up for you."


    Mona had called him "Brenny," so he would not let her do it for nothing.


    "You''re overthinking things. I didn''t provoke anyone in Noretin. Why would anyone bully me then?" Mona rejected Brendan''s good intentions without hesitation.


    She thought, ''Besides, I have Haley. If anyone were to bully me, Haley would definitely pay them back double.''


    Mona outright refused, but Brendan wasn''t upset. "I''m just giving you a form of assurance. It''s up to you whether you need it or not."


    She looked ahead and happened to see Haley walking toward her, so she immediately said, "Thank you for your kindness. Someone is looking for me. I''ll take my leave now. See you again."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Despite saying that she would see him again, she thought, ''I''m not seeing you again.'' She really did not want to see Brendan again and call him "Brenny" anymore.


    But the reality was different from what Mona expected. She ended up calling him "Brenny" for a long time.


    As soon as Haley arrived, she saw Brendan sitting on the sofa. She shot him a wary nce and happened to meet his expressionless face.


    She immediately felt that Maxwell was right. Brendan was not someone to be trifled with, so she carefully pulled Mona to the side and walked away.


    What the two of them did not know was that Mona and Brendan''s conversation had been observed by someone hiding in the corner. This person was none other than the person who had bid against Mona at the auction. He was now intent on pleasing Brendan, thinking it would be just right to use Mona to achieve his goal.


    "Mona, howe the moment I''m not by your side, you run into a bad guy?" Haley said, now fully considering Brendan as the enemy.


    "He just came over to give me an adhesive bandage," Mona said. She then thought, ''And he had me call him "Brenny" while he was at it.''


    "I have it," Haley said. "Mona, I brought you an adhesive bandage. Use mine."


    ncing at the adhesive bandage in Mona''s hand, Haley still felt that the one she had was better.


    "Okay, I''ll use yours," Mona said.


    As they spoke, the two of them had already walked toward the restroom.


    Mona was wearing a dress, so bending down to apply the adhesive bandage like this would somewhat affect her image.


    "Mona, do you want me to help you put it on?" Haley asked after they reached the restroom.


    Mona shook her head and took the adhesive bandage from Haley''s hand. At the same time, she casually ced the adhesive bandage that Brendan had given her into her handbag.


    "It''s okay," she said. "I can do it myself. Wait for me outside for a while."


    In her heart, she saw Haley as a younger sister, so this was something she preferred to handle herself.


    After Mona entered, Haley walked around outside the washroom, feeling a bit bored.


    A momentter, a strange man walked over and loitered around the women''s restroom. He even looked inside with a lewd look.


    Haley noticed him twice. After the


    second time Haley directly looked at


    him, raised her fist, and shot him contemptuous nce, indicating that he should not go inside. Otherwise, her fist woulde crashing down on him.


    "What are you looking at?" the man said angrily. "You want to beat me, huh?"


    "If you dare to look inside with your sleazy eyes again, I''ll beat you," Haley said bluntly.


    Mona was still in the restroom. Haley needed to protect not only Mona''s safety but also her purity and reputation. She wanted to keep all harmful things away from her.


    "I just looked. What can you do about it? Do you really dare to hit me?"


    When the man spoke, he did not take Haley seriously at all. He looked down at Haley with a nce. Then, he immediately walked toward the women''s restroom.


    Haley could not tolerate that. She grabbed the back of the man''s shirt, yanked him back, and then threw him to the ground.


    "This is what happens if you continue to watch. Get lost, or I''ll beat you to a pulp."


    "Alright. Okay. I''ll leave now. It''s my fault."


    As soon as the man finished speaking, he got up while trembling. Taking advantage of the moment when Haley was thinking, he snatched the handbag from her hands and ran away. There were a lot of things inside, including Mona''s phone.


    Once the handbag in her hand was gone, Haley instinctively chased after him.


    She silently thought, ''This guy has a chance to do the right thing but still chooses to mess it up. Once I catch him, make sure he knows my strength, and I''ll give him a severe beating.''


    After Haley left, two more sneaky people emerged near the restroom.


    "Hurry up. They''ve left."


    "Shh, I''ming. I''ming."


    As soon as the daze-inducing smoke was blown, it immediately dispersed in the women''s restroom.


    After putting on the adhesive bandage, Mona opened the door and walked out. As soon as she stood up, she inexplicably felt a little dizzy.


    Mona thought that it was because


    she had squatted for too long and


    her hypoglycemia was acting up, so she didn''t pay much attention to it. After standing for a moment to clear her head, she walked toward the restroom door.


    Barely walking two steps, Mona felt that her vision was getting more and more blurry. The path ahead slowly became two paths, and she seemed to be unable to see the path clearly.

 Chapter 200

    Mona instinctively shook her head, but it was no use. Her head was getting more and more dizzy, and she could not see anything clearly. "Haley," she called out with difficulty. Then, she copsed, losing consciousness.


    Mona and Haley did not notice that after they entered, a sign indicating maintenance was ced in front of the restroom entrance.


    *****


    After meeting Mona, Brendan casually dealt with a few people at the ball before returning to his room upstairs to rest.


    After all, this ball was funded by the Conrads. If he did not fulfill his duty as a host, people would gossip about him.


    To make it to this designer''s ball, he worked overnight and rushed back from Horieta.


    Taking advantage of this moment, Brendan wanted to take a short nap.


    As soon as he returned to his room, Brendan instinctively turned on the lights, unbuttoned his suit, and walked into the bedroom. After sitting on the bed, Brendan took off his suit, lifted the nket, andy down. Then, he immediately sprang up, feeling surprised. He wondered which person who didn''t know the ways of the world wanted to sleep with him again, not giving him a moment to rest.


    He lifted all the nkets on the bed with hisrge hands. As he had expected, it was indeed a woman on the bed.


    However, this woman who wanted to sleep with him was unconscious.


    Wearing a redce nightgown, her cascading hair draped over her shoulders, covering most of her face and revealing her smooth neck. From his current angle, he could not clearly see the face of the woman on the bed. With just one nce, Brendan averted his gaze and covered the woman on the bed with the nket.


    He was filled with anger, not knowing which clueless person had sent him a woman again, and looking at the situation, she was unconscious.


    The moment the nket was ced over her, Mona felt a little ufortable. She snorted softly and instinctively turned over.


    With just one sound, Brendan''s thoughts were drawn by the person on the bed. His brows were tightly furrowed.


    He had a bold guess and thought, ''Could the person on the bed be Mona?''


    As he thought, Brendan''s hand tentatively lifted the nket, and Mona''s wless face appeared before him.


    Brendan took a closer look. Sure enough, it was Mona, leaving him utterly speechless.


    He thought, ''Which fool that''s asking for trouble did this "good deed"?"


    Looking at Mona''s thick hair, Brendan hesitated for a moment, but he still gently pulled out two strands of hair. He then took out a tissue from the side, wrapped the strands of hair, and carefully ced them in the drawer. Although Brendan tried his best to be gentle, the unconscious Mona still sensed it and gradually regained consciousness.


    But now she felt unusually ufortable. Her whole body was warm, and it felt like something was missing inside her.


    After Brendan put away Mona''s hair, he unexpectedly caught sight of the note on the table and frowned.


    The note read, "Mr. Conrad, this is a small gift. I hope you like it. Let me give you a hint. Get a woman''s body first. Slowly, you will win her heart."


    There was no name written at the end of the note. Brendan could guess who it was. That person was Jenson Ward. ''This guy is truly foolish to dare to specte about my thoughts,'' he thought.


    His eyes swept over the intoxicating fragrance on the table, and his chest felt a little tight. He was also thirsty. He thought that this was bad and quickly threw the intoxicating fragrance into the toilet of the bathroom.


    As soon as he stepped out of the bathroom, he noticed that Mona had kicked the nket off the bed at some point. She was sprawled on the bed in a rather ungraceful manner, mumbling, "Maxwell, I feel terrible." Brendan couldn''t bear to look. He thought, ''If Maxwell finds out that Jenson sent Mona to my bed, he will fly here from Nathontown right away.''


    He closed his eyes and covered Mona with the nket.


    "Maxwell, it''s so hot," Mona mumbled. "I want some water." For some reason, she felt increasingly ufortable.


    She instinctively grabbed Brendan''s hand. Looking at Mona on the bed, his eyes were filled with helplessness as he slowly withdrew his hand.


    After dodging Mona''s hand, Brendan


    went straight to the door of the


    room, intending to open it, only to find that it was locked from the


    outside. He took out his phone,


    showed there was no Phot


    phov eburContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    signal.


    Speechless, he threw the phone to


    the door, yet it was difficult to vent his anger.


    Jenson had prepared everything for him, aplete set, as if he was afraid Brendan wouldn''t ept the gift he had prepared.


    He also felt increasingly ufortable. It was unsure if it was because he had inhaled too much intoxicating fragrance earlier that was now taking effect.


    Mona, who was on the bed, felt even more ufortable. She was scantily d in the first ce, and now there was even less clothing.


    Looking at Mona''s movements on the bed, Brendan immediately walked over, covered her exposed skin, and called her to wake up.


    As Brendan''s hand touched Mona''s, she reacted instinctively, both physically and emotionally, yet it still didn''t seem enough. She felt that something was missing within her.


    ''This way, it seems a bit better,'' Brendan thought.


    He was also feeling ufortable.


    Afraid he might lose control and make an irreversible mistake, Brendan forcefully pushed Mona aside and patted her arm strongly as he shouted, "Mona, wake up."


    After Brendan shouted a few times, Mona, who was in a daze, felt a little clear-headed. She could no longer tell where she was and was in a daze.


    She opened her eyes with difficulty and nced at Brendan, who was sitting by the bed. Then, she was significantly awake. "Bren-Brendan, howe you are at my ce?" She instinctively asked, thinking she was still at home sleeping.


    Brendan was left speechless. "Look at theyout of this room. Is it your ce?"


    Hearing this, Mona scanned theyout of the room, thinking, ''This is clearly a hotel.'' Her thoughts returned to the moments before she lost consciousness.


    She thought, ''I lost consciousness before I even came out of the restroom.''


    Her gaze involuntarily swept over her clothes. She then looked at the unusual flush on Brendan''s face. She stared at Brendan vigntly and said, "Why am I here? Did you knock me out?"


    "Nope, I''m a victim too," Brendan said. As he saw Mona''s expression of disbelief, he continued, "If I really wanted to do something to you, would have done it when you were unconscious. I wouldn''t have woken you up out of kindness."


    Mona thought it made sense. ''I''ve met Brendan a few times, and he didn''t go overboard, other than asking me to call him "Brenny",'' she thought.


    "Although it''s not you, it must have


    something to do with you," Mona said with certainty. She was aware of theplexities and intrigues of this circle. If Maxwell didn''t have a reputation for being afraid of his wife and didn''t go home almost every day after work, many people would likely have put women in his bed.

 Chapter 201

    Brendan did not expect that Mona would also be sent to someone else''s bed as a gift.


    He smiled and did not deny it. "I apologize for that," he said. "It won''t happen again." He did not expect this either. He thought that there would definitely not be such a smart-ass in the future.


    Mona increasingly felt ufortable. There was a hollow sensation inside her. She said honestly, "I''ve been drugged. Please help me call a doctor."


    She was afraid that if this dragged on, she would not be able to control herself. After all, she did not know how long the effects of the drug wouldst or how strong it would be. To be safe, she thought it was better to go to the hospital.


    ''If Maxwell were to find out, I''ve no idea how jealous he would get,'' she thought. She immediately contacted Haley and told her not to inform Maxwell.


    "I can''t call," Brendan said indifferently. "The door is locked from the outside, and there''s no signal in the room."


    When Mona heard this, she frowned right away. "What should we do then? Are we really going to be stuck in this room until morning?" She was very reluctant to be resigned to this situation.


    She thought, ''This situation is going to be tough to handle. Brendan still looks like a morally upright gentleman now. But once the effects of the drug peak, who knows what he might do to me.


    ''I''m already married. I absolutely can''t do anything which will let Maxwell down.


    ''Plus, if Haley can''t reach me all night, she''ll definitely tell Maxwell, who is in Nathontown. Based on my understanding of Maxwell, this guy will definitely rush over from Nathontown.''


    "For now, we can only wait," Brendan said.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona exerted force to get up, but she noticed that her body was extremely weak. She could only copse onto the bed again. This realization made her flustered again. ''If Brendan really wants to do something to me when I''m in such a state, I won''t even have the strength to resist,'' she thought.


    Brendan met Mona''s wary gaze. Noticing his own irregr breathing, he took a deep breath and said, "I''ll go to the bathroom. Stay here."


    He also realized that the effects of the drug had kicked in. His body felt ufortable, as if it was about to explode. There was an uncontroble urge in his body that was moring, as if it was about to burst out.


    He did not dare to stay with Mona anymore. If the two of them could not control themselves in the end and did something irreversible, Brendan would never forgive himself.


    Brendan made himself stand under the showerhead and use the cold water to keep himself awake. However, no matter how cold the water was, it seemed unable to cool the heat within him.


    He thought, I''ve only inhaled the intoxicating fragrance in the room for a moment. That isn''t enough to cause me to end up like this. It seems that there''s also something wrong with the drink Jenson handed me at the ball.''


    After Mona saw Brendan walk to the bathroom, her constant anxiety slowly eased. Only then did her tightly clenched hands rx naturally.


    Gradually, the sound of running water could be heard in the bathroom. Mona knew Brendan was taking a cold shower inside. She thought, ''I can''t just sit here and wait. If I wait here until tomorrow morning, Maxwell will be very worried, and negative talk will spread.''


    *****


    Time rewound to the period when Mona went missing.


    Haley chased after that man out of the restroom. The man seemed to be deliberately ying with Haley. Every time she got a little closer, he would speed up a little, instantly maintaining the same distance as before.


    This man was very good at running. He also knew the arrangement of roads here.


    After chasing for a while, Haley sensed that something was off. She suddenly thought of Mona in the restroom and vaguely felt that something bad was about to happen.


    When the man ahead saw that Haley had slowed down, he slowed down as well. Noticing this, Haley hurriedly picked up her pace and kicked him to the ground. She then stepped on the man''s chest and ruthlessly stomped him a few times. After that, she bent down to snatch Mona''s handbag and hurriedly ran toward the restroom.


    The man on the ground touched his chest, thinking, ''This youngdy is quite strong. That kick really hurt. But judging by the distance between the restroom and this spot, my mission is aplished.''


    When Haley returned to the


    restroom, she immediately smelled


    the strange scent there, which made her even more worried about Mona. She hurriedly called out to Mona a few times, but Mona did not


    §Ö


    respond. Haley shouted inwardly, ''This is bad.'' She rushed into the restroom right away, but Mona was nowhere to be seen.


    The restroom was already empty. Haley, with her sharp eyes, spotted an earring on the floor and bent down to pick it up. She recognized it as Mona''s earring.


    Mona''s phone was still with Haley, but she had gone missing. The more Haley thought about it, the more regretful she felt.


    She thought, ''Maxwell pays me so much every day to protect Mona. Now that she''s disappeared right in front of me, it''s all my fault. What am I supposed to say to him?''


    Soon, the news that Haley was looking for Mona spread throughout the ball. Some were happy, while others were worried. Haley and ra were worried, while Barbara was happy.


    When Leander heard that Mona was missing, his back immediately broke out in sweat. ''If something really happened to Mona, how am I supposed to exin things to Maxwell and Bernard?'' he thought.


    He immediately contacted the organizer of the ball. The security guards came in to search, but they only searched the level of the building where the ball was being held and didn''t think of going to the hotel upstairs to look for her.


    One by one, they asked the ball attendees, but not a single person noticed Mona.


    This situation was going to be difficult to deal with. Haley thought of Maxwell''s reminder to her when they came. He mentioned that Haley had to inform him right away when something happened to Mona. Such a big issue had happened to Mona. After hesitating for a moment, Haley called Maxwell to inform him immediately.


    When Maxwell, who was far away at thepany, heard that Mona had gone missing at the ball, he was so startled that he tossed the pen he was holding onto the floor right away.


    He said to Nigel, who was still working overtime outside, "Quick, get the private jet ready. I need to go to Noretin right now."


    When Nigel saw Maxwell''s worried expression, he immediately knew that something had happened to Mona, who was far away in Noretin.


    He quickly followed Maxwell''s instructions and got the private jet ready.


    Nigel drove directly to the airport in Nathontown with Maxwell. They boarded the ne and flew to Noretin.


    In the hotel, Barbara used the pretense of looking for Mona to make her way outside the hotel. ''Whoever wants to find her can go ahead,'' she thought. ''I won''t. Today, even the universe is on my side. If anything happens to Mona this time, I''ll even smile in my sleep.'' Once outside the hotel, Barbara felt the air around her be much fresher. As she walked toward the garden, she identally spotted several men acting sneakily.


    Out of curiosity, Barbara walked


    forward in the dark. There was a


    flower bed at the side, and a tree provided cover. Coupled with the fact that Barbara was petite, even if someone walked past her, that person would not notice that there was someone hiding behind the tree unless he looked carefully.


    The voices of several men rying messages could be heard.

 Chapter 202

    "Everybody in the entire ball is looking for that woman now. Things won''t go wrong, right?"


    "Mike, what could possibly happen? We''re just doing what we''re paid to do. Maybe that woman''s already having a good time."


    "Ricky is right. We''re just doing what we''re paid to do. If anything really happens, Mr. Ward will take responsibility. This job has already beenpleted. We''ll just wait to get money from Mr. Ward tomorrow."


    "Jacky, Ricky is right. I''m short-sighted. It''s that woman''s fortune to have a man like Mr. Conrad taking a liking to her."


    "Mike, that''s well said. Let''s go. I''ll bring you guys to enjoy yourselves."


    After the three men left, Barbara came out from behind the tree. Her lips curled into a wicked smile.


    She thought, ''I was just worried about how to win the Design Competition in Noretin. Well, the method just fell to myp. Mr. Conrad? I wonder which greasy middle-aged man has taken a fancy to Mona. It seems that being beautiful and charming isn''t necessarily a good thing. See, that''s the consequence.''


    Barbara believed as long as Mona''s reputation was damaged, the judges and audience would naturally have a bad impression of her designs, especially the audience. In that case, Mona would not be a threat anymore.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Then, she took out her spare phone, found the numbers of a few reporters in Noretin, and started texting them one by one.


    "[Tonight''s headline. A prostitution deal has appeared on the second floor of a certain hotel. The woman involved is the first-ce winner of Nathontown Design Competition! She''s married. Hurry up, or you''ll miss out on the headline!]"


    Barbara thought, ''Now, I just have to wait and enjoy the show. Today, the universe is really on my side.''


    There was still a long night ahead.


    At this moment, Mona, who was in the room, felt that her strength had recovered a little. She got up with difficulty and walked toward the door of the room. Sure enough, the situation was just as Brendan had said. The door was locked from the outside, and Brendan''s phone beside her feet had no signal.


    As for the windows, just to be on the safe side, all of them were fitted with security bars.


    Mona opened the windows. The cold wind from outside blew in. She forced herself to calm down.


    She knew that whening across a problem, being flustered wouldn''t solve any issues.


    At this moment, Brendan''s muffled groan came from the bathroom, followed by the sound of a person jumping into the bathtub. Mona''s heart skipped a beat. She did not dare to look in the direction of the bathroom and immediately ran toward the balcony.


    She looked at the edge of the balcony and noticed that the neighboring balcony was only about three feet away.


    However, she was now on the height of more than twenty floors. Her hands and feet felt a bit weak.


    She did not dare to go over. The scene of her falling from over eighty floors before she traveled back in time immediately surfaced in her mind. The sensation of weightlessness from falling off the building immediately overwhelmed her body, pressing down on her until she could not catch her breath.


    However, no one knew how long Brendan couldst in the bathroom. Moreover, he was already soaked in cold water. He might die or be paralyzed.


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door and the sounds of all kinds of people arguing.


    "Is this the room? The door is locked from the outside."


    "I''ve secretly checked. This is the only room in the entire hotel booked under someone with the surname Conrad."


    "I don''t care anymore. We finally managed to sneak in. If we don''t capture anything, what are we supposed to write for the headline tomorrow?"


    "Unlock the door."


    Hearing the sound of people talking quietly at the doorway, followed by the sounds of rummaging around as someone searched for something, Mona felt intense fear.


    She thought, ''In my current look,


    with my unusually flushed face and


    this rather revealing nightgown, as well as with Brendan in the bathroom... If we''re seen like even if we say nothing has


    ove.ne


    happened, no one would believe us.''


    Thinking of this, Mona gritted her teeth and climbed onto the balcony.


    Looking from the balcony, the dizziness of the height made her arms and legs go weak. She didn''t dare look down. Beads of sweat ran down her forehead and dripped onto the balcony''s iron railing. She was gripping it tightly.


    But thinking that the people at the doorway were about toe in, she immediately gripped the edge of the balcony tightly and tentatively stretched her foot toward the edge of the opposite balcony. Mona was scared witless just by stretching out her leg, her heart racing as if it didn''t belong to her.


    She frowned tightly and bit her lower lip. The taste of blood immediately spread in her mouth.


    Fortunately, she could reach it.


    Moreover, there was a ledge on the wall that could be grabbed.


    Mona did not dare to look down. She tentatively moved to the neighboring balcony, afraid that she would fall.


    Her life was precious.


    Mona gripped the edge of the wall and slowly moved her body over.


    Once most of her body was on the neighboring balcony, Mona suddenly heaved a sigh of relief, but her body could not help but tremble violently.


    When she reached the opposite balcony, she copsed onto it. Her hands and back were covered in sweat.


    Almost as soon as she arrived at the neighboring balcony, a group of reporters burst into the room she had just been in.


    "No one is here, huh?"


    "Can''t you hear the sound? They are in the bathroom. Get the camera ready. I want this headline today. I want to see who dares to make prostitution deals." Every reporter wanted to take first-hand photos of the headlines. When they reached the bathroom door, they noticed that it was locked from the inside. "Knock the door open," the leader said without hesitation.


    His subordinates immediately knocked open the bathroom door.


    At this moment, Jenson, who was in a romantic embrace, received a message from his subordinate. He was surprised that someone dared to disrupt his n. He immediately pushed the woman away, put on his clothes, and went straight to Brendan''s room.


    The moment the bathroom door was opened, the scene inside immediately appeared in front of everyone.


    Brendan was soaking in the water. His lips were pale, and he was about to lose consciousness.


    Everyone took a look and thought, ''This doesn''t seem right. Why is there only one man in the bathroom? Where is the woman?''


    At this moment, Barbara rushed over with the design department manager, Leander. When she saw this scene, she thought, ''Something is wrong. I heard it clearly just now. Mona should be in this room.'' She quickly scanned the room to look for Mona. Eventually, she fixed her gaze on the balcony.


    "Barbara, did you see clearly?" Leander asked, feeling somewhat doubtful. "Did Monae up here?"


    "I-I didn''t see very clearly," Barbara said uncertainly. "I just saw a figure from behind that looked like my cousin''s. That person came toward this room." With that said, she walked toward the balcony.


    As soon as Barbara headed toward the balcony, a few reporters followed her, wanting to see if that woman was hiding there.


    Just then, Mona dragged her tired body into the room next door. Before Barbara reached the balcony, she sessfully entered the room.

 Chapter 203

    After entering the room next door, Mona heaved a sigh of relief, thinking, ''The entire room is pitch dark. Fortunately, there''s no one in this room. Otherwise, that would''ve been awkward.''


    She rested for a while. Once her body was not so weak anymore, she went out of the room, wanting to get the spare gown in the car to change into. The clothes she was wearing were unpresentable. Perhaps everyone was attracted by the prostitution trade in the room next door. There was no a single person in the long corridor.


    Just like that, Mona easily arrived at the floor where the ball was held and left the hotel.


    As soon as Mona walked out, she saw Maxwell getting out of the car in a hurry. Haley and Nigel were also with him.


    Their eyes met. Mona could clearly see the worry in Maxwell''s eyes.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mona," Maxwell called out as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and strode toward Mona.


    Nigel cleverly turned his gaze away, afraid that he would see something he shouldn''t. If that happened, he would be in trouble.


    Then, both of them spoke at the same time.


    "Maxwell, howe you are here?" Mona asked.


    "Mona, are you hurt?" Maxwell asked.


    Maxwell draped his suit jacket over Mona''s shoulders, gently caressed her flushed cheeks with his big palm, and pulled her into his embrace.


    He thought, ''Thank goodness Mona''s okay. I don''t know what I would''ve done otherwise.''


    Mona shook her head in Maxwell''s arms and brought her focus back to his question earlier. "I''m fine. Howe you are here in Noretin?" She thought, ''And he got here so fast.''


    Maxwell said, "Haley told me you were missing. I was very worried that something had happened to you."


    It was more than just worry. His heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest.


    A momentter, Maxwell asked again, "What exactly happened?"


    Mona told Maxwell about how she was knocked out in the restroom and sent to Brendan''s bed.


    By the end of what she said, Maxwell''s expression was extremely displeased. He hugged Mona in his arms even tighter and said through gritted teeth, "What happened after that?" "After that, Brendan was worried that he would do something to me, so he went to the bathroom to take a cold shower. I heard someone opening the door at the doorway, so I climbed over from the balcony of the room to the balcony of another room. When I came out, I saw you."


    Mona briefly recounted what had just happened to Maxwell.


    She made it sound easy, but just the fact that she had been drugged made it extremely difficult for her to climb over the balcony. Besides, she was extremely afraid of heights. To Mona, this action of climbing over the balcony was incredibly difficult.


    After Maxwell heard her recounting the incident, he hugged Mona even tighter in his arms, as if he wanted to be one with her. "Mona, I will definitely make your kidnapper pay the price."


    "That''s for sure. This person is too bold, thinking up something and just doing it, even having the guts to send me to someone else''s bed."


    Mona spoke angrily. It wasn''t until now that she smelled the unique scent of Maxwell and felt his warmth that she felt her legs were no longer weak and that shepletely calmed down.


    "Mona, you don''t have to worry about this," Maxwell said. "How are you feeling?" This question was what Maxwell was most concerned about now.


    "That sensation isn''t so strong now. It''s probably because too much time has passed and the drug effects have worn off."


    Speaking of this, Mona remembered that Brendan was still in the room. She thought, ''So many people havee. Barbara is also there. It seems that the arrival of so many reporters is all her doing. ''Since Brendan''s subordinate intended to send me to his bed to please him, why would he call the reporters over?


    ''Looks like it must be Barbara''s doing. She wants to see me make a fool of myself.''


    "It''s good that you''re fine." Upon hearing Mona''s words, Maxwell felt relieved.


    After that, Mona changed into a spare gown from the car and walked with Maxwell toward Brendan''s room.


    She thought, ''Since I am the female lead in this incident, how could I not show up and just watch them perform the show by themselves?''


    *****


    In Brendan''s room at this moment, not only did Barbara search on the balcony, but she also searched the cabs in the room. There was not even a living thing, let alone Mona.


    ''At this point, could Mona really just vanish into thin air?'' she thought, not believing in such nonsense.


    Jenson rushed over with his


    subordinates, Just as he arrived at


    the doorway of Brendan''s room, he heard the soft discussion inside and shouted inwardly that a big problem was brewing. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.


    When he entered the room, he was so anxious that he almost lost his footing and fell in.


    Sure enough, he saw arge group of people packed into Brendan''s room as soon as he entered. He even saw Brendan in the bathroom, delirious and being watched like a monkey. Even without looking at Brendan''s expression, he could sense that his face was filled with anger.


    He thought, ''It''s over. Not just over, butpletely finished. Mr. Conrad has lost so much face. Let''s not even talk about pleasing him. I might not even be able to keep my life.'' Jenson instructed the people beside him, "What are you all looking at? Who allowed you toe in? Smash the cameras in their hands and take hold of everyone. We''ll wait for Mr. Conrad to deal with them." Now, he could only try his best to minimize the damage to Brendan. If he waited for Brendan''s people to arrive, he would not even have the chance to do anything for him.


    When the reporters heard that not only were their cameras to be smashed, but they were also to be arrested, they immediately made a racket. Some even ran straight for the exit.


    However, Jenson''s subordinates were not to be trifled with. They immediately smashed all the cameras in the reporters'' hands and took hold of them.


    "Don''t get things wrong. We''re here


    to look for someone. Now that we''ve confirmed that the person is not here, we leave immediately." It was Leander who spoke up first, fearing that Jenson would capture them as well.


    Jenson looked at Leander warily, thinking that regardless of the reason, he should capture them first and wait for Brendan to be clear-headed before making a decision. Just as he was about to speak, Mona and Maxwell showed up at the doorway.


    The appearance of Mona startled everyone in the room. Among them, Jenson was the most surprised. He had personally witnessed his subordinates send Mona to the bed in this room, yet now she wasing in from outside. He thought, ''Could it be that she can walk through walls?''


    Upon seeing Mona, it was Leander who spoke first. He asked, "Mona, howe you are..."


    Mona said, "Mr. Ford, sorry to worry you. It''s all my fault. The gown got wet. I went outside to change my gown and forgot to tell Haley, which caused this misunderstanding. I''m really sorry," Leander smiled. "It''s good that you''re fine. Next time, just let us know if anything happens. Everyone was very worried about you."


    Despite saying that, he thought, ''You''ve really made a big mistake. Even Mr. Carter has rushed over.''

 Chapter 204

    "Mr. Ford, if there''s nothing else, you guys can leave now," Maxwell said. He still had something to settle with Brendan.


    Leander wanted to leave in the first ce. Now that Maxwell had spoken up, he immediately wanted to leave with the people from the Design Department.


    As Jenson saw Mona maintaining her stance by tacitly acknowledging that everything was caused by her, he decided not to say anything. ''After all, I can tell that Brendan is nice to Mona. If anythinges up, I can just shift the me to Mona.''


    When Barbara walked out of the room, she felt inexplicably angry upon noticing Mona''s arrogant expression. She thought, ''Howe Mona can resolve a difficult situation every time?"


    She looked at Mona and said with concern, "Mona, I''m d that you''re fine. I was so worried." Despite saying so, she inwardly thought it would be great if something had happened to Mona. "Thank you for your concern," Mona said expressionlessly.


    Barbara wanted to say more, but when she saw Mona''s annoyed expression, she obediently kept quiet and left the room with Leander.


    She thought, ''After all, it wasn''t me who did it. I just informed the reporters. Even if Mona holds a grudge against me, I''m not scared. Our poor rtionship has almost been made public.'' After the people who were not connected to the situation left, Mona looked at the man in front of her. The more she looked at him, the more she found him familiar.


    Upon taking a few more nces, Mona realized that this man was the person who had bid alongside her at the auction.


    She was a little puzzled, wondering why Jenson was here.


    For a moment, no one spoke in the room. It was exceptionally quiet.


    Jenson tried his best to hold his breath and minimize his presence.


    Then, Jenson looked at the man beside Mona, who exuded a cold aura that wasparable to Brendan''s when he was angry, making people feel inexplicably afraid.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    A long whileter, it was Mona who remembered that Brendan was still sitting in the bathroom. She hurriedly walked into the bathroom, hoping that nothing bad had happened to him.


    Before Mona bent down to help Brendan up, Maxwell beat her to it and said softly, "Mona, let me do it."


    Maxwell looked at the man in front of him coldly. Even though Brendan was wet, his manly charm was still evident. Maxwell thought, ''No wonder the reporters kept snapping away at him even though they didn''t see Mona. Fortunately, this guy didn''t do anything to Mona. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be helping him up.''


    When Jenson saw Mona and Maxwell walking into the bathroom, it was only then that it urred to him that he had to return to the room to get the antidote for Brendan.


    He thought, ''Thank goodness I didn''t dare to give Brendan too strong of a drug. Otherwise, a cold shower wouldn''t be enough to cool down the heat in his body.''


    After Jenson administered the antidote to Brendan, he called the doctor over to examine Brendan.


    Maxwell was not at ease about Mona, so he asked the doctor to take Mona''s blood for a test. The result was that she was fine. Only then did Maxwell feelpletely at ease.


    After getting clear-headed, Brendan looked at Jenson coldly. His eyes reflected a cold glint, immediately leaving Jenson at a loss.


    "You''ve gotten so bold as to specte about my intentions, huh?" Brendan said, his eyes darkening slightly as he looked at Jenson. They were filled with anger.


    Jenson was momentarily at a loss for words to answer Brendan''s question.


    When Maxwell heard Brendan''s words, he immediately wrapped his well-defined arm around Jenson''s neck. It was as if he would snap it if he exerted a little more force. "Was it you who did this?" he asked.


    If it hadn''t been for Brendan mentioning it, Maxwell wouldn''t have suspected that Jenson was the one who had kidnapped Mona.


    Maxwell was very strong. With his arm tightening around Jenson''s neck, Jenson felt as if his neck were about to snap, and his breathing became rapid. He said with difficulty, "I, I did it identally."


    ''The guy in front of me doesn''t look like someone to be trifled with,'' Jenson thought. ''I didn''t expect him toe at me immediately.'' For a moment, he felt that his life was over.


    "You did it identally, huh? If I were to sell you to a ce where people have fun and tell you that I did it identally, do you think that would be eptable?" As Maxwell spoke, he instinctively tightened his grip around Jenson''s neck.


    Soon, Jenson felt that it was getting harder and harder for him to breathe. The fear of death overwhelmed him, and he hurriedly begged for mercy. "Let, let me go. I''m about to suffocate."


    As Mona saw Jenson''s face turning flushed from the pain and the veins bulging on Maxwell''s arm at the spot where he was holding Jenson, she feared Maxwell might identally kill him, so she quickly walked over to stop Maxwell. "Maxwell, I''m fine, so let him go first," Mona said as she grabbed Maxwell''s arm with her little hand, wanting him to let Jenson go.


    The person in front of her was the person who had kidnapped her. She certainly felt hatred and anger. However, she could not just watch Maxwell identally kill someone and carry the burden of having taken a life.


    Maxwell looked into Mona''s eyes and pushed Jenson to the ground with a forceful shove. His gaze then swept over to Brendan, who was on the bed, and said coldly, "Mr. Conrad, if you can''t even control your own people, I don''t mind helping you." Brendan said indifferently, "Don''t worry. I will definitely give you an exnation for this matter."


    It was only after his body waspletely free from restraint that Jenson felt that he was still alive in this world. He quickly took a few breaths of fresh air and instinctively touched his neck.


    He thought, ''Fortunately, my neck is still intact.''


    When he heard that Brendan wanted to give Maxwell an exnation, he was instantly frightened. He thought, ''I don''t even know how Brendan will punish me.''


    He just wanted to please Brendan but ended up doing things that backfired on Brendan.


    After Maxwell and Mona left the room, Brendan looked at Jenson, who was lying on the floor. His blue eyes darted around, and he got off the bed. He then casually picked up the fruit knife on the table and tossed it onto the spot beside Jenson.


    The knife beside Jenson immediately reflected a cold glint and reflected in Jenson''s frightened eyes. He said in fear, "Mr. Conrad, really meant well. If you had listened to me and slept with Ms. Clem Maxwell would definitely have minded. By being nicer to Ms. Clem, she''ll surely fall in love with you in the end."


    Upon hearing this, Brendan stepped on Jenson''s hand that was ced on the ground and applied pressure on it several times. He then said angrily, "idiot, you don''t even know why treat Mona differently, yet you dare to specte about my


    thoughts?"


    "I-I was wrong. Mr. Conrad, spare me this time. I won''t dare to guess your thoughts again." Jenson pleaded desperately, feeling like his hand was about to be crushed by Brendan.


    "Do you see the knife on the floor?" Brendan''s gaze swept over the knife on the floor, his eyes still emitting a cold glint.


    When Jenson heard Brendan mention the knife, he looked at it in fear and then at his own hand, feeling so scared that his heart was about to jump out of his chest.


    Brendan said indifferently, "Scratch your palm. If someone else does it, there will be a gash."


    "Mr. Conrad, are you serious?"


    "Do you think I''m joking? And don''t ever show up in front of me again."

 Chapter 205

    After Brendan finished speaking, he raised his leg, lifting it off Jenson''s hand. He then turned around and asked, "What about Mona''s clothes?" Jenson quickly exined, "Mr. Conrad, even if you gave me the courage, I wouldn''t dare to change Ms. Clem''s clothes. I got someone to help her change her clothes."


    He had always thought that Mona was the woman that Brendan had taken a fancy to, which was why he figured out a way to send her to Brendan''s bed. However, from what Brendan just said, it seemed that he was wrong in his guess. But now he didn''t dare to specte freely anymore.


    "I don''t think you would dare to do that. Scratch it yourself." With that said, Brendan left the room.


    He thought, ''Jeez, I just wanted to rest for a while, but he didn''t let him have some peace, insisting on being a smart ass. Getting his palm scratched is the price of being a smart ass. I''ll just consider it an apology to Mona.''


    Jenson looked at Brendan''s retreating figure. Then, he looked at the bodyguards standing neatly at the door. After that, He held the cold knife in one hand while letting his other hand rest limply on the floor, his eyes fixed on his palm.


    Steeling himself and gritting his teeth, he used the knife to make a scratch.


    If he didn''t do it by himself, the people at the door would do it for him, and the oue would definitely be more severe.


    In an instant, sweat poured out of Jenson''s forehead. He gritted his teeth tightly in pain, leaving no room for even the smallest opening.


    After it ended, he felt intense heartache, unable to recover from his anguish for a long while.


    He thought, ''Fortunately, he only wanted me to make a scratch and not take my life.''


    *****


    After Mona and Maxwell went out, they did not stay at the ball. Nigel immediately drove them to the hotel.


    On the way, Haley looked at Maxwell and Mona, who were sitting in the back seat. A wave of guilt washed over her, and she said guiltily, "Mona, I''m sorry. I should have waited for you outside the restroom. That way, you wouldn''t have been kidnapped." Now that Haley thought about it, she felt a lingering fear. ''Thank goodness nothing happened to Mona,'' she thought. ''Otherwise, I''d never be able to forgive myself for the rest of my life.''


    "Haley, it''s not your fault," Mona said. "This has nothing to do with you." She smiled at Haley with difficulty. However, she involuntarily tightened her grip on Maxwell''s hand.


    She seemed to still be able to feel the fear of crossing over from one balcony to another.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    "There won''t be a next time," Maxwell said coldly. "Otherwise, you can go back and get some to rece you." He could not be careless about Mona''s safety.


    "I understand," Haley said. "I promise it won''t happen again."


    From then on, no matter what Mona did, she would follow closely, leaving no chance for anyone to harm her.


    After returning to the hotel, the first thing Mona did was fill the bathtub with water and take a rxing soak.


    The hot water enveloped her delicate skin, and the water slowly flowed down her skin. Only then did she feel rxed.


    The experience of the night was still vivid in her mind. When she closed her eyes, she still seemed to feel the fear of looking down from a high spot. Now that she thought about it, she did not dare to imagine why she had the courage to cross over the balcony. Maxwell waited for Mona at the doorway of the bathroom for a long time but did not see here out. He was afraid that something might have happened to her inside.


    After hesitating for a moment, he knocked on the bathroom door. "Mona, don''t soak too long, lest you catch a chill."


    Hearing Maxwell''s voice at the door, Mona slowly opened her eyes and replied, "Okay. I''m done now."


    With that said, she slowly got up. The water in the bathtub had turned lukewarm. She had soaked long enough.


    After soaking in the water, her entire body felt incredibly rxed.


    With only Maxwell outside, Mona put on a loose bathrobe and walked out with a hair-drying cap on her head.


    Maxwell was waiting outside the bathroom. When he saw Monae out, he immediately hugged her.


    She was as beautiful as a fairy that emerged from a water lily in clear water, and there was a faint fragrance on her body.


    Only when Maxwell held her in his arms did he feel a sense of reassurance.


    "Maxwell, you were scared out of your wits today, right?" Mona asked.


    Haley immediately told Maxwell that Mona had gone missing. Maxwell, who was far away in Nathontown, would definitely be worried. He rushed over a few hours after Mona disappeared. It was evident that he


    was not only worried, but also afraid.


    His fingers gently brushed past Mona''s eyebrows. His thin lips left a kiss on her forehead. "Yes, I was indeed worried sick and needed yourfort."


    As Mona noticed that Maxwell''s kiss was about tond, she covered his lips with her hand and said softly, "I haven''t dried my hair yet."


    "There''s no hurry. I''ll help you."


    Almost as soon as Maxwell finished speaking, he lifted Mona with his strong arms and walked back inside.


    In a moment, the sound of the hairdryer buzzing as it was used could be heard in the room, causing Mona''s hair to flutter. Before long, it was reced by another sound. Their breaths alternated, and their breaths merged.


    The night ahead was still long and joyful.


    The stars outside quietly huddled together like the two people on the big bed, tightly pressed against each other and inseparable.


    *****


    Golden sunlight covered therge bed, falling gently on the snow-white bedsheets. Mona reached out and pushed Maxwell, wanting him to hold her less tightly. Maxwell immediately grabbed Mona''s hand which was pushing him and kissed it. He asked in a low voice, "Aren''t you tired? Why are you awake so early today?"


    "Maxwell, you still say that? I already


    told you have work today. You


    didn''t know how to control yourselfst night." Mona retracted her hand, opened her eyes, and shot Maxwell a re.


    Maxwell wouldn''t let Mona''s hand slip away from his fingers. He grasped her hand again and pressed it against his chest. "Yeah. It''s my fault. I can''t help it. My wife is too charming."


    He tightened his embrace around Mona a little more, affectionately nuzzling against her neck, like a big dog acting endearingly.


    He did not know if it was because Mona had taken a bath or because she still had some knockout drugs in her system, but she was even more enchanting to him than usualst night.


    "Honey, I don''t want to leave you. I don''t want to go back to Nathontown."


    After being hugged by Maxwell,


    Mona felt that she could not bear to


    part with him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "I will be over very soon. It''s already been a day since yesterday. Thepetition will start in six days. Just count the days on your fingers. It will be over very soon."


    She suddenly felt that Maxwell had it tough. After returning to Nathontown for a few days, he would fly back to Noretin to watch herpetition.


    Because Maxwell hade to Noretin yesterday, Mona had no intention of returning to Nathontown before thepetition. She would wait here for him toe back.

 Chapter 206

    "Alright," Maxwell said. "Let Haley follow you wherever you go these few days. Even if you go to the restroom, you have to let her follow you. With the incident that''s happened, I''m worried about you." Maxwell reminded Mona. If anything happened to Mona, his heart would not be able to take it.


    "I know that," Mona replied as she nodded.


    After that, the two of them dawdled on the bed for a while. Noticing that he was about to bete for Carter Group''s meeting, Maxwell reluctantly let go of Mona.


    He got up, put on his clothes, and took his phone. He instinctively checked his messages and saw the photo that Brendan had sent himst night.


    It was a photo showing a palm. He pressed the return button expressionlessly when he saw Mona walking slowly toward him.


    He waved at Mona, signaling her to hurry over and wash up.


    "Didn''t you say you were going to bete? Why are you still looking at your phone?" Mona pointed out.


    Maxwell put away the phone beside him, skillfully squeezed toothpaste for Mona, and handed it to her. "I''m not looking anymore. I''ll wash up now."


    Mona looked at herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth.


    She had attractive eyes and red lips. It had been almost a year since she traveled back in time, but her appearance had not changed much.


    However, her wless corbone was covered with numerous hickeys that were closely packed together. She immediately shot a re at the man in front of her through the mirror.


    ''My husband is really clingy, causing the hickeys to take days to fade every time we make out,'' she thought.


    Actually, she couldn''t entirely me Maxwell. Her skin was delicate. Often, a light touch would leave noticeable marks.


    Despite being red at by Mona for no reason, he was not angry. Instead, he reached out to stroke Mona''s smooth hair.


    "Mona, that Jenson has been punished. Brendan got his palm scratched." Maxwell spoke nonchntly. He did not intend to show Mona the photo, worrying that Mona would have nightmares at night.


    ''It''s just a scratch,'' Maxwell thought. ''That seems like it''s going too easy on him. If Mona did end up sleeping with Brendan, even Jenson''s life wouldn''t be enough to make up for it.''


    "Oh, it''s good that he got punished. Fortunately, I escaped in time. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have been able to exin myself when that group of reporters came in." Monained. She thought, ''Just a scratch, and Jenson learned his lesson.


    ''It''s just that Jenson got his people to smash the reporters'' cameras. But there were still many of my colleagues in the hotel room.


    ''When several people start saying and spreading the same thing, it''ll be true when other people hear it, even if it is false.


    ''This is the power of words.''


    Hearing Mona talk about how she escaped still sent chills down Maxwell''s spine.


    If Mona had stumbled at any point, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    "Mona, I remember telling you that no matter what happens, your life is the most important thing to me," Maxwell said. "Even if you slept with Brendanst night, I wouldn''t-" He thought, ''I wouldn''t me you. As long as Mona stays by my side, that''s all that matters. Everything else can be consideredter.''


    Before Maxwell finished talking, Mona covered his mouth with her hand.


    "Maxwell, don''t worry. Nothing would happen. You could control yourself after getting drugged, and so could I. Simrly, just like how deeply you love me, I love you just as much."


    Mona could not imagine how Maxwell would feel if she did end up sleeping with Brendan yesterday.


    She thought, ''This guy is always so jealous. If I really did sleep with Brendan, Maxwell would surely be


    green with envy. He could refraine


    from sleeping with Lydia after getting drugged. I could refrain from sleeping with Brendan too. This is because we both love each other deeply.''


    Maxwell looked into Mona''s eyes and said with deep affection in his eyes, "Mona, I will never let you down for loving me."


    Mona met Maxwell''s affectionate eyes and smiled at him. Then, she urged him to wash up quickly. Otherwise, it would be toote for breakfastter.


    After they had breakfast together, Maxwell would return to Nathontown. He woulde back to Noretin six dayster. During those six days, he really intended to count the days on his fingers.


    Mona walked Maxwell to his car. Watching him sitting quietly inside, with his fine hair slightly covering his forehead and eyes, thick eyebrows, a straight nose, and thin lips, she couldn''t help but feel that Maxwell was truly a favored child of heaven, with each of his features so exquisite.


    She waved at Maxwell, revealing a smile as she thought, ''Six days will pass quickly."


    "Mona, remember to video call me every night," Maxwell reminded her again, worried that Mona would get so busy with work that she would forget.


    Mona nodded. "Don''t worry. I''ll definitely remember. My phone isn''t on silent mode. If you text me, I''ll reply right away."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    She also remembered that she had to have breakfast every morning and not wrap herself in the nket when she slept.


    Maxwell got the answer he wanted. He then nced at Mona outside the car with a sense of reluctance to part before instructing Nigel in the driver''s seat, "Drive off."


    The ck car slowly blended into the traffic. Mona kept waving and staring at Maxwell''s car until it reached a spot where she could not see it. Only then did she drop her hand to her side, feeling somewhat deste.


    The feeling of parting with Maxwell was truly unpleasant. Just after separating, she was already looking forward to meeting him in six days.


    After feeling a sense of destion, Mona lowered her hand and walked into the hotel. Haley followed her. ra was already waiting for her in the hotel room.


    Beforeing to Noretin, Mona and ra had already prepared the work for thispetition. The mechanism for disying the works this time was different from that at Nathontown.


    In Nathontown, models wore the works on the runway, but it was different this time. It was just a showcase, with ten pieces disyed together at once, which tested the eye-catching ability of the works. It was quite challenging to make the judges notice a particr entry among manypeting pieces at a nce.


    Mona still needed to thoroughly check her work for thepetition.


    While she was revising her design work, Barbara was brought out of the hotel and into a ck Bentley. The car was then driven off into the distance.


    The car took many turns and finally stopped at the entrance of a vi in the suburbs.


    The car door was opened. Barbara looked at the vi in front of her. The furnishings and decor were not onlyparable to those of the Clem family''s home but exceeded them in quality. Barbara was led through an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course, and into a garden, where she saw a man sitting on a chair, drinking coffee.


    She didn''t know if it was her illusion, but she actually felt that this person''s profile looked a little simr to Mona''s.


    Of course, it was only for a moment. When the man turned his face, Barbara knew that she was in a daze just now.


    "Mr. Conrad, she has been brought here."


    After the person who brought Barbara here said that, he nodded respectfully at Brendan and left the garden. Brendan and Barbara were the only ones in the garden now.

 Chapter 207

    "Barbara, were you the one who tipped off the entertainment reporters yesterday?" Brendan asked.


    Despite asking a question, his tone was certain. He yed with the walnut in his hand, and it rolled again and again in his hand.


    Barbara thought she had been discreet when she contacted the reporters, but she didn''t expect the man in front of her to call her out directly.


    For a moment, she felt a bit conflicted.


    ''The man in front of me doesn''t look like someone to be trifled with,'' she thought.


    Rather than hiding and being exposed in the end, she reckoned it was better to just admit it outright. "Yes," she said.


    ''If this man didn''t have any evidence, he wouldn''t have sent someone to the hotel to fetch me,'' she thought. ''All I know is that he''s the man in the bathroom yesterday. I don''t know anything else.'' "You admit it very quickly," Brendan said.


    "Since you called me over, doesn''t that mean you already know?" Barbara replied with a question as she looked at Brendan with her big, innocent eyes.


    Brendan warned, "Just this once. Before you do anything next time, think about your identity."


    He was only doing this out of consideration for the fact that Barbara was Mona''s cousin.


    Barbara was still in a daze as she was led out of the vi.


    She thought she would have toe up with an excuse for herself again, but unexpectedly, she ended up leaving just like that.


    She had to think carefully before she did anything next time.


    Six days was neither long nor short. Time passed as Maxwell counted the days on his fingers.


    Noretin Design Competition was held in a lecture hall in downtown Noretin, which could amodate over ten thousand people.


    Before it even started, the hall was filled with spectators one after another. They all wanted to see what this year''s designs were like and which lucky person could get first ce.


    Scorching light illuminated the hall. Mona, wearing a mask, followed Leander backstage. Haley held a dress designed by Mona. It was tightly sealed in a dust bag.


    Along the way, they met all kinds of people. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there was a sea of people here today.


    Once they reached the backstage area, Mona, Haley, and ra went straight to their designated area.


    The three of them carefully removed the dust bag from the gown. They did it very gently, afraid of damaging the gown.


    Many people came to participate in Noretin Design Competition this time. The top three from each city took part, and there were several hundred cities that sent contestants. Excluding some cities that did not participate, there were hundreds of groups in the first showcase alone. There were two more improvisation rounds to follow, making the process quite challenging.


    Standing out among these people was not an easy task.


    ording to rumors Mona had heard, there seemed to be a direct mentee of Danielle participating in thispetition at Noretin. Danielle was almost retired, but her reputation in the fashion industry continued to rise.


    If it really was her direct mentee participating in thepetition, that mentee''s skills should not be underestimated.


    ra grumbled, "Mona, what should I do? I''m so nervous." This was the first time she had seen such a scene in her life.


    Just looking at so many people made her scared.


    Mona said in a light-hearted manner, "Don''t be nervous. We just have to do our best. Besides, the gown is already prepared. Even if we don''t get a ranking in the first round, with so many spectators, someone may like our gown. We can then sell it for a good price. When we go back, we can still have a nice meal." She thought, ''If I don''t win this time, I''lle back next year. After all, I have plenty of time ahead of my life. I can ept failure.''


    "Mona, even at this juncture, you can still smile. Well, I''m really more concerned about the oue than a contestant." Hearing Mona say this made her racing heart calm down a bit.


    While speaking, Mona''s phone rang, and she guessed it was Maxwell.


    She picked up her phone and nced. As expected, Maxwell''s name appeared on the screen. Mona answered with a smile.


    "Hey, Maxwell, you''ve arrived, huh?" Mona asked.


    "Yep. I''m at the entrance."


    "Wait there then. I''lle to get you." As Mona spoke, she gestured for ra and Haley to keep an eye on the gown. Then, she strode toward the entrance.


    It had been six days since Monast saw Maxwell. Even though she did not say it out loud, she missed him a lot.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    After bypassing the sea of people, Mona immediately saw Maxwell standing at the entrance. As usual, he was dressed in a ck suit, but today, he was holding a bouquet of beautiful roses.


    It was somewhat at odds with his cold demeanor.


    The moment he saw Mona, he


    ced the bouquet of roses into her


    arms and hugged her. He said aggrievedly, "If I keep counting the days on my fingers, I won''t be able to hold on much longer. Mona, I missed you like crazy."


    Mona inhaled the familiar scent of Maxwell and her heartpletely calmed down. It was as if in this small space at the entrance, there were only the two of them tightly embracing each other with no one else around. "I missed you too," Mona said honestly.


    For the past few nights, she instinctively leaned toward the edge of the bed when she slept. Previously, that spot was upied by Maxwell. When she leaned there for thest few days, she wasn''t leaning against Maxwell.


    The two of them hugged for a while. Mona held the flowers in one hand and wrapped her other arm around Maxwell''s waist. This posture was somewhat strange. "Could it be that you brought these flowers from Nathontown?" she asked.


    "Yeah," Maxwell said. "Do you like them?"


    It was Bernard who reminded Maxwell of the roses when he came here.


    To see the person he loved the most, he had to bring a bouquet of flowers to express his love.


    "I like them," Mona said. "Honey, you''re so thoughtful."


    With that said, she heard the announcement inside saying it was time to draw the contestant order. ra also reminded her to go for the draw. Holding Maxwell''s hand, she walked inside.


    Maxwell''s viewing spot had already been reserved in advance before he came. It was in the third row, which was the best viewing spot.


    ???


    After quickly calming Maxwell down, Mona walked toward the organizer. Upon entering her name on theputer, she pressed the space bar under the guidance of the staff. The system automatically generated the participating position.


    Compared to thepetition in Nathontown, Mona was lucky this time. She drew a good spot in the third group. Moreover, she was in the fifth position in the third group. It was in the middle, which was very advantageous. Mona looked at the number tag in her hand, and the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily as she thought, ''I''m somewhat lucky this time around.''


    When she returned, she happened to see Barbara, who was following Leander, chatting andughing with him.


    Of course, Barbara and Leander also saw Mona. Barbara immediately walked up to Mona and said, "Mona, you''ve already drawn your number. That was quick. Mr. Ford and I just went inside to look for you."


    Mona thought, ''Isn''t she implying that I cause them to worry, so much so that Mr. Ford has toe looking for me?''


    "Mona, your participation order is not bad," Leander said. "Congrattions!" He did not care about Barbara''s words. Instead, he was filled with hope that Mona would win thepetition.

 Chapter 208

    Mona said to Leander with a smile,pletely ignoring Barbara beside him, "Thanks for your encouragement, Mr. Ford. I hope to bring honor to Nathontown too." "Alright," Leander said. "Make Clem Group proud. Make Nathontown proud. I''ve got high hopes for you."


    When Mona first joined Clem Group, Leander had a low opinion of her.


    But after she designed a gown for Artemis and participated in the Nathontown Design Competition, his view of Monapletely changed.


    Mona was very likely the dark horse of the Design Competition this time, rising all the way to the top.


    She nodded at Leander and walked straight to the backstage.


    As Barbara looked at Mona''s slender and determined back, she smiled faintly.


    It was almost indistinct. If one did not look carefully, one would not be able to notice at all.


    "Mr. Ford, I''ll go draw thepetition order now," she said.


    Upon getting Leander''s approval, Barbara walked toward the staff.


    After a long wait and rising tension, the long-awaited Noretin Design Competition began with enthusiastic apuse.


    Sitting in the contestants'' area, Mona looked at Maxwell across the stage. He immediately smiled at Mona, his lips slightly parted. Then, he looked at the beautiful roses in his arms.


    It was Mona who asked Maxwell to hold them for her. She asked him to give them to her when she came off the stage.


    Across the stage, Mona could see clearly that Maxwell was mouthing, "Honey, go for it."


    After understanding what Maxwell was trying tomunicate, Mona nodded at him.


    As the opening speech concluded and the apuse faded, the designs from each designer began to be showcased.


    There were designs in red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, blue, purple, ck, white, gray, and neon... Every color found in nature was used. The styles of the gowns also varied greatly. It depended on whose design was ingenious and would capture the attention of the spectators and the judges.


    Mona watched as one gown after another was showcased on stage, with each designer given only three minutes to introduce their creations.


    These three minutes were crucial. It depended on what designers said to make the spectators and judges remember them.


    After watching the first two groups of twenty gowns, the one that left the deepest impression on Mona was a ck gown.


    The designer was given three minutes but only took a few dozen seconds to introduce the gown. "This is a ck wedding dress from hell."


    It was this one sentence that made Mona involuntarily think of a tragic love story.


    Soon, it was time for the third group, and Mona was about to go on stage.


    As Mona''s name was called out loudly, she walked elegantly onto the stage with a smile. Her eyes were focused on the gown she had designed.


    The white fabric was dyed with vibrant colors, and the skirt red out, making the gown stand out at a nce among the other gowns.


    Mona named her design "Color."


    This was what vibrant colors meant to her. It was also her attitude toward life, which was filled with positivity and optimism.


    After traveling back in time, she wanted to live a dazzling life, like a rainbow after the rain.


    "I''m sure everyone has seen it. This is our fifth contestant from the third group, Mona, presenting her design, ''Color.'' Let''s give her a warm wee."


    As soon as the emcee finished speaking, deafening apuse came from the spectators, apanied by murmurs of conversation.


    "This gown is so beautiful. It''s like a rainbow."


    "The point is, it makes me feel good just by looking at it."


    "This is my favorite gown among all the gowns I''ve seen. I''ll reserve it first. After thepetition, I want to buy it."


    "What a coincidence. I like it too."


    "You''re not going to snatch it from me, are you?"


    "Well, ''Color'' isn''t yours. I like it too, so let''spete fairly."


    As soon as the emcee finished speaking, Mona took the microphone. In the sea of people, she spotted Maxwell sitting in the front row at a nce.


    Her eyes focused on Maxwell as she said, "The initial motivation for designing this gown is my love for life¡ª"


    As soon as Mona uttered a remark, a young judge from the panel stood up and interrupted her, saying, "You have been disqualified from thepetition."


    Various discussions immediately broke out among the spectators. They were all wondering what Mona had done to be disqualified by the judges.


    The statement came as aplete surprise. Of course, Mona would not walk off the stage right away. Gripping the microphone tightly, she asked, "What''s the reason?"


    She was not someone who would ept unfair treatment without seeking justice. There was no way she wouldply and give up on the Design Competition, which she had been preparing for so long, without getting a reasonable reason.


    The young judge did not mention the


    reason. Instead, she met Mona''s defiant gaze and chuckled. "Don''t you know the reason yourself, Ms. Clem? If I were to say it out in front of over ten thousand people today, your design career would be over."


    Mona met the young judge''s gaze and felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Moreover, this person looked at her with hatred.


    The hatred was palpable. Mona didn''t think she was mistaken.


    But this was indeed a stranger''s face. She had never seen it before.


    This hatred came out of nowhere.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    The judge''s voice echoed in the lecture hall. Now, not only were the spectators whispering among themselves, but the judges were also quietly discussing while looking at the gown next to Mona. Maxwell immediately contacted Nigel to look into this judge. He thought, ''Who is so bold as to disqualify my wife from thepetition?''


    "If you can''t tell me the reason, I won''t withdraw from thepetition," Mona said firmly.


    She thought, ''kput so much effort into this gown, from selecting the fabric and colors to even applying the pearls on the gown myself. Without a valid reason, a few words from a judge could scare me into withdrawing from thepetition? Dream on!''


    "Alright, you''re the one who wanted a reason. If you can''t make it in the design industry in the future, don''t me me."


    With that said, this judge called Molly Sinner wore a calm expression and immediately opened herptop. She then scribbled and tapped on it.


    Before long, a photo of a gown appeared on the big screen. If one did not look carefully, it was exactly the same as the one beside Mona. The signer at the corner of the photo was Molly, and there was also Danielle''s private seal.


    It was eptable if two gowns were somewhat simr, but if the two gowns had over ny percent simrity, then it indicated giarism.


    Almost as soon as the photo was disyed, Mona''s pupils instinctively dted. She clenched her fists tightly and stared intently at the photo of the gown on the screen and the private seal of Danielle.


    She instinctively thought, ''No way.


    Howe the two gowns are nearly identical? I designed this gown from start to finish without referencing other people''s works. Howe it looks simr to the one on the screen? Even the coloryout is identical. Clearly, someone has copied my work.''

 Chapter 209

    But Mona knew that she did not giarize, so the person who did was Molly. However, Molly had already released the patent design rights she had applied for along with Danielle''s personal seal.


    As for Mona, she did not even think of applying for a patent because of the matter concerning Noretin Design Competition.


    Compared to Molly, she was not convincing at all in defending her argument.


    Molly said, "As everyone can see, I''ve already applied for the patent rights for this gown, and this gown is the only one approved by my mentor, Danielle.


    "Initially, I didn''t want to take it this far. If Mona had voluntarily withdrawn from thepetition earlier, I wouldn''t have released this. But she requested that a reason be given for getting disqualified from thepetition. So, Mona, do you think you''re still qualified to continue participating in Noretin Design Competition?"


    Molly''s voice spread to every corner of the lecture hall. Her gaze as she looked at Mona was filled with mockery. ''She is just a fool who giarizes,'' she thought. ''She''s not in a position topare to me.''


    "No wonder I find Color stunning. It turns out it''s designed by Danielle''s mentee."


    "Ahem. Well, Mona can giarize all she wants. She''s actually so foolish to the point of making it nearly identical to the original work. There''s nothing original about her work at all."


    "I used to like the gown she designed for Artemis. I can''t believe this happened."


    "Maybe her previous designs were also copied from somewhere."


    "I know, right? Someone like her doesn''t deserve to participate in thepetition. She should get out of Noretin."


    As the conversation went on, thements got harsher, with all sorts of insults directed at Mona.


    Mona stood alone on the stage, facing the criticism directed at her from the spectators.


    Looking like a fool, she was in a daze, and her legs felt a little weak. Her hands began to break out in cold sweat. She had no idea how to defend herself.


    Mona wondered if she could tell the spectators and judges that she was not the giarist and that the real giarist was Molly, suggesting that Molly was using her because Molly was guilty of giarising in the first ce. But she was aware that she would indirectly imply that Danielle was a giarist if she were to say that.


    ''Would anyone believe me?'' she thought. Other than Maxwell, Mona didn''t know who else would believe that she didn''t giarize.


    She instinctively scanned the audience and was surprised to find that Maxwell''s seat was empty. Instantly, she was somewhat flustered.


    ''Where is Maxwell?'' she thought.


    At this moment, Mona felt helpless. She did not know how to defend herself.


    Just then, her cold hand was enveloped by a warm,rge hand. The warmth spread from her fingertips to her entire body.


    Mona instinctively looked up and happened to see Maxwell''s perfect jawline and the tip of his nose. Suddenly, her mind seemed to have a stabilizing force, and her mind calmed down.


    "I didn''t giarize," she said, holding Maxwell''s hand tightly. "The color of every piece of fabric in this gown is the result of my extensive experimentation."


    Molly retorted directly, "If you didn''t giarize, could it be that I giarized? Did you apply for a patent?"


    Her gaze instinctively swept across Mona and Maxwell''s tightly sped hands. Her hand that wasn''t holding the microphone was clenched into a fist, her fingers digging into her palm.


    "Just because she didn''t apply for patent protection doesn''t mean this gown isn''t designed by her. She just hasn''t had the chance to do so yet."


    The person who said this was Maxwell.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    He had seen Mona roll up her sleeves and test colors on the gown bit by bit, not getting upset even when paint got on her. She had gone through many fabrics, failing many times, before finallypleting the gown.


    He had seen Mona''s hard work, so he thought there was no way she would giarize someone else''s work.


    Molly responded by asking questions, saying, "So you''re saying that I giarized? Do you think that''s possible?"


    She thought, ''I''m already well-known


    as Danielle''s mentee in the design world, far more reputable than Mona. And who is Mona, anyway? She''s only slightly well-known in Nathontown. Now they are saying I giarized her design. Oh please, who would even believe that?''


    "That''s right. Mona said she didn''t giarize. Could it be that the person who giarized was Danielle''s mentee? I don''t believe that."


    "I don''t believe it either. Mona is obviously lying. Even if Molly wanted to giarise, she could randomly copy a few of Danielle''s rejected drafts, which would be better than what Mona designs."


    "And that guy beside Mona. He''s good-looking, but it''s a pity that he iscking in judgment."


    "Chase her out of Noretin Design Competition. We still want to watch the rest of thepetition."


    The spectators'' arguing got louder and louder. They were all ming Mona.


    "Whoever giarized is well aware of who did it," Mona said sternly, looking at Molly with anger in her eyes.


    Faced with Mona''s questioning, Molly said directly, "Contact the organizer."


    In order not to let this giarism incident affect the subsequent rounds of thepetition, Mona''s qualification to participate was suspended.


    She watched as her gown was taken back by the staff, her eyes filled with reluctance.


    She thought, ''I didn''t giarize.''


    As soon as Mona was helped off the stage by Maxwell, those who were familiar with her walked over. It was unknown if they were here tofort her or to see her make a fool of herself. The moment Barbara saw Mona, she walked up to her and said, "Mona, I believe that you designed the gown yourself. It might just be a coincidence that you and that judge have the same idea." Her words indicated that she believed Mona, but at the same time, she also said it might be a coincidence.


    ''But can there be such a coincidence in the world?'' Mona thought. ''Everyone''s ideas are different. There''s no way there could be such a coincidence.'' Someone in the crowd said, "Can there be such a coincidence?"


    "Shut up," Leander said. After that, he said to Mona, "Mr. Carter, Mona, you guys go and rest first. I''ll keep an eye on thepetition matters." Maxwell said nothing. He held Mona''s cold hand and walked inside. It was difficult to anticipate that such an incident would ur.


    Mona choked up as she said, "Maxwell, I didn''t giarize."


    Hearing those wordse from him, she finally managed to show a hint of a rare smile after everything that had happened.


    "Mona, I believe you," Maxwell said without hesitation.


    Thispetition was live-streamed


    on the Inte. Naturally, allizens immediately knew about the news of Mona''s "giarism.", Thements in the live chat were even more infuriating. There were all kinds ofments, including that one bad apple spoiled the whole bunch and that Mona didn''t deserve to be a designer.


    Molly had sufficient evidence to use Mona of giarism, while Mona had no proof to defend herself. In the end, Mona''s design was deemed giarized, resulting in her being permanently banned from participating in the Design, Competition.


    no


    When they left the venue of the Design Competition, it started to rain heavily. The summer wind was bone-chilling.


    She had thought that she would not stand out today. She had even thought that few people would like Color, which was designed by her. However, it did not ur to her that things would turn out like this. She designed the gown, but in the end, she did not even have the right to showcase it.


    Mona''s delicate nose was reddened by the wind, and her face was expressionless.

 Chapter 210

    Maxwell propped up a ck umbre and walked out with his hands on Mona''s shoulder. The big umbre blocked the rain and wind, but it couldn''t hide the disappointment in Mona''s heart. As Maxwell trod on, leaving footprints on the t ground, the cold rain wet the hem of Maxwell''s pants and Mona''s skirt. It was nippy, and the tips of her toes were cold from the wind. Someone had thrown the roses that Maxwell gave to Mona onto the floor.


    They were scattered all over the ground, and the delicate petals were stained with mud, just like Mona''s heart at that very moment.


    Molly stood in a corner and watched as Mona and Maxwell left. She felt the pleasure of having her revenge.


    ''Mona, Maxwell, I''m back. This designpetition is just the prelude to my revenge. I chose Molly as my name to remind myself not to forget my hatred for Mona. Nothing is going to change that! ''I admit that I shouldn''t have hired someone to kidnap Mona, but I''d learned my lesson after that incident and even apologized to her. Couldn''t she give me a chance? Why must she send me to prison?


    ''It was because of her that my parents beat me up ruthlessly and imprisoned me. That was when Lydia Reed ceased to exist and Molly Sinner took her ce!'' Molly wanted to settle this score with Mona bit by bit. After Maxwell and Mona got into the car, the former wrapped his hands around thetter''s carefully, wanting to warm her fingers.


    However, for some reason, it didn''t work as well as he thought it would.


    "Mona," Maxwell called her name softly. After that, he didn''t know what to say to console her.


    He trusted Mona, but he couldn''t change the thoughts of others. The only person he could teach a lesson was the perpetrator. "Maxwell, don''t worry. I''m fine. I didn''t steal designs. This is the truth that can''t be changed. It''s just that I feel a little sad," Mona said.


    The usations of those people were echoing in her mind.


    "Look, she''s disqualified. I told you she copied!"


    "That''s a shameful thing to do. Such a person is a burden to the design industry. It''s best to kick her out."


    "I don''t ever want to see her in anypetition again."


    "I still have the clothes she designed at home. I''ll throw them away when I get home."


    Comments like these were everywhere. All kinds of voices were reverberating around Mona''s ears, and some of them were so upsetting that they made her feel suffocated.


    Mona subconsciously tightened her grip on the back of Maxwell''s hand. She pressed her soft fingers so hard that it left marks on the back of Maxwell''s hand.


    She was so angry and hateful of Molly. ''Why couldn''t she juste up with her own designs? Why did she steal my designs and use me of copying hers? How could a thief herself call me a thief? How could someone be so mean?''


    Mona''s fingers pressed hard into the back of Maxwell''s hand, one by one, but Maxwell didn''t budge. He let Mona vent the dissatisfaction in her heart, and he didn''t have the slightest intention of withdrawing his hand.


    If Mona suppressed her resentments, it wouldn''t be good for her health, so it was better to vent it.


    As the ck car cruised on the road, the wheels rolled and sttered water onto the windows. Bean-sized raindrops hit the windshield, and the wiper was turned to the maximum. The water droplets created a blur effect that was somehow captivating. A momentter, Mona snapped out of her thoughts and subconsciously looked at Maxwell''s hand.


    She had left red marks on the back of Maxwell''s hand, and the marks from her nails could be seen. Mona''s heart ached.


    She subconsciously let go of Maxwell''s hand and looked into Maxwell''s amber eyes. "I''m sorry about that."


    Her tone was filled with guilt. She had never thought of hurting Maxwell. She did it unconsciously just now.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand in his


    palm again it''s okay. I have thick skin and it''ll recover in a while. Let''s go back to the hotel and rest welf tonight Everything will be fine


    tomorrow. It''s going to be a new day."


    Mona nodded. However, if the giarism incident wasn''t resolved, her name would still be tainted on the Inte. It would be hard for her to sleep soundly tonight.


    After the two of them returned to the


    hotel, in less than an hour, news


    about Mona''s giarism had


    already gone viral on the Inte t was on the trending list. Even


    Bernard and Jane, who were far away i


    Nathontown, knew about it.


    They sent a message to Mona, saying that they believed that Mona didn''t giarize and asking Maxwell to stay with her.


    Ava was on herputer and saw the post that was defaming Mona. In the night, her heart was burning with anger. She tapped the mouse and deleted the post.


    Ava knew very well what kind of person Mona was. It was obvious that someone was smearing thetter''s name.


    However, posts defaming Mona came up one after another. A new one would pop up every time Ava deleted one. Some even questioned the authenticity of Mona''s previous designs.


    It seemed that countless people were posting about Mona, but there was only one person who was deleting them.


    Dark into the night, someone appeared to be covertly brewing the giarism incident.


    Mona was pulled into the bathroom by Maxwell. He turned off the lights. In the pitch-ck bathroom, only glimpses of light could be seen on and off from the lightning in the sky. Only the sound of the shower could be heard.


    Mona''s smooth back was pressed against the frosted ss, and water slowly trickled down the ss.


    Maxwell''s hand weaved through Mona''s smooth and wet hair, traced her beguiling corbone, and went down. His hand sped her slender waist.


    A momentter, he applied rose-scented shower gel all over her body.


    The warmth of his palm and the smoothness of the foam made Mona too shy to open her eyes and look at him.


    Right then, there was a bolt of lightning, and the bathroom was immediately lit up bright.


    Maxwell could clearly see the graceful figure below the foam. Water droplets slowly ran down her supple skin.


    He couldn''t help but move closer to Mona, and his hand was holding her wrist.


    Then, he gave her a sincere kiss.


    In front of the foggy mirror, their figure looked even more intimate than it actually was.


    After the kiss, Maxwell resisted his manly desire and let go of Mona. He continued to shower her.


    "Mona, give yourself a break. No matter what happens, you have me by your side."


    Mona nodded in response when she heard Maxwell''s deep voice.


    After taking a bath for nearly half anContent is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    hour, Mona blushed and put on a white bathrobe before Maxwell


    carried her out. As she didn''t tighten the bett, the bathrobe fell loose revealing her pearly shoulders.


    There were faint red marks on them from the bra she was wearing.


    Maxwell ced her on the carpet in front of the zed window and gently tied her bathrobe.

 Chapter 211

    It was very quiet outside. The thunder and rain had stopped. The lights of the houses gradually faded as midnight fell, and soon, the city waspletely enveloped in darkness. The Noretin Design Competition had ended, and the winners had been chosen. Unfortunately, Mona was used of giarism.


    Mona looked outside and rested her head on Maxwell''s shoulder.


    She sat quietly for a long time that night, thinking a lot about the incident. She wanted to prove her innocence and make Molly pay for what thetter had done. Molly was the one who had giarized.


    But Mona didn''t seem to know what to do and couldn''te up with a fix. Who would believe what she said?


    As Mona dwelled in her thoughts, Maxwell sat quietly by her side, lending her a shoulder and offering warmth.


    Mona finally couldn''t take the doziness anymore, and her eyes slowly closed.


    After quite some time, Maxwell gently carried her in his arms and quietly ced her on the big bed. After covering her with the nket, he walked out of the bedroom.


    He called Nigel right after he closed the door.


    Nigel had been waiting for Maxwell''s call. When it finally came, he said, "Mr. Carter, I''ve found out that there''s a story between Molly and the Carter family.


    "Her family is rted to the Reed family who are overseas, and she''s the illegitimate daughter of Lydia''s uncle. She takes her mother''s surname and has been raised by Danielle all these years." Nigel passed the message he received verbatim.


    Just as Nigel was about to continue, Maxwell interrupted him. "Nigel, is your brain under shock or what? What were my instructions? I told you to look for evidence of Molly stealing Mona''s design, not Molly''s background." Maxwell felt like pping Nigel. ''Nigel''s an absolute idiot. After working with me for so many years, he still couldn''t understand fully what I was trying to say,'' he thought.


    After hanging up, Maxwell saw the WhatsApp message from Brendan.


    [I''ll look for Danielle. After gaining her trust, the tables will be turned for sure. Also, Danielle will attend a private gathering in Yosneosnd. The invitation letter is with the hotel reception.]


    Regardless of the reason or n, Brendan provided Maxwell with solutions. Maxwell replied: [Many thanks.]


    After Maxwell returned to the bed, Mona leaned into his arms. Her fair and smooth hands sped Maxwell''s silk pajamas tightly.


    Maxwell slowly drew out his pajamas from Mona''s palm and reced it with his pinky.


    In the night, Maxwell''s palm gently stroked Mona''s soft hair and said in a deep voice, "Mona, it will pass. This is the darkness just before the dawn. In the future, your design will be admired by a lot of people." Maxwell would support Mona and stay by her side to help her ovee the obstacles along the way.


    The heavy rain in Noretin cleared the dust in the air. Golden sun rays shone through the heavy window screen. A new day had arrived.


    On the big bed, Mona slowly opened her eyes. Maxwell was no longer there. She got up, put on the clothes that he had prepared, went to the bathroom, and washed up.


    The toothpaste was already squeezed onto her toothbrush. Even the face towel had been pulled out and arranged neatly. Mona finally let out a faint smile.


    With Maxwell around, she didn''t feel so sad anymore since being falsely incriminated for giarism.


    When she got out of the bathroom, she saw Maxwell walking in with some paper lunch boxes. Their eyes met.


    After Maxwell ced the food on the dining table, he pulled Mona by the hand and led her to a seat. "Well, since you, my dearest wife, haven''t eaten the breakfasts I make for a


    few days, you must miss it adot. Do me a favor and try them.


    "We have croissants, honeyed millet porridge, grilled sausages, and peach strudels. Mrs. Carter, take a look at the spread. What tickles your fancy?" Maxwell took out everything from the lunch boxes and ced them on the dining table.


    Mona looked at the delicious food


    on the dining table and was


    especially touched. ''Just making croissants requires a lot of time. Moreover, the millet porridge needed to be slow-cooked. Maxwell must''ve woken up really early to make me breakfast.''


    "I want to eat all of them," Mona said gratefully.


    "Alright, Mrs. Carter. That''s what we''re going to do," Maxwell said.


    The two of them had a wonderful breakfast. No one mentioned what happenedst night.


    "Mona, did I not tell you when I fell in love with you and why?" After the two of them finished breakfast, Maxwell left the tes and cutleries on the table.


    He pulled Mona to the sofa next to the dining table and sat her beside him. Maxwell seemed to have repeated this action thousands of times. It was all too smooth. Mona shook her head. "Nope."


    She wanted to know, but she had never found the right opportunity to ask.


    "Then do I have the time now to tell Mrs. Carter a short story?"


    Mona looked up. Maxwell''s amber eyes were clear and pure, reflecting her face. "Umhmm." Mona nodded.


    It wasn''t in high school when the two of them first met. Instead, it was not long after Mona went to kindergarten.


    Emily was a person who liked to live life in different ces, especially in the fields. One day, she took Mona to a small vige, and that was where Maxwell lived.


    "Back then, before the Carter family found me, I lived in a vige. I couldn''t even eat my fill, let alone go to school. Every day, I was boycotted by the children in the vige and they threw stones at me. "They mocked me for being an illegitimate child and that I had no father. Being alone, I couldn''t fight them."


    Every time Maxwell thought about those days, he felt that he wasn''t worthy of Mona. He came from poverty, unlike Mona, who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and was doted on by others.


    He looked at the Mona''s calm face beside him and felt that he was dreaming. He had married Mona just like that.


    After looking at her for a long time, he hugged her and continued to liezily with a smile on his lips.


    "Maxwell..."


    Mona called out softly. She had heard about Maxwell''s childhood from others. She knew that he had a tough one, but she didn''t expect it to be so miserable.


    ''If I had been reborn to an earlier age and knew that Maxwell had such an unpleasant childhood, I would''ve asked my grandparents to take Maxwell into the Clem family so that no one could bully him.'' Mona thought. "Mona, don''t be sad. It''s all in the past. Now that I have you, I''m very happy. Let me continue my story."


    If Maxwell wasn''t sure that Mona loved him, he wouldn''t have the courage to say this in front of Mona.


    It was a secret buried deep in his heart, a scar he wanted to hide.


    "This continued for a long time until one day, my mother abandoned me and left that small vige. I couldn''t find her, no matter what. Sometime after that, I couldn''t take it anymore. I walked to the river alone. Mona, did you know? The rivers in the vige were very deep." Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 212

    What Maxwell didn''t tell Mona before was that as long as he could remember, he had to listen to his mother, Ruby Johnson,ining hysterically every day.


    Ruby hated Donald Carter. She thought he was heartless and that he only wanted to have sex with her. After she got pregnant, she found out that Donald was already married and had a child.


    As Maxwell grew up, he was like a constant reminder of the deceit Ruby went through. Slowly, her hatred toward Donald was transferred to Maxwell.


    When Maxwell was still a young boy, there were times he had woken up from nightmares. When he cried and wanted a hug, all he got was his mother''s beating and scolding, saying that he was an unwanted illegitimate child. Ruby had also told him over and over again that Carter was his surname, and all men with that surname should die. The blood flowing in his veins was filthy.


    Maxwell''s vile mother had deprived him of the joy of his childhood. When he got sick, he didn''t cry or make a fuss but just waited for his body to recover on its own. Having a meal every two to three days was considered a luxury to him. Until one day, Ruby couldn''t take it anymore. She abandoned Maxwell and left the small vige.


    Maxwell, who was still a small kid then, felt like he had been abandoned by the world and had no one to rely on.


    Upon hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona sat up straight in shock. She looked at Maxwell in disbelief and said in a sobbing voice, "I know the rivers were very deep, Maxwell. From now on, you can''t end your life without my permission." When Mona was young, Emily would bring her to the countryside to experience country life. Emily would especially remind Mona not to y by the river every time because Emily was afraid that Mona would fall into the river. That was how Mona knew that the river was very deep.


    Maxwell had already said so much. Mona was smart enough to figure out what Maxwell wanted to do.


    ''He was the same in his previous life. After avenging me, he killed himself straightaway. He didn''t care much about his life at all. He told me that my life is very important. How about his own?'' Mona thought. In her heart, Maxwell''s life was more important than her own.


    "Mona, don''t cry. If I did kill myself, I wouldn''t have married you, would I? Maxwell gently wiped the tears from the corners of Mona''s eyes.


    He continued. "Alright, without Mrs. Carter''s permission in the future, my life will not end."


    Maxwell had indeed honored his words. While he was dying on the hospital bed, he didn''t forget to ask Mona if his life could end. After Mona said yes, he held tight to Mona''s hand before closing his eyes softly. Mona let Maxwell wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes and continued to lean on his shoulder as she listened to Maxwell.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    "I stood by the river for a long time, from sunrise to sunset. It was only when the sun fully set that I mustered the courage to walk into the river."


    At this point, Maxwell wrapped his hand around Mona''s slender waist and looked at their hands that were tightly held together.


    "I had just taken a step when a little girl with pigtails and a fluffy dress grabbed the corner of my shirt. She was bubbly and tender. Anyone would like her just from the way she looked."


    As Maxwell spoke, he could still remember what Mona looked like when she was young. It was Mona''s arrival that saved him.


    Upon hearing this, Mona, who was leaning on Maxwell''s shoulder, blinked and asked, "Was I the little girl?"


    Actually, Mona could no longer remember what happened when she was in kindergarten. Naturally, she couldn''t recall what Maxwell said.


    Maxwell nodded and yed with Mona''s fingers with care. Her every finger was exceptionally fair and soft. "Yes. The little girl grabbed the corner of my shirt and told me that her mother said that there was a river ahead, and we shouldn''t go forward as it would be very


    dangerous."


    As Maxwell spoke, he could still imagine Mona''s determined face when she was young. It seemed that if he rushed forward, that little girl would immediately cry in front of him. "And then you left with me?" Mona asked.


    Maxwell smiled. "Of course, not. I was in a bad mood. I scolded you and told you to get lost. I also told you not to meddle in my business, or I would beat you up."


    Back then, Maxwell was serious when he said that he would beat up Mona. He just wanted to see if that little girl would still dare to grab his shirt after hearing what he said. "Yet, you didn''t let go of my shirt. Instead, you took out the only chocte from your pearl bag and ced it in my hand. You even tried to dissuade me by offering me chocte. "In the end, I epted that only chocte in your bag, and you dragged me away from the river.


    "As you left, the setting sun shone on your tiny back. Step by step, someone led you away. Your every move was noble. I remembered your two slightly curled ponytails swaying under the sun, and it was mesmerizing to me back then. "Since then, that little figure of yours was branded in my heart. I lowered my head and looked at the chocte in my hand. It was supposed to be my dinner that day, but I chose to sleep on an empty stomach as I couldn''t bear to eat it. "After leaving the river bank, I lost the courage to walk toward the river. I turned around and walked home. The next day, when I opened his eyes, my wretched life continued. All I hoped for was to have the chance to see you again. You were the light of my life. "Now that I think about it, I honestly don''t know how I survived back then. I relied on the goodwill of the people next door. I worked for them in exchange for food.


    "Those days continued until Richard brought me back to the Carter family. Then, I met you in school afterpleting the admission procedures.


    "After living alone for so many years, I no longer knew how to talk with you. I only knew how to y tricks on you so that you know that I was different from others."


    At this point, Maxwell''s gaze was


    fixed on Mona''s wless face. He said in a gruff voice, "Mona, I''m telling you this because I want you to know that no matter how difficult it is, you can let bygones be


    bygones. I''m a living example era


    got


    over my painful past. The truth will eventually be revealed. We''ll look for the evidence together regarding the giarism incident.


    "Maxwell, you love me way deeper than I had imagined. I know, I know. There will be evidence." As Mona spoke, crystalline tears ran down her cheeks.


    After listening to Maxwell''s story,


    she could vaguely remember that when she was young, she met a good-looking boy. That boy was very fierce, so she gave him a chocte, hoping he would be nicer. She didn''t expect her actions would dispel the boy''s thought of killing himself. It was also that action that made Maxwell avenge her when she died in her previous life.

 Chapter 213

    Maxwell reached out and hugged Mona, who was crying in his arins. He wiped the tears from the corners of Mona''s eyes bit by bit like he was caring for a child. He got very close to her and held her trembling shoulders. He could see that she cared for him despite her frailness.


    "Mona, my love for you is innate. Without you, I wouldn''t be who I am today. I''ll give you all my love for the rest of my life" Maxwell spoke again, but his voice was extremely hoarse.


    Mona cried so much that she almost crumbled at his passionate confession. She had always thought that Maxwell liked her since high school. She didn''t expect Maxwell to see her as his hope to live. She regretted not knowing Maxwell well enough in high school.


    Maxwell slowly pressed his face closer to Mona. The tears on her slightly curled eyshes wet his eyes.


    Mona reached out to hold Maxwell''s handsome face and kissed him with her red lips. It was an affectionate kiss.


    "Maxwell, I''ll love you for the rest of my life. I''ll give you the love that you deserve. I want to be your wife in this life, the next life, and the life after."


    That morning, Mona and Maxwell boarded a flight to Nathontown.


    In the first-ss cabin, the passengers around were talking quietly. One of the passengers mentioned the Noretin Design Competition, and it naturally came to the topic of Mona''s giarism.


    That passenger even said that Bernard Clem had two granddaughters, where one of them won the championship, and the other giarized, which was really unfortunate for the Clem family.


    Mona''s smile instantly vanished. Maxwell held her hand and let her lean into his embrace. His hand softly tugged Mona''s ear and whispered, "Mona, close your eyes and have a good sleep. We''ll be home soon." Mona tilted her head and leaned on Maxwell''s shoulder. She nodded and closed her eyes.


    She didn''t want to listen to what others had to say about the incident.


    Mona was really sleepy. Last night, her thoughts were filled with the giarism incident, and she couldn''t shake it off. It was extremely draining


    She fell asleep with her head on Maxwell''s shoulder.


    Halfway through, she woke up in a daze and saw that Maxwell was also sleeping soundly. Mona stared at his handsome face, and that calmed her beating heart. Her hand that was holding Maxwell tightened a little before she slowly closed her eyes again. With Maxwell by my side, there is nothing I can''t get through,'' she thought.


    The nended smoothly at the airport of Nathontown, Maxwell woke Mona up. Looking at her puppy eyes, he dipped his head and kissed Mona on the lips.


    At first, Mona was still in a blur. After Maxwell pecked her on the lips, she waspletely awake.


    She became wide-awake as if someone just poked her in the eyes


    "W-What are you doing? There are so many people here," Monasked softly. She was feeling sheepish after the kissCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    After the kiss, she picked up the ck mask by her side and put on, revealing a pair of puppy eyes that were gleaming like


    stars.


    "Give me a kiss." Maxwell quietly put on his mask, which was simr to Mona''s.


    Although neither of them was from the entertainment industry the Noretin Design Competition had just ended and the event was still the talk of the town.


    Mona and Maxwell had very distinctive facial features, making them easily recognizable. It was inevitable that they would be recognized by the people at the airport. However, the giarism incident was far more viral than what Mona and Maxwell had imagined.


    It also gave Mona a taste of what Artemis''s daily life was like.


    The ne safely stopped at the airport of Nathontown. Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked out. Nigel and Haley followed behind them together with their luggage. Almost right after the four of them walked out of the airport, someone shouted, "Mona!"


    Mona turned her head and met the gazes of many unfamiliar faces. Then, the crowd swarmed toward her..


    "Mona is back. Everyone,e. Look at the disgrace of Nathontown, she has returned."


    "You copycat! You''re not weed here at Nathontown."


    That''s right. How dare you giarize the designs of Danielle Dalton''s apprentice! I can''t believe you can be so unscrupulous for fame and fortune."


    Mona, apologize publicly!"


    mors were like a gust, forcing its


    The noise of the crowd rang in Mona''s ears. She wanted to ignore their words, but the rumors way into her ears. No matter how she tried to block them, it didn''t work.


    Some of the reporters, who were waiting at the airport for other celebrities, saw the situation and immediately pushed their microphone to Mona.


    "Ms. Clem, can you tell us the process of your giarism in detail?"


    Maxwell was holding Mona''s hand. Her fingers were pale and her voice was hoarse. A few cameras were directly aimed at Mona''s face.


    Haley and Nigel tried to block in front of Mona and Maxwell, but they were against too many onlookers. It was hard to block the shlights.


    Haley couldn''t hit anyone then. Otherwise, Mona would be used of hitting reporters.


    "No, I didn''t giarize." Mona took a deep breath and tried her best to remain calm.


    "You said that you didn''t giarize. Then why is your design the same as Miss Sinner''s? Do you have any exnation for this?


    Maxwell didn''t want Mona to be surrounded by so many people. He said coldly, "Move aside."


    The reporters ignored Maxwell''s words and still pointed their microphones at Mona''s face.


    Maxwell pulled Mona back, but the reporters wouldn''t give up. They squeeze toward Mona resolutely


    "Ms. Clem, can you tell us why you copied Miss Sinner''s design?


    "Ms. Clem, you chose to giarize Miss Sinner''s designs. Did you really like her designs?"


    "Ms. Clem, do you feel guilty about stealing Molly''s design?"


    One by one, usations and questions about giarism reached Mona''s ears. Mona replied in despair, "I didn''t giarize. I didn''t giarize. I designed it myself" "Ms. Clem, you said you didn''t giarize. Do you have any evidence?"


    "No, I don''t."


    "If that''s the case, then you''ve giarized. Ms. Clem, why don''t you take this opportunity to apologize to Miss Sinner?"


    "I said I didn''t giarize."


    After asking over and over again, Mona was on the verge of breaking down.


    "Nigel, Haley, stop them." Maxwell pushed the people around him away with his strong arm after he said that.


    He wrapped his arm around Mona''s shoulder and squeezed their way out of the crowd.


    Under the guard of Haley and Nigel, Mona got into the car with Maxwell''s arm around her shoulder. She was stupefied.


    Sitting in the shotgun seat, Mona was in a daze. Tve already said that I didn''t giarize. Why do they keep using me of giarizing?" she thought to herself.


    I don''t understand what that person meant by I''ve giarized if I can''t provide evidence to support the otherwise

 Chapter 214

    Maxwell raised his hand and helped Mona smoothen her messy hair. His eyes met Mona''s aggrieved eyes..


    At that moment, Maxwell wanted to call Nigel to teach those ignorant reporters a lesson. "What a bunch of idiots, he thought.


    "Mona, it''s alright now," Maxwellforted her. It seemed that the n to go to Yosncosnd to look for Danielle couldn''t be dyed any longer.


    Maxwell''s doting call of Mona''s name made her feel more aggrieved. She pounced into Maxwell''s arms and asked, "I already said that I didn''t giarize. Why? Why did those people turn a deaf ear to that? Every question they asked was about me giarizing Maxwell gently cupped Mona''s check and looked into her eyes. Ele said softly, "That''s because they''re stupid. What''s there to say to stupid people?"


    "Maxwell, but I feel terrible when they say that about me. It''s suffocating. Mona pointed at her chest and said pitifully.


    Maxwell put his palm directly onto Mona''s chest, and the heat spread from his palm to Mona''s heart.


    "Mona, I''m going to prove your innocence online. Trust me," he assured her.


    Mona nodded heavily and fell into Maxwell''s arms again, feeling the sense of security Maxwell gave her.


    On the way home, Maxwell asked Nigel to send awyer''s letter in the names of Clem Group and Carter Group to the group of unprofessional reporters.


    However, he was a step toote. The group of reporters had already posted the photos online, and there were even posts by randomizens.


    Moreover, the titles were eye-catching and attracted attention online again.


    When the two of them returned to the Clem residence, Jane and Bernard had already been waiting in the living room for a long time.


    When Jane saw Mona and Maxwell, she went straight to Mona and held thetter''s hand dearly. Maxwell took a step back. "Grandma, I didn''t giarize. I designed that gown myself," Mona said in a hoarse voice.


    "I know, I know. You have been wronged, Mona," Jane said as she stroked Mona''s hair.


    She watched Mona grow up, so she knew Mona inside out. Her granddaughter''s talent in design had been there since she was young, and they had been nurturing her in this aspect. Mona had only taken a break from it for a short period of time. She couldn''t have giarized.


    "I also believe that our little princess of the Clem family won''t giarize," said Bernard. After seeing the newsst night, he knew that Mona had been falsely used.


    "Grandpa, Grandma you''re the best. Those people don''t believe what I said. Mona snuffled. Her grandparents words touched her.


    No matter what, Bernard and Jane would always support her unconditionally. Mona also had Maxwell by her side. All three of them would agree with any decisions she was going to make.


    "Alright, Mona. Don''t think about it anymore. Come and take a seat. Polly will be done preparing lunch soon. She made your favorite-steak!" Bernard called out as he led the others to the dining area.


    Right then, the guard at the door reported that Barbara had returned.


    Mona was stunned when she sat down. Although she didn''t think much about the Noretin Design Competition as advised by Maxwell, she still heard the conversations of the people around her. Barbara won the first ce in the Noretin Design Competition. Mona really didn''t feel like seeing Barbara


    "Mona, stay. I''ll get Barbara to go somewhere," Jane whispered and patted Mona''s back.


    At that moment, Jane knew that Mona didn''t wantContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ant to see Barbara


    However, it was toote. While the two of them were whispering, Barbara had already entered the house.


    Carrying the prizes in her hand, she walked to the living room and announced loudly, "Grandpa, Grandma, I''ve won. I''m the winner of the Noretin Design Competition."


    Barbara was very chirpy. When she saw Mona sitting at the dining table, her lips stretched into a big wide smile.


    She longed to see Mona sad and feeling down. She liked it when Mona wasn''t as good as her.


    Since Barbara had already entered the house, Jane couldn''t ask her to leave anymore. Thetter could only watch on as Bernard invited Barbara to the dining table and sat her down.


    Barbara acted as if she just saw Mona there. Her eyes were filled with surprise.


    ""Mona, you''re here too!"


    "This is my home. Can''t Ie?" Mona said coldly,


    Ever since Bernard and Jane knew that Mona didn''t like Barbara, Mona cut the act of pretending to be on good terms with Barbara. Mona was fine with it as long as the atmosphere at home didn''t get 100 awkward.


    "Mona, that''s not what I meant. Don''t be angry at me. I was simply too excited when I got back and didn''t see you." Barbara sounded slightly upset.


    Although Barbara didn''t repeat that she had won first ce in the Noretin Design Competition, she hinted that by saying that she was too excited.


    "Alright, Barbara. Mona wasn''t angry with you. Lunch is ready, and let''s dig in!" Bernard Clem said.


    Mona and Barbara didn''t have good sisterly rtionships. It was tough for Bernard to be sandwiched between them. He didn''t know which of his granddaughters he may offend the next second.


    "d to hear that you aren''t angry at me. Mona, I believe that you didn''t giarize. If you didn''t withdraw from thepetition, you would definitely have won first ce, and I would be a nobody," Barbara looked into Mona''s eyes and said seriously.


    As soon as she finished speaking. Maxwell mmed the chopsticks in his hand on the table. It was loud.


    "Are you done? Just shut up. If you don''t want to eat, leave." Maxwell said coldly as he looked at Barbara with a cold gaze. to the Clem residence in the afternoon, he wouldn''t have brought Mona back If he had known that Barbara woulde home the moment they got off the ne. He wanted Mona to feel the warmth her family would give her but not make Mona more upset.


    After so much work Maxwell had put into bringing joy to Mona gloom and doom. Barbara ruined it. Just a few words from her made Mona unhappy again.


    Maxwell couldn''t stand it anymore.


    "I-I didn''t do it on purpose, Maxwell. Don''t be so furious at me. Il shut up now." Barbara Burton felt so wronged that tears welled her eyes.


    She stared straight at Maxwell with her innocent-looking eyes, hoping to see a trace of regret in his eyes.


    However, Maxwell quickly averted his gaze and looked at Mona who was seated beside him.


    Mona held Maxwell''s hand under the table, indicating that she was fine and telling Maxwell not to be angry.


    Barbara looked at the sweet rtionship between the two of them. Their rtionship was not affected by the giarism incident at all. She was furious.


    "How is it possible that Mona, someone who had been abandoned, met someone who likes her so much? This is outrageous! This is uneptable!


    Just wait and see. Once I win first ce in the internationalpetition, I will be above Mona and be Nathontown''s shining star. Maxwell is going to regret it. Barbara roared in her head.


    Due to the arrival of Barbara, the lunch wasn''t enjoyable at all.


    In order to prevent Maxwell, Jane, and Bernard from worrying about her, Mona ate everything Maxwell had put on her te despite not having an appetite.

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215 90%


    After lunch, Maxwell looked at Barbara, who was eagerly putting food onto Jane and Bernard''s tes.


    He suddenly blurted. "I heard that you got first ce in the Noren Design Competition, Barbara. As you brother-inw, it''s reful of me to not anything to give you as a gift.


    Maxwell paused and said, "Why don''t you work as the design manager at one of our branches? Take it as a promotion. What do you think, Bernard? I think with Barbara''s ability, she''spletely qualified for this position." With such an arrangement, Mona didn''t have to fake sisterly love with Barbara at thepany every day.


    "Superb! This is a wonderful suggestion. I wanted to reward Barbara, and now Maxwell hase up with this great idea for me. This is good!" Bernard agreed with Maxwell''s proposal fully,


    "But Grandpa, I- Barbara spoke anxiously.


    She didn''t want to be a design manager at a branch. She wanted to be in the same department as Mona and be better than Mona in every aspect.


    Before Barbara could finish, she was interrupted by Bernard. "Well, Barbara, Maxwell''s suggestion is perfect. You can start on Monday. Anyway, the branch office is closer to where you live. Ill be more convenient for you too." "But Grandpa, I-


    "Barbara, the promotion has been happily decided, but don''t get too excited. After saying that, Bernard stood up, pulled Jane by the hand, and walked out with a smile.


    At the dining table, Maxwell rubbed his thumb on the back of Mona''s hand, hinting that he wanted a reward for doing her a


    favor.


    Mona smiled and pulled Maxwell into the room.


    Barbara''s transfer and promotion were good news for Mona.


    Barbara was left sitting alorie at the dining table, looking at the leftover food on the table.


    She thumped the table. She wasn''t stupid. She knew that Maxwell and Mona didn''t want to see her in thepany, so they moved her out of thepany in the name of promotion. ''Mona, you were the one who let me down first. Don''t me me for embarrassing you even more. Narrowing her eyes viciously, Barbara got her phone and contacted Molly. [Mona giarized. If she doesn''t admit it and apologize, she''ll be condemned by the public.]


    Barbara''s n waspletely unknown to Mona and Maxwell. As soon as the two lovebirds got to the room, Mona pulled Maxwell onto the white sofa and snuggled in his arms. "Honey, I just did you a favor. Give me a kiss," Maxwell said.


    "Okay." As soon as Mona finished speaking, she raised her head and her soft lipsnded a kiss on Maxwell''s chin.


    Then, she looked at Maxwell with her bright eyes and asked, "Will this do?"


    "Yes, this is a really good reward." Maxwell then paused for a moment and said, "Honey, I''ve booked a flight to Yosneosnd tomorrow morning. Let''s talk to Danielle and clear things up. Later in the afternoon, consolidate some of your design concepts and your color testing processes. Once Danielle believes you, the public opinion online will naturally change


    §±


    "What if Danielle doesn''t believe me? Moreover, Molly said that she was Danielle''s apprentice. Between me and Molly, she


    would trust her more."


    That was what Mona was worried about. She could only me Herself for not having any evidence. She didn''t know how. Molly copied her design


    "Mona, whether she believes it or not, let''s give it a try. We won''t regret it since we''ve already tried our best." Maxwell''s thumb stroked Mona''s cheek again and again.


    "Yes, you''re right. Let''s go to Yosneosnd, Mona said.


    As Maxwell would be going to Yosneosnd in the afternoon with Mona to look for Danielle, he went to thepany first and made work arrangements for the staff for the next few days


    Meanwhile, Mona, apanied by Haley, went to The Designscape to find the records of her gown design process. She would bring them to Yosneosnd tomorrow.


    Mona knew that even if she posted the entire process of her color testing online,izens, who didn''t know the truth, would continue to defame her, saying something like she had gone to great lengths to conceal her crime. So, she thought it''d be better not to post them. After Haley drove Mona to The Designscape, Mona turned around and said to Haley, "Haley, just wait for me here. Save the hassle of turning around. It''s quite troublesome. I''m just going in to get something real quick."


    Haley looked at the building in front of her. There was no one around, and it was highly unlikely that someone woulde out of nowhere to hurt Mona. She nodded at Mona. T''ll wait for you here then.


    After getting out of the car, Mona walked straight to The Designscape, with a ck mask on and holding a bag in her hand At this hour, there was no one around. It was exceptionally quiet!Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    However, just as Mona was about to reach the entrance, a few girls wearing masks suddenly appeared from the bushes beside the entrance. Without a word, the girls raised their bags and threw them at Mona.


    Mona was caught off guard. She didn''t expect these demure-looking girls to be so reckless. They had the guts to hit someone in broad daylight Mona was no match for them. When the bags hit her, she subconsciously squatted down and hugged her head with both hands. "Bitch, how dare you giarize? We''re going to teach you a lesson now!"


    These people cursed as they hit Mona.


    "If you don''t have the talent, ept defeat. How could you giarize and embarrass Nathontown?"


    "You''re also the heiress of the Clem family. Your two old folks at home must''ve spoiled your too much. Today, we shall teach you a lesson!"


    un


    "If you still want your dignity, apologize to Molly publicly and quit the design industry. Otherwise, we''ll beat you up every time we see you in the future."


    Mona frowned slightly and thought, What''s wrong with these people? They are crazy. I''ve already said that I didn''t giarize. What is there for me to apologize?"


    The girls smashed Mona with their bags, but they were still not appeased. That was when they started kicking.


    Wed, Nov


    Someone kicked Mona in the side of her waist and Mona immediately curled and twitched in pain. She was about to burst


    into tears.


    Regardless of who hit her, she picked up her phone and bag and threw those items at them. Then, she picked up beside her and aimed it at them. "Try hitting me again if you dare," she said angrily. the brick


    It was either the few of them were cursing too loudly or Mona''s wail attracted Haley''s attention. Haley, who was sitting in the car, got out and walked over to the entrance.


    She saw Mona pointing a brick at the girls, her hair was in a mess, her eyes were filled with tears, and her entire body was shaking like a leat. Haley immediately dashed over.


    She grabbed Mona''s arm which was grabbing the brick. "Mona, are you


    alright?"


    If she had known earlier, she would have gone in with her. That way, Mona wouldn''t have been injured.


    When Mona heard Haley''s voice, the fear in her heart dissipated a little. She said to Haley, "Call the police! All of you who hit me will be charged."


    0

 Chapter 216

    Mona was ambushed and didn''t have the time to call the police


    She wasn''t a person without a temper, though. Since the girls had already assaulted her, she was resolute for them to bear the consequences. "Alright, Mona. I''ll call the police now."


    After


    saying that, Haley immediately dialed her phone and called the police. She told them where they were and waited for the police toe.


    On the other hand, when the girls heard Mona saying that she was calling the police, they scattered and ran discussed earlier on. Mona only had Haley as her bodyguard. in away as


    After Mona was beaten up, it was obvious that she didn''t have the strength to chase after them. Only Haley was left to go after the girls. The one who was going to be caught would be in big trouble. Anyway, the girls did it on their own ord. "Haley, chase after the one in the ck first," Mona hurriedly said when she saw them running away.


    Mona remembered that the person who got everyone to hit her was the person wearing a ck short-sleeved shirt.


    "Got it, Mona. Wait for me. I''ll catch them all." As Haley spoke, she was already running toward her first target.


    After Haley left, Mona''s hand gently touched the side of her waist "Ouch... It hurt badly.


    Fortunately, those people weren''t wearing high heels. Mona thought they might cripple her if they did.


    Assigning Haley to be Mona''s bodyguard was the perfect decision Maxwell made. In the blink of an eye, two people were brought to Mona''s feet.


    Mona looked down at them. When one of the girls was knocked down by Haley, the former''s arm had scraped the ground and ayer of her skin had already been worn off, revealing bloody flesh.


    Mona showed them no pity. Serves them right. When they hit me with their bags and kicked me just now, they showed me no mercy.


    Not long after, Haley caught three more. The five culprits had already been caught. After pushing them down, Haley kicked every one of them to avenge Mona


    "Let''s see if you still dare to bully others next time. If you dare to bully Mona again, I''ll beat you up real bad! Hale


    After that, she patted her hands and stood beside Mona.


    "Who sent you here to do this to me?" Mona asked calmly.


    snarled.


    Mona wasn''t stupid. Even if she did really giarize, no one would ambush her in the name of profecting Nathontown''s reputation.


    The only possibility was that they were instructed by someone to do so. Mona vaguely guessed who it was, but she wasn''t


    sure.


    As soon as Mona said that, the expressions on the girls'' faces changed slightly for a short moment before returning to normal.


    pay for it." The


    "Who sent us? What a joke. We don''t like you and came here ourselves. You''d better let us go now, or you''ll pay person in ck was the first to speak. She looked at Mona hatefly. 07:46 Wed, Nov b


    Mona endured the pairin her waist and bent forward. She grabbed the girl''s chin and their gazes met


    "I''ll pay for it?" Mona''s lips curled into a devilish smile.


    "Let''s get this clear. Who''s on the losing end now? If you won''t tell me, then let''s talk to the police. I think you girls are at least sixteen years old. Meaning, you can be charged for assault with intent." Mona said coldly and flicked the girl''s face to the side. She rubbed her fingers a few times in disdain and wiped the thick powder off her fingers.


    All the girls fell silent when they heard Mona''s words.


    Soon, the police arrived and escorted them into the police car.


    While Mona was rebuking the girls, Haley had already informed Maxwell about what had happened. Almost as soon as the police arrived. Maxwell got


    there.


    He quickly grabbed Mona''s hand and stared at her body. His heart ached as he scanned her body for injuries.


    He was full of hate when he looked at the people taken away by the police.


    Maxwell said to the police, "If they dare to hit people at such a young age, they would probably dare to kill people when they grow up. Officer, 1, Maxwell Carter, can''t take this lying down. You have to make sure that this matter is handled properly" "Yes, yes, Mr. Carter. Don''t worry. We will definitely punish them severely, the police officer hurriedly said, thinking that he couldn''t afford to offend Maxwell over this matter.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    After the police left, Maxwell quickly took Mona to the hospital


    Fortunately, they were all girls, and their punches weren''t too deadly. Mona only suffered superficial wounds. It wasn''t


    serious.


    Other than the bruises on her waist, there were no obvious injuries on her body. However, there were marks of faint redness under her pearly skin.


    This was due to her delicate skin. Usually, when Maxwell held her at the waist, he would leave traces of his fingers and palm if he wasn''t careful enough. Those didn''t require treatment, though.


    As for the bruise on the side of Mona''s waist, the doctor said that it would subside naturally. They could also apply warmpresses after forty-eight hours to remove the bruise. Although the doctor said that it was nothing serious, to be safe, Maxwell still asked the doctor for medicine to heal the bruises.


    When Mona entered the elevator with Maxwell, she received a WhatsApp message from Artemis.


    [Mona, you''re on the trending searches again.] Artemis wondered if Mona had entered the entertainment industry. She was seeing posts about Mona online every other day. Mona: [What do you mean?]


    Artemis immediately sent Mona tweet


    Mona was slightly startled. She nced at Maxwell who was beside her and logged in to her Twitter


    Mona saw a short clip. It was her looking indifferently at the girl who were pushed to the ground by Haley, Her fingers were still holding one of the girls'' chin. Mona felt that she was especially cold-blooded in the clip. 07:46 ed, Nov


    The video ended there. There was no video of Mona being beaten up. That exined all the scoldingments below


    Holy


    ly cow! What a bitch! To think that I used to love the clothes she designed is really upsetting, I must''ve been blind"]


    I didn''t expect her to be so capable. One against five?]


    My heart aches for them. They just have a strong sense of justice and can''t stand people like Mona who giarized. I heard that they''re at the police station now.]


    I heard that they''re still underage. Mona''s too ruthless, no?]


    [There, once again it''s proven that capitalists are the ones in power.]


    After reading thements, Mona sent Artemis two crying emojis aggrievedly. [They hit me first. The video was only thetter half.]


    Artemis replied to her with a big hug emoji. [It''s okay, Mona: This will pass in a couple of days. Don''t be too sad.]


    [Okay.] Mona sent the message to Artemis as the elevator arrived.


    Maxwell held on to Mona as they exited the elevator. "Mona, don''t think too much of it. I''ve already asked Nigel to look for theplete video."


    Maxwell was taller than Mona. When Mona was texting Artemis in the elevator, he saw the conversation and had already asked Nigel to get the full video.

 Chapter 217

    "Yes, I know. Maxwell, is the matter at yourpany still not seled?" Mona asked.


    She could tell that Maxwell had arrived in a hurry.


    "It''s nothing urgent, anyway. Let''s go and grab your stuff first. I''ll head back to thepany after I send you home safely." Maxwell said.


    He didn''t dare to touch Mona''s waist.


    Every time he saw the injury, he could feel the devil inside him forcing its way out. He wished he could tear those people apart with his own hands.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Mona actually wanted to ask Haley to go with her and let Maxwell do his work first. However, when she looked up and saw Maxwell''s cold gaze, she immediately nodded She knew that if Maxwell didn''t see her being sent home safely, he wouldn''t be in the mood to work.


    As soon as the two of them left the hospital, the police chief called and asked Mona when she would have the time to give a statement.


    Thinking that they were going to go to Yosneosnd the next day, Maxwell took Mona to the police station to give her statement first.


    When Mona was giving her statement, the students'' parents approached her, hoping to have Mona retract the case. They didn''t want their daughters to have a criminal record.


    Mona looked at the students'' parents indifferently and sneered, So what if they''re students? Aren''t they already sixteen? As students, they chose to skip school and couldn''t care less about their future.


    "Why should I feel sorry for them? If you want me to retract the case, get your daughters to tell me who the mastermind is Otherwise, there''s no room for negotiation."


    "What mastermind? There''s no such thing. Besides, you''re alive and kicking. We''re willing to give you thepensation Why aren''t you willing to retract the case? Are you going to be satisfied only if our child goes to jail?" The parents of the child who hit Mona saw that Mona was fine. They felt that she was making a big fuss.


    Mona couldn''t believe what she heard. She couldn''t fathom how mindless the parents could be. "So, I shouldn''t hold your daughters ountable if I''m not seriously injured?


    "Is it that I became so badly injured that I''m paralyzed, only can I sue them for assaulting me? If that really happened, nopensation, not even if she gets a lifetime jail sentence, would do justice."


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, the parents pointed their fingers at Mona angrily. When Maxwell came in, be happened to see themotion.


    He walked to Mona''s side and ced his arm on her shoulder. He then looked at the parent with a cold gaze.


    "The parents are so uncivilized. No wonder their children are like savages. Do you want to go to jail too so you can be with your daughters? I don''t mind you hitting me now."


    "H-How dare y-you!"


    The parents panicked under Maxwell''s gaze as if he would really send them to jail.


    Not only was Maxwell good-looking, but he also had a strong aura.


    Just standing there doing nothing was enough to make people tremble.


    The parents didn''t know what to say.


    They could only watch as Maxwell helped Mona up and walked toward the entrance of the police station. As Maxwell walked, he said to Mona, Tve spoken to the police. The girl would be punished ordingly." How dare she hit Mona? If the punishment was too light, I, Maxwell Carter, will be the joke of Nathontown! Maxwell thought to himself.


    Mona nodded and held Maxwell''s hand, interlocking their fingers


    She liked the feeling of their fingers ovepping each other.


    Her fingers were slender and petite, while Maxwell''s palm was strong and wide. He curled his fingers and held her hand firmly.


    Maxwell also liked interlocking his fingers with Mona, especially in bed. Mona would softly call him by his name or words of endearment like "honey."


    When the parents noticed that Mona and Maxwell were about to leave the police station, they chased after them, but they were stopped by the police.


    They could only watch as Mona and Maxwell left the police station hand in hand. In the end, they sat on the ground and admitted their daughters'' mistakes to the police.


    By the time the two of them returned to The Designscape, Nigel had already posted theplete surveince footage of the incident on Twitter.


    The police station filed the case and posted a tweet on their offical Twitter ount, warning the public to be rational and not to assault anyone at whim, or they would be punished ordingly.


    Mona was on the trending searches again, but this time, just like before,izens were divided.


    Onement was: [Mona''s so narrow-minded. Wasn''t it just a few ps? Was there a need to send the students to jail and ruin their life?]


    retorted: [You weren''t the one who got beaten up. You weren''t the powerless one. Who are you to say


    Immediately, someone that she was narrow-minded?]


    [I''m not Mona. I didn''t giarize


    Thatment happened to be seen by Artemis, who was leisurely looking at her phone. She immediatelymented: [/ vouch for Mona. She will never giarize. I hope everyone can discuss this in a civilized manner.] Artemis, Mona''s best friend had already vouched for her online. As Ava''s boyfriend, Joseph followed with ament fif you don''t have to bear the consequences aftermitting a crime, what''s thew for then?] Unlike Artemis, who was a female celebrity and could speak up for Mona directly, Joseph aried to sound judicious in case his fans would start imagining some melodrama between him and Mona. Joseph''sment showed support for the police and indirectly supported Mona''s actions


    After Joseph posted it, he sent a screenshot to Ava and texted. [Ms. Swanson, may I ask you out on a date today?


    Ava replied very quickly, Yes.


    Joseph looked at Ava''s reply and smiled. He had done the right thing by speaking up for Mona


    Artemis and Joseph''s celebrity effects were very powerful. After they posted theirments, the tweet became a trending topic in just a few minutes. There were plenty of hashtags about it. [Artemis speaks for Monal


    Best actor Joseph Vander has spoken]


    [Artemis and Mona''s sisterhood]


    [Thew is sacrosanct]


    For a moment, Mona gained a lot of favorable impressions online. Most of them came from Artemis and Joseph''s fans. Yet, manyizens scolded Artemis. Those people were most probably Molly''s fans. Molly looked at her Twitter private messages. Many people asked her if she had hired someone to beat Mona up. Some even asked if she was the one who had giarized.


    "What''s going on? The person who giarized was Mona!'' Molly was fuming. "What a bunch of trash!"


    She was so angry that she threw her phone onto the bed, and her chest heaved up and down.


    "What''s so good about Mona? The evidence of giarism is already so apparent, but there are still two big celebrities speaking up for her. And now someone is asking if I was the one who giarized. "Too bad that the official truth is Mona''s the giarist. Even if theizens sided with Mona, there''s no way she can prove that her designs were her own."

 Chapter 218

    218


    Mona felt a warm glow in her heart as she witnessed everything that just happened online while Maxwell was driving her back to The Designscape.


    Actually, Artemis did not need to risk her career over these rumors. However, she still did it. If the response was not good, it might affect her image in the industry.


    As for Joseph, he spoke up entirely because of Ava.


    Ava and ra both spoke up for her, with ra even posting a heartfelt message describing how she and Mona tested colors and chose fabrics together. She sincerely defended Mona, insisting that there was no giarism and that the gown was Mona''s own design. Mona felt truly happy to have so many supportive people around her. Maxwell, of course, had been by her side from the very beginning and stayed with her through everything.


    Mona was so moved that she was about to cry. She messaged their group chat. [Girls, when I get back, BBQ''s on me!] After all, food and goodpany could make things better.


    After Mona collected her things from The Designscape, Maxwell took her back to the Clem family home. He did not even have time to eat at the house.


    Mona looked at Maxwell and knew that he would not be able to eat dinner tonight. "Maxwell, wait for me here. Nigel, you''re not allowed to drive!"


    Nigel nodded. He definitely had to listen to his boss.


    After saying that, Mona quickly ran home. Luckily, there were some packed meals prepared by Polly in the fridge. In a hurry, she grabbed two boxes without taking the time to choose carefully,


    In just over a minute, she returned and handed the two boxes to Maxwell. "Eat on the way. If you just focus on work and skip dinner, I''ll feel bad for you."


    100


    Then she turned to Nigel and said, "Nigel, make sure to find some time to have dinner too."


    Seeing Maxwell nod, she waved goodbye and headed back inside


    Once Mona''s figure disappeared from Maxwell''s sight, he signaled Nigel to drive away.


    After returning home and finishing dinner with the elders of the Clem family, Mona started packing her and Maxwell''s clothes for their trip abroad


    She didn''t have much to pack since she hadn''t opened her suitcase after returning from Noretin. Instead, she mainly focused on packing for Maxwell.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    While Mona was packing, a tweet suddenly climbed to the top of the trending list, causing quite a stir.


    It wasn''t until her phone buzzed incessantly that she set down Maxwell''s white shirt and raised her hand to check her phone.


    The chat in her friends'' group instantly increased, with everyone tagging her.


    Curious about what was happening. Mona scrolled to the top of the chat


    It was someone''s tweet shared by Ava


    Mona subconsciously opened Twitter.


    There was a post shared by Maxwell under the name of the chairman of the Clem Group. The president of the Carter Group retweeted it, leading to a surge of shares,ments, and likes online.


    [Regarding the usations of giarism against Mona, we will pursue legal action. She does not need to giarize and would never stoop to such behavior!]


    This tweet quickly rose to the top of the trending list, even surpassing the buzz generated by Artemis and Joseph defending Mona. Surprisingly, only a fewments were criticizing Maxwell. Instead, manyizens praised his bold defense of his wife.


    For a moment, Mona''s poprity online improved a lot.


    (Mr. Carter is right. Mrs. Carter has money and looks. If she really wanted fame, she could just have Mr. Carter fund an event for her. It would be a guaranteed sess without all this trouble over usations of giarism. This doesn''t seem like something Mrs: Carter would do at all.)


    You are right. Mrs. Carter is so beautiful and doesn''t seem like the kind of person who would do that. On the other hand. Molly hasn''t even been seen in the design world.]


    [Am I the only one who isn''t focused on the giarism but on Mr. Carter''s looks? He''s my ultimate idol!]


    I finally found someone who shares my focus! I''ve been admiring their looks since the Design Competition in Nathontown, and I''m still swooning!]


    [Ah, after hearing you all. I feel like I''ve found the joy in life!]


    [Hey, do you think it''s possible that Molly giarized Mona''s designs, applied for a patent overseas, and then framed her Anyway, just throwing it out there! If I''m wrong, please don''t attack me online!]


    [I think that''s possible! After all, I''ve always loved Mona''s designs. Between the two dresses, I definitely prefer Mona''s. Thece on the chest has such a clever touch!]


    [Before things are clear, let''s speak carefully!]


    [Molly is a direct disciple of Danielle Dalton, and doesn''t even bother giarizing!]


    There were all kinds ofments online, and Mona felt somewhat reassured knowing that there were still strangers who believed in her despite theck of evidence.


    There''s also Maxwell. He truly loved her to the core. Even with his busy schedule, he still thought of her.


    Then she replied to Maxwell''s post: [Thank you, Mr. Carter, for your unconditional trust. You''re right. I have the talent design and have no need to giarize, nor would I ever stoop to it!]


    After sending that, she happily posted in the group chat, [Girls, did you see that? In the future, look for a husband who meets Maxwell''s standards. You definitely won''t regret it!]


    ra: [Mona, you need to know that there is only one Mr. Carter. We won''t find another.]


    Ava: [Mona, you''re stunning! Do you only see Maxwell in your eyes? Don''t you see us, your friends?]


    Artemis: [I sec. Girls, in the future, let Mona help us find men.]


    Mona was very excited when she saw the messages from her friends. Such a great man had been hers since childhood. For a moment, she forgot about the giarism usations and only thought about Maxwell''s love for her. She replied in the group: [Even though there is only one Maxwell you all have a man like him.]


    97


    After replying, she put her phone down on the bedside and threw herself onto the bed. She rolled around a couple of times, and shyly covered her face with her hands, unable to hide the smile at the corners of her mouth. Maxwell just wanted to help Mona gain some good impressions online, but he didn''t expect her reply to makeizens ship them as a couple. They started asking for more interactions between them on their Twitter posts. The keen-eyedizens quickly found rare photos of the two online and pieced them together. For example, there was a picture of them looking at each other from a distance at the Nathontown Design Competition, their eyes full of love. Another photo from their engagement ceremony showed them kissing, which excited manyizens for a long time.

 Chapter 219

    Around 10 PM, Mona received a message from Maxwell telling her to go to sleep and that he would be backter.


    Mona knew Maxwell was busy, so she simply replied. (Okay, take care of yourself]


    Without waiting for Maxwell''s reply, she ced her phone on the nightstand, left a dim warm light on for him, and gradually closed her eyes. Around 3 AM, a ck Bentley slowly pulled up to the Clem family home. Maxwell got out of the car and quickly walked inside, looking cautious. Mona left the door open for Maxwell, and he gently pushed it to enter..


    On the ck bed, a slight mound formed under the warm light, casting a soft glow on Mona''s hair and creating a hazy atmosphere. Her slender arm rested outside the ckforter, and against its dark fabric, her fair skin appeared even more radiant. Seeing that Mona had left the light on for him, Maxwell''s heart trembled slightly, filled with love. He tiptoed into the room and gently closed the door behind him.


    Once inside, he first tucked Mona''s exposed arm under the nket. As he looked at her peaceful face, Maxwell


    subconsciously touched her gently, feeling all his fatigue from a busy day at work vanish. He then turned and went to the bathroom.


    When he was taking a shower, he deliberately lowered the sound of the water, afraid that he would wake Mona up on the bed.


    He knew Mona could be a bit cranky when someone


    woke her up.


    Maxwell lifted the corner of the nket andy down beside Mona. Sensing his presence, she instinctively rolled into his arms, her face resting against his chest. Snuggling into Maxwell''s arms while sleeping had be a natural habit for Mona


    Once Mona found afortable position in his arms, Maxwell gently wrapped his arms around her, instinctively keeping his hand away from her waist. He knew she still had bruises there. The night passed quietly and peacefully.


    The warm yellow sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains onto the bed, and Mona instinctively turned over feeling a bit hot. She stretched her hands and feet out from under the nker


    Then she felt someone gently taking her hand back under the nket. Without needing to guess who it was, Mona wrapped her slender arms around Maxwell''s neck and nuzzled her face against his neck. In a still half-asleep voice, she said. "Honey, hug me!" When Mona first got together with Maxwell, she would feel shy in front of him. But now, she was an expert at being cute and yful with him.


    Maxwell conveniently wrapped his arm around Mona''s lower back


    Her waist was slim and soft, easily covered by his palm.


    "Okay!" Maxwell said in a deep voice, hugging her even tighter.


    After spending some cozy time in bed, Mona finally got up, pulling Maxwell with her as it was almost time for their flight After saying goodbye to her parents, they headed to the airport with the family driver


    the


    07:47 Wed, Nov 6.


    On a sunny day, Mona and Maxwell boarded a flight to Yosneond.


    970


    In the first-ss cabin, the surrounding passengers had settled down. Mona used the dim light to look at Maxwell, who was. resting with his eyes closed. His face seemed to have an unusual flush.


    After hesitating for a moment, she gently ced her hand on Maxwell''s head.


    The heat from his head contrasted sharply with her cool palm.


    Maxwell had a fever, his body temperature suddenly much higher than hers.


    Mona was filled with worry and concern.


    Just as she was about to take her hand away, Maxwell grabbed her hand tightly. The faint sunlight filtering through the curtains illuminated his handsome face, making his gaze even more affectionate than usual. He gently called out, "Mona." Mona felt a bit guilty and her concern for him deepened. "Maxwell, you have a fever. Let me find a flight attendant to get you some medicine." Maxwell seemed unaware that he had a fever, even how it had happened. He looked at Mona with eyes full of love. "Take some fever medicine so you can feel better," Mona said when Maxwell didn''t respond.


    Since being with Maxwell, Mona had never seen him sick, so she wasn''t sure if he particrly hated taking medicine.


    Maxwell felt a soft touch on his forehead. Hearing the tenderness in Mona''s voice, he felt his heart skip a beat, "Mona, give me a kiss.".


    Mona noticed the other passengers in first ss but could not bear to reject Maxwell. Leaning down, she gave him a gentle peck on the lips and whispered, "Is that good enough?"


    Maxwell licked his dry lips and nodded at Mona.


    Mona pressed her lips together, smiled at Maxwell, and then called the flight attendant over.


    The ne had regr fever-reducing medicine on board.


    Mona took two fever-reducing tablets and some warm water, bringing them to Maxwell''s lips.


    "Open your mouth..." Mona said.


    "Honey, I don''t want to take the medicine. I know my body. It will get better soon," Maxwell said, looking at the medicine. with a hint of reluctance.


    Mona shook her head. "No. You said I''m in charge of your health. Come on, open your mouth and take the medicine."


    Under Mona''s gentle insistence, Maxwell furrowed his brows and swallowed the medicine. After taking the medicine, he grasped Mona''s hand resting on the nket


    Mona naturally intertwined her fingers with Maxwell''s, tilting her head to rest against his shoulder.


    Maxwell swallowed as he felt the urge to kiss Mona again.


    When someone was sick, they often felt insecure, and that''s how Maxwell felt. He kept wanting to get closer to Mona. seeking herfort.


    As Maxwell leaned down, Mona didn''t even think to pull away. Her eyes slowly closed as she weed his warm kiss. Maxwell''s arm wrapped around her shoulders, initially gentle but gradually bing more intense as if he wanted to hold 07.47 Wed, Nov 6.


    her like this forever.


    Mona didn''t dare to react, fearing that their intimate sounds would be heard by those around them.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    In the end. Mona''s face turned even redder as she pressed her head against his chest, her fingers firmly gripping his shirt. After the kiss, Maxwell released Mona, wrapping her securely in his embrace. He whispered softly. "Alright, go to sleep now!" Once everything settled down, the ne flew smoothly through the sky, and the first-ss cabin was particrly quiet.


    After taking the fever medicine, Maxwell quickly fell into a deep sleep. However, Mona couldn''t sleep for a long time. She was still affected by Maxwell''s lingering kiss. Every ti

 Chapter 220

    After a moment. Mona quietly got up to go to the bathroom and ran into the flight attendant who had brought fever. medicine for Maxwell


    Mona couldn''t help but think about her kiss with Maxwell, wondering if the flight attendant had seen it, which made her feel a bit embarrassed.


    As she held the door handle to step in, the flight attendant approached her, saying, "Mrs. Carter, you and Mr. Carter have such a wonderful rtionship. You must be happy together! I''m your big fan. I truly believe what Mr. Carter said. You would never do something like giarism."


    Mona was slightly taken aback, but then a genuine smile spread across her face. "Thank you. We''ll stay happy together. I hope you find your own happiness too."


    After she finished speaking, she stepped into the bathroom. After a quick freshen-up, she headed back toward her seat.


    As she approached, she noticed that Maxwell had woken up. He was sitting in his seat, ncing around, holding the nket they had just shared.


    "Do you still have a fever?" Mona asked.


    She instinctively reached out her freshly washed hand to touch Maxwell''s forehead. Perhaps due to the medicine, his temperature felt slightly lower, making her a bit relieved.


    Maxwell''s gaze remained fixed on Mona, intense and focused. He gently grasped her delicate wrist and pulled her slightly guiding her to sit beside him.


    Upon waking up and not seeing Mona, he felt a momentary fear


    "Tm not running a fever anymore. Did you just go to the bathroom?" Maxwell asked, naturally holding Mona''s hand and yfully fiddling with it.


    Mona nodded and picked up the warm water beside her, signaling for Maxwell to drink.


    Drinking plenty of water was very beneficial when someone was sick.


    After the nended in Yosneosnd, a private car was already waiting for them. By this time, it was already evening in Youneosnd. Maxwell took Mona to a hotel near the ball to rest


    Brendan''s invitation for the ball was for tomorrow night. This meant that Maxwell was in a hurry to bring Mona to Yosneosnd to explore and rx together.


    What Maxwell didn''t know was that Mona''s nervousness was slowly being dispelled by his presence. Regardless of whether Danielle would believe her, she was fully prepared to ept whatever came next


    Unlike in the Clem Group, where everyone was familiar, they were surrounded by strangers abroad As they walked down the quiet path, Maxwell intertwined his fingers with Mona''s and handed their luggage to Nigel and the bodyguard behind them.


    Mona asionally nced up at Maxwell beside her. Under the warm glow of the streetlights, his handsome face seemed to radiate a soft light. She felt a warmth in her heart, recalling the times they spent together in high school,


    With a yful smile, she said, "Maxwell, did you


    want to date me early back in high school?"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Looking back, it seemed quite possible. After all, during high school, Maxwell often took advantage of his senior status and liked to be touchy with her.


    Hearing this, Maxwell stopped under a peach blossom tree. He wrapped his arm around Mona''s waist and gently pushed her against the trunk, blocking her from the tree. His soft voice drifted to her ears with the evening breeze. "What do you think? The moment I saw you again, I wanted to make you mine."


    That year during the military training rehearsal in their first year of high school, Maxwell remembered Mona in her camouge uniform. She marched with strong steps, her arms straight, and the sunlight illuminated her. Her fair wrist and unadorned face seemed to glow. Although Mona had no expression, he could see a smile in her eyes.


    At that moment, Maxwell realized that the name of the girl was Mona. From then an, his obsession with her grew to the point of madness.


    Every morning, he would deliberately take a roundabout route just to catch a glimpse of Mona


    Mona smiled. "Maxwell, I''ve always been yours."


    She was about to say something further when Maxwell gently grabbed her slender shoulders. He whispered in her ear, "Mona, these little secrets between husband and wife are best shared slowly at night"


    Mona''s face instantly turned red. She wanted to call Maxwell a real rogue but couldn''t bring herself to say it. Instead, she found herselfughing foolishly with him.


    The hotel was just a short walk away. As soon as they entered, Maxwell wrapped his arm around Mona''s waist and leaned down to kiss her passionately.


    Mona had no choice but to tilt her head back, epting Maxwell''s lingering kiss.


    A momentter, their clothes were scattered on the carpet, and Mona wasid on therge bed by Maxwell. She looked into his deep, affectionate eyes, which seemed to glisten as he skillfully unbuckled his belt and leaned over her.


    Since Maxwell returned from Noretin to Nathontown, they hadn''t been intimate. Now, in this unfamiliar environment, Mona felt her senses heightened by the darkness. Unsure of where to ce her hands and feet, she could only feel Maxwell''s heavy breathing and the shower of kisses


    Her slender fingers tightly gripped Maxwell''s tense arm.


    Maxwell had been thinking about this since he was on the ne and had endured it until now.


    His well-defined hand intertwined with Mona''s slender hand, reflecting his love for her.


    There was no light around.


    Maxwell turned on the warm light at the head of the bed. It was not blinding, but it was enough to see everything in the


    room


    He first pulled Mona out of the nket, then carried her to the bathroom with his strong arms. After bathing her, he wrapped her in a towel and carried her back to bed


    He handed a ss of warm water to Mona


    Mona took a couple of sips of water and then handed the ss back to Maxwell.


    She didn''t expect him to be so concerned about her.


    Maxwell sat on the edge of the bed and put his arm around Mora''s shoulders. He said softly, "Mona, if we have a child, we should keep it, okay? A child that belongs to both of us. I promise to learn how to be a good father."


    He knew that if they really had a child today, it would be at the wrong time since the giarism issue still hadn''t been


    resolved, but he subconsciously didn''t want Mona to take any medication.


    He felt a deepck of love in his heart and longed for aplete family with Mona.


    0

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221 96%1


    A momentter, seeing that Monalidn''t respond, Maxwell was about to suggest discussing itter.


    But then he saw Mona nodding, her misty eyes looking into his. Okay, then I won''t take the medication. Fll just go with the flow. If we have a child, I''ll work hard to be a good mom."


    Hearing this, Maxwell stared into Mona''s eyes and said in disbelief, "Really?"


    Mona smiled softly at Maxwell and nodded. "Yes, I want to have a child with you."


    But having a child didn''t happen just like that. As Maxwell had did, it all relied on fate and whether she had a body that was easy to pregnant.


    After that night, as Maxwell fell asleep hugging Mona, hisrge hand instinctively rested on her lower abdomen, as if a small life were already growing there.


    Mona smiled to herself, imagining the moment when Maxwell became a new father, and slowly fell asleep.


    The two of them slept soundly until the bright light streamed in through the window. The white nket covered them, revealing their fair shoulders. When Mona opened her eyes, she looked at Maxwell hugging her, still fast asleep.


    Her hand slowly stretched out from under the nket and gently traced his thick eyebrows. She had spent the whole night. imagining their future child, and now, looking at Maxwell''s features, thoughts of having a baby filled her mind once again. No matter if their child was a boy or a girl, they would surely be good-looking and charming.


    The hotel where they stayed was quiet and peaceful. When they checked in yesterday, it was already evening, and with the romantic mood between her and Maxwell, they didn''t pay attention to the surroundings.


    Now turning around to look at the white curtains by the window, she slowly took in theyout of the room. It was quite nice.


    The arm around her slim waist tightened, sending a tingling sensation along her spine. A deep voice whispered in her ear, "You woke up pretty early, huh?"


    Mona turned around and nestled into Maxwell''s embrace, saying, "I just woke up."


    Both of them rarely had free time, so Maxwell quietly mentioned wanting to go out with her to explore Yosneosnd and do some shopping before heading to the private gathering in the evening to meet Danielle. Mona supported the idea and smiled. "Alright, honey, Let''s go shopping!"


    Maxwell''s hand brushed over her back, a smile appearing in his eyes. "Put your clothes on, and then we can go."


    Mona took the dress Maxwell handed her, shyly putting on her bra. She skillfully buttoned the back button with her fingertips and began to put on the dress.


    Maxwell watched Mona for a while and said proudly, "I could undo it with one handst night"


    He had always woken up earlier than Mona and had never actually seen how she wore it.


    He initially intended to walk over and help, but Mona had already put on the dress. "You''re not going to help me put it on, are you?" she asked, stopping her movement. Maxwell nodded and said, "Yeah, I was just curious about how you put it on."


    As he spoke, Maxwell''s hand rested on Mona''s shoulder, his fingers deftly undoing the buttons.


    >95%0


    It had to be said that people learned quickly when they were interested. Before long. Maxwell had sessfully helped Mona put it on and the dress as well. During the entire process, Mona took deep breaths, her eyes blinking in a daze. She couldn''t understand why Maxwell was helping her put on her clothes "It''s pretty easy. I used to be able to undo it with just one hand, but next time, I want to learn how to put it on you using only one hand," he said.


    Mona was slightly stunned. She''d been wearing it for so many years and still couldn''t manage to do it with just one hand.


    "Then you probably need to practice for a long time," Mona said softly.


    It was just that Maxwell hadrger hands and more dexterous fingers than she did, making it difficult to handle that strap


    "Why don''t we try again?" Maxwell suggested as if he had found a fun toy.


    Upon hearing this, Mona quickly stepped aside, grasped her clothes, and said firmly, "No."


    She was already well-dressed, yet she took it off for Maxwell to try. She felt bored and didn''t want to spend herst morning in the hotel. She wanted to go out for a walk.


    A momentter, Mona felt her tone had been a bit harsh. She softened her voice and said, "Let''s try next time I''m already dressed, and it''s a bit of a hassle to take it off now. I want to go out and explore!" Maxwell watched as Mona, already dressed, stepped outside. Thinking that he could only try next time, he decided to follow.


    her out


    In a foreign country, strolling along a path lined with parasol trees could effortlessly lift one''s mood and bring a sense of rxation.


    Maxwell naturally held hands with Mona. In Yosneosnd, where no one knew them, Mona felt no shame and openly showed her affection for Maxwell


    Maxwell also transformed from a president who spent most of his time in the office signing documents into a good man who unconditionally supported his wife.


    While shopping at a mall in Yosneosnd, Mona nced at the designs in the boutique disy cases and thought about the shorings in her own designs so she could improve themter. Meanwhile, Maxwell was thinking about how the clothes would look on Mona. He saw one outfit he liked, then another, and simply stuffed them into her arms, encouraging her to try them on. Mona looked at the various clothes in her arms like long dresses, short skirts, feminine styles, and alluring ones. She picked out a few she liked and headed to the fitting room to try them on. While Mona was trying on clothes, Maxwell wasn''t in a hurry. He sat on the sofa outside the fitting room, sipping the drink that the salesperson had brought him.


    He wasn''t looking at his phone or chatting with anyone. Instead, he quietly watched the fitting room, waiting for Mona to


    Come Out


    When he saw the doorknob move, a smile spread across his face Mona began to step out.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    It was clear that people with good figures often made natural mannequins because they looked good in anything, and Mona was one of them.


    A bright red dress with no special design simply showcased her figure, especially her slim waist, making Mona look particrly alluring in it.


    She didn''t say a word or make any moves. She just stood there Mona


    Some people even approached the salesperson, wanting to buy Mona didn''t notice any of this. Her gaze was fixed on the man s eyes met his enc

 Chapter 222

    Mona walked straight to Maxwell, spun around in front of him, and shyly asked, "Maxwell, do you think I look good in this red dress?"


    "Beautiful," Maxwell replied without hesitation, his eyes full of admiration.


    Among all the colors, Maxwell thought Mona looked best in red especially a bright red that showcased her beauty perfectly. Just looking at her made him want to pull her into his arms and kiss her passionately.


    As he spoke, he stood up from the sofa and wrapped his big hand around Mona''s slim waist. If they weren''t in a mall, Maxwell would have pulled her tightly into his embrace, wanting to hear her sweetly flirt with him.


    After hugging for a while, Mona pushed Maxwell away and said, "Maxwell, let go of me. There are so many people here!"


    "Okay, let''s get this one, andter, I want to buy a few red sleepwear. I love seeing you in red, Maxwell expressed his thoughts.


    Upon hearing this, Mona immediately realized that Maxwell was thinking about something inappropriate again. She shyly punched him lightly.


    The sales staff kept their distance from Mona and Maxwell, worried they might witness something inappropriate.


    Later, Maxwell waved his hand and bought all the clothes Mona had tried on, as well as a few that he thought looked good.


    While the two were paying, an old woman outside, being supported by someone, stared at Mona for a long time. The more she looked at her back, the more familiar it seemed. But then she remembered that the person she was thinking of was no longer around. This girl just looked simr, and she finally walked away.


    If this old woman saw Mona''s face, she would definitely feel even more familiar.


    Mona and Maxwell didn''t know what happened at the door. After paying, Maxwell took Mona to buy sleepwear.


    Maxwell had the final say on what kind of sleepwear Mona should buy since it was intended for him alone.


    In the end, the two of them bought a lot of items and handed them over to Nigel and their bodyguard, who followed behind


    them.


    Nigel nced at the two people in front of him and exchanged knowing looks with the bodyguards nearby as if suggesting that Maxwell was bing more personable.


    The couple enjoyed a day of shopping and had lunch at a restaurant


    outside.


    In the afternoon, Maxwell apanied Mona to explore a local church. Seeing that there was still time, he pulled her down secluded street, where they kissed passionately for a long time until they were both breathless.


    From the moment Maxwell saw Mona in that red dress, he had nned to kiss her. After thinking about it for so long, he finally got to kiss her.


    They returned to the hotel in the afternoon to prepare for the private gathering to meet Danielle.


    Maxwell didn''t work at all today. While the makeup artist was doing Mona''s makeup, he sat nearby and watched.


    He watched as the makeup artist applied one product after another on Mona''s face, using various bottles and jars.


    Maxwell thought that Mona didn''t really need all of this. She was naturally beautiful, and she looked great without makeup. Makeup was just an extra touch. Chapter 222


    "Maxwell, don''t you have any work to do today?" Mona asked.


    3


    If it were any other time, Maxwell would have been glued to hisputer, handling work matters. It was quite rare for him to go such a long time without being seen working. "Since it''s a holiday. I''m just focused on spending time with you Maxwell said, looking at Mona in the mirror.


    He had already handed off all his work a couple of days ago. If anything important came up, thepany would contact Nigel, and he would let him know.


    So during his time in Yosneosnd with Mona, all his time belonged to her.


    Hearing this. Mona smiled softly at Maxwell in the mirror.


    Having the person she loved by her side for all the small things thade everything meaningful.


    As dusk fell, a ck Bentley slowly came to a stop in front of a private vi. The dim, warm lights illuminated various precious nts, giving the vi a distinctly luxurious feel.


    Mona linked her arm with Maxwell''s as they slowly walked toward the vi''s entrance. When they reached the door, Maxwell handed over the invitation he had received from Brendan.


    The invitation was golden yellow, with a cover made of finely crushed gold. This simple design clearly showcased the host''s luxury.


    After the guard at the door checked carefully, he made an inviting gesture to Maxwell and Mona.


    Mona knew the saying that there''s always someone better out there, but the splendor of this vi exceeded her expectations. Just the golden stone lion at the entrance was worth an unknown amount, and the interior made her feel surrounded by luxury.


    She whispered to Maxwell, "Maxwell, this family is so rich."


    "Yeah, they''re rich, but we''re not bad either. If you like, we could buynd in Nathontown and build a vi like this," Maxwell said.


    He just didn''t like extravagance. He believed in the saying that wealth shouldn''t be unted


    However, if Mona liked it, he did not mind spending some money to make her smile.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona''s eyes sparkled brightly under the warm light, reminiscent of stars in the sky. I''m just expressing my thoughts. If our home really became like this, it might feel too big andck a sense of home. I still prefer living in a small vi with you" The "small vi" Mona mentioned was among the most sought-after in Nathontown''s wealthy circle, with many people wanting to buy it but unable to do so.


    "You''re really great at managing the household. No wonder you catch my attention," Maxwell said as they walked past the outdoor swimming pool and made their way to the private gathering venue.


    "Look at you! If you want topliment me, just do it. No need to praise yourself 100. Aren''t you worried others willugh at you


    if they


    hear that!" Mona found it a bit amusing. Maxwell was quite narcissistic,


    They can''t hear it. I''m just saying it in front of you, he retorted


    Mona gently pushed him, her simile widening uncontrobly.


    The two found seats in the back row and sat down. Maxwell thoughtfully pulled out a chair for Mona before taking a seat next to her, casually crossing his legs. 07:16 Thu, Nov/


    Mona arrived early because she was eager to see Danielle.


    At that moment, there were still only a few people at the party, with a few men in suits quietly chatting. Neither Mona nor Maxwell felt like interacting with them.


    The two sat casually, with Mona, fulfilling Maxwell''s wishes, wearing a red evening gown that beautifully highlighted her figure. Under the warm light, she appeared almost unreal, their hands tightly sped together. FT

 Chapter 223

    Many people came to the gathering one after another. Mona kept watching the peopleing and going, but she did not


    see Danielle.


    Seeing someone was already going up the stage to speak, Mona still did not see the person she wanted to see.


    A faint worry crept into her heart. She had long heard that Danielle had lived in a peaceful, scenic ce. She wondered whether Danielle really came to such a bustling ce to attend a so-called private gathering.


    If she couldn''t meet Danielle today, then this trip to Yosnrosnal with Maxwell would have been in vain. Meanwhile, the online giarism scandal was still trending, and it was even starting to impact thepany''s stock price. She was worried that the giarism issue would escte further, potentially impacting thepany''s operations, as well as her reputation.


    "Don''t worry, Mona," Maxwell said, noticing the worry on her face. "If we don''t meet the person we''re looking for this time, we''ll go elsewhere to find her. We''ll see her eventually." He held her hand a bit tighter


    Mona nodded slightly. "But I still hope Danielle will show up!"


    Just as Mona finished speaking, she saw an old woman being supported inside.


    From a distance, the woman captured the attention of those around her. In a dark-colored dress, with gently curled white hair and a jade bracelet on her wrist, her face was lined with wrinkles, but they couldn''t hide her noble aura Mona''s gaze met Danielle''s, and she was surprised to see Danielle smiling at her. Mona stood there in shock for a moment before instinctively smiling back.


    As she watched the woman walk toward her, Mona felt a surge of excitement. She tightly grasped Maxwell''s hand as if asking him what was happening.


    "Emmie, is that you back?" At that moment, Danielle took hold of Mona''s other hand.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Mona looked into the old woman''s tearful eyes, and she was suddenly at a loss for what was happening.


    Upon hearing someone call out "Emmie", Mona instinctively remembered her mother, Emily.


    "Grandma, Emmie is no longer here. The person you see before you is still a young girl"


    e young girl in front of her looked quite simr to Emily, yet she was not the same person.


    Danielle looked at Mona. The young Emily was no longer in this world.


    ars now."


    "Yes, it''s been many years now."


    Mona noticed a hint of regret in the old woman''s eyes. She said, "Hello, Danielle. I''m Mona Clem, and I really admire your designs. The wedding dress I wore when I got married was designed by you."


    Maxwell had purchased the wedding dress at a high price, unaware of who Danielle was. He simply knew that the dress was beautiful and many girls adored it, so it made sense that Mona would likely love it as well.


    "Hello, I''m Danielle Reed. Mona, what is your rtionship with Emily Clem?" Danielle asked. Both shared thest name Clem, and Mona looked just like Emily did when she was young "Emily Clem is my mom," Mona said honestly, After a moment, he added, "She has passed away Upon hearing this, Danielle''s eyes glistened with tears as she looked at Mona with a touch of pity.


    "No wonder, you''re mother and daughter! It makes sense that you look so much alike. You''re both beautiful, Danielle said." know your mom passed away in a car ident. The news even reached Yosneosnd. I had wanted to see her onest time. but my health has declined with age. She said with a touch of regret, holding onto Mona''s hand without letting go.


    "Danielle, may I ask what your rtionship with my mom is?" Mona asked curiously.


    She never expected that her mom had known Danielle. In her memory, her mother loved gardening and asionally designed clothes for her, but she had no idea that Emily had even been to Yosneosnd.


    "I''m so excited to see you that I haven''t mentioned my rtionship with Emmie yet. I''m her teacher. The person next to me is Emily''s senior, and also my son, Jesse, Danielle said with a smile.


    Ever since she learned that Mona was Emily''s daughter, the smile on her lips has never faded.


    It turned out that the figure she saw in the mall today was Mona, someone rted to Emily.


    While speaking. Danielle''s brother, Jasper, walked over. Seeing Mona in front of Danielle, he was taken aback. He was surprised that there could be someone who looked so much like Emily in this work. "Danielle, who is this?" Jasper asked.


    "She''s Emmie''s daughter. How do you handle things? Emmie has a daughter, and I didn''t even know about it," Danielle said.


    "It''s all because of my subordinates'' ipetence. I just found out that Emmie has a daughter. Jasper was not angry at Danielle''sint.


    After all, in their family, Danielle was the sessful one, and she treated him well too.


    He knew that Emily had a daughter and a son. It was just that Danielle had been living in seclusion. He didn''t want Danielle to worry, so he had never mentioned it.


    Over the years, he hadn''t thought about Emily''s daughter, but unexpectedly, she came looking for Danielle herself


    In the early years, Danielle''s parents really wanted a son, which was why they gave her a boy''s name. But, eventually, they had a son and named him Jasper.


    Jasper was adored by everyone from the moment he was born. Later, as Danielle gradually gained fame in the design industry, their parents''st wish was for Danielle to take good care of Jasper. Danielle had continued to fulfill that promise to this day.


    "Alright, I''ve shown up as you wanted. The rest is up to you. I''m taking Mona upstairs to chat, Danielle said as she pulled Mona into the vi.


    Mona had been wondering how to strike up a conversation with Danielle, but now she was being pulled forward without al chance to say anything. This was something Mona couldn''t have imagined before.


    She owed all of this to her mother, the person who had loved her since she was little


    With this emotional foundation, Mona felt that talking to Danielle would be much easier.


    As Danielle led the way, Mona instinctively grabbed Maxwell''s hand and smiled at him, thinking that he shouldn''t get lost in this foreignnd.


    In her heart, her husband was especially important.


    "Mona, is the man next to you your husband? He''s really handsome! You''re married, and I didn''t even get to go to your Chapter 223


    wedding, Danielle sald, looking at Maxwell with a hint of regret


    She had seen Emily in a wedding dress, but to her, Emily''s husband, Jeremy, didn''t seem like someone she could trust for life.


    Mona and this man were extremely good-looking, so their future children would definitely be beautiful as well.


    Thinking about this, Danielle felt she could live another ten years to see Mona''s children grow up.


    FT

 Chapter 224

    Mona leaned closer to Danielle andforted her, saying, "It''s okay. Maxwell and I can spend time with you in the future The wedding is just a ceremony As they spoke, the four of them had already reached the vi''s living room.


    The servants inside rarely saw Danielle with someone else, so they straightened their backs and put on their best smiles, ensuring everything appeared perfect. Mona didn''t


    boom


    Pay


    y much attention to the servants in the vi. She was just pulled by Danielle straight to the sofa in the living


    The sofa was very soft, and even the fruit bowl on the coffee table was made of gold Mona couldn''t help but think about how wealthy the Reed family was, as everything exuded an air of luxury.


    That evening, Mona heard a lot about her mother from Danielle. For example, Emily was Danielle''s favorite among her many disciples, and Emily had been heartbroken by a man, which led her to lose interest in design and waste her talent. By the end of the conversation, Danielle looked at Maxwell sitting next to Mona as if to remind him not to hinder her


    "Don''t worry, I fully support whatever Mona chooses to do, Maxwell immediately reassured her.


    As long as Mona loved him and stayed by his side, it did not matter what Mona did.


    "Good"


    Speaking of Emily being hurt by a man, Mona knew that this man was very likely his biological father. She subconsciously asked, "Danielle, do you know who this man is?"


    Danielle sighed and said with a hint of regret, "I don''t know. Emmie didn''t say anything. I only know that they met in Yosneosnd. After being together for over a year, she returned home despite my objections, and I was upset with her for that."


    She continued. The next thing I heard was that she got married and then we lost contact. By the way, Mona, why are you here today?"


    After hearing Danielle''s words, any hope Mona had about her father instantly faded.


    She didn''t have a good impression of her biological father. She only wanted to know what had happened that made her mother return to Nathontown while pregnant with her and then find a fake father for her.


    Mona had been thinking about how to bring up the giarism issue, but to her surprise, she asked about it directly and shared the whole story with Danielle.


    "Danielle, I know that Molly is your top disciple and her designs have your personal stamp on their However, I designed thispletely on my own. Here are the records from my design process. I didn''t giarize her. Can you take a look?"


    Mona didn''t directly say that Molly had giarized her designs because she wasn''t sure of Molly''s standing in Danielle''s eyes. or whether Danielle would believe her.


    While Mona was speaking, Maxwell handed her the items from has bag, disying them in front of Danielle.


    "Mona, your mother was myst official disciple, and I don''t intend to take on any more students. Regarding Molly, I only gave her some guidance because of our connections. She requested that personal stamp and I didn''t know it would cause you such trouble. Don''t worry, I will make sure to clear your name." Danielle said, feeling a bit remorseful.


    nu, Nov


    She almost never went onling. If it weren''t for Mona bringing up the giarism issue, she wouldn''t have known that the designs Molly showed her were copied.


    The records of Mona''s design process showed the styles of the dresses, color testing, and annotations. It''s clear that these were her original designs.


    Then the designs that Molly brought over were naturally giarized.


    She was really blind from her old age. When she saw the designs from Molly, she thought they were special and full of potential, and without thinking, she put her personal stamp on them "Thank you so much!" Mona said excitedly.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Beforeing here, she was worried about bringing all the design materials, and Danielle wouldn''t believe her. She had prepared many drafts in her mind, but she didn''t expect things to be resolved so easily. She was overjoyed.


    "There''s no need to thank me. This is what I should do. I hope you can shine in the design world, along with your mother''s work, Danielle said sincerely, patting Mona''s hand.


    It had always been a regret for Danielle that Emily couldn''t fully express her design talents. Now, hope was rekindled in her


    heart.


    "Don''t worry, Danielle. I will," Mona said firmly.


    Now, Mona had two wishes. One was to love Maxwell properly, and the other was to revive her design dream from her past. No matter how many challenges she faced in the future, she would not give up Also, Mona didn''t want Barbara to have an easy time.


    these WO wishes.


    After experiencing Teddy shielding her from harm, Mona felt neither hatred nor love for him. He was simply a stranger to


    her now.


    "Alright! I believe you can definitely do it." Danielle said, her eyes glistening with tears.


    After that, Danielle talked to Mona about a lot of things from the bottom of her heart, and overall, she just wanted Mona to be happy.


    Perhaps when people got older, they enjoyed sharing their thoughts with kids they felt close to. That''s how Danielle was. As she spoke, the gathering outside came to an end.


    Danielle only came here to make an appearance. If she had not met Mona, she wouldn''t have stayed. After the private gathering ended, Danielle left the luxurious vi.


    Before leaving, she gave Mona her contact information and address, saying that if Mona had time, she coulde over to her house to try some fresh fruits.


    Mona nodded and said she would definitely go before returning to the country.


    After Mona and Maxwell left the private vi, it was already quitete at night.


    The two walked hand in hand to the car, and Mona''s smile never faded. It made Maxwell''s mood much better too


    I hadn''t met Danielle today, I wouldn''t even know that my mother is herst disciple! Mona eximed.


    "I


    "Yes, your mom must not be an ordinary person to have raised such a smart girl like you.


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona flushed slightly. Her husband really knew how to praise her mom and include her in thepliment.


    A smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of her mouth. "Makes sense. So, the man who can marry me isn''t ordinary either." She could do such apliment too.


    "Exactly. If I were too ordinary, you wouldn''t have chosen me," Maxwell replied, unabashed.


    As he spoke, he opened the car door like a gentleman, helping Mona in before sitting beside her.


    0

 Chapter 225

    Danielle moved fast. By the time Mona and Maxwell returned to the hotel. Twitter was already in an uproar.


    But since Mona and Maxwell hadn''t checked their phones, they had no idea.


    After returning to the hotel, Mona went to the bathroom to take shower and changed into somefortable pajamas.


    When she came out, she happened to see Maxwell returning from the bathroom next door, wearing only a short. Water droplets clung to the tips of his hair, running down from his neck to his defined abs. While Maxwell was wiping himself down with a towel, the white light shone on him, creating a hazy sense offort.


    Mona silentlyined in his heart. Seriously? Stepping out like this is such a visual shock. This is definitely a handsome man after a bath!


    If she could endure it and not make a move, then this person was not her husband.


    She reached out with her delicate fingers, lightly trailing up Maxwell''s chest. Each touch was gentle, like a feather, causing his breathing to momentarily stumble. He looked at Mona with intense, sparkling eyes. Looking at Mona''s enchanting eyes and brows, Maxwell thought that his wife was truly a charming little enchantress, nearly stealing his soul away.


    Just as Moria''s fingers were about to touch Maxwell''s Adam''s apple, he reached out and grabbed her wandering hand. With slightly hurried breaths, he said, "Mona, if you move again, you won''t be sleeping tonight." Upon hearing this, Mona realized it was clearly a threat.


    If she obeyed him, she might not have any standing in this household anymore.


    His threat only sparked Mona''s little temper. Not only did she brush against his Adam''s apple, but she also yfully bit down on Maxwell''s shoulder.


    It wasn''t too light or too heavy, just enough for Maxwell to feel a sharp pain.


    Mona clearly heard Maxwell''s hiss. She said, "You don''t let me move!"


    Before she could finish her words, Maxwell had kissed her lips, tasting fresh mint. Both of her wrists were held above her head by arge hand, and she was unaware of when a hot hand had wrapped around her waist. "Maxwell, tonight won''t work! Don''t you remember? I might already be carrying your child," Mona quickly said, smiling as she seized the moment. She was worried that if she hesitated for even a second, she wouldn''t be able to say it at all. Even though


    she wasn''t sure if it was true, she said it just in case


    After hearing Mona''s words, Maxwell leaned down and fiercely kissed her lips, a gesture filled with a sense of punishment


    "Mona, then why do you keep teasing me?" Maxwell said, sounding a bit hurt, his charming eyes meeting hers. For the sake of their future child, he had to bear the difort himself.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Didn''t you tease me first? You''re not even wearing a shirt. Mona pointed at Maxwell''s exposed chest.


    But seeing Maxwell''s aggrieved expression, Mona felt like she might have gone a bit too far.


    It was clearly her fault for walking out of the bathroom and seeing such a tempting sight.


    "Then, how about I help you?" Mona suggested, looking at her delicate hands.


    07.16 Thu, Nov


    She wasn''t sure if she was pregnant, but just to be safe, she decided to suffer a bit tonight.


    "Yeah, I need your help.


    After saying that, Maxwell picked up Mona and walked into the bathroom, a smile spreading across his lips.


    In front of his wife, he had to show weakness and act a bit aggrieved. That was the way to get what he wanted..


    Mona looked at her neatly worn pajamas and thought that her shower had been in vain.


    She suddenly felt regretful. Usually, she didn''t do much, and Maxwell loved to pull her into those kinds of things. Today, she had to take the initiative to touch his abs, and she didn''t know how long it would be before she could escape.. It was a long night.


    As expected, the shower took a lot longer than Mona expected. By the end, her hands felt numb, and her legs were tired. Except for the final step. Maxwell had really worn her out from start to finish.


    By the time Maxwell helped her wash her hands, Mona felt like she could hardly stand.


    Now, after a satisfying activity, Maxwell had returned to being the caring husband. He gently ced Mona on the bed, brought her a ss of warm water, and thoughtfully handed her the phone. The only thing left was to feed the water to Mona. But if she asked, Maxwell would dly do it.


    Mona casually wore one of Maxwell''s shirts, leaving a couple of buttons undone. This revealed her charming corbone, which had fresh kiss marks on it.


    Mona took a couple of small sips of water before handing the ss back to Maxwell, weakly saying, "I don''t want to drink anymore."


    "Okay, let''s take a break. Let''s see if you dare to tease me again next time," Maxwell said yfully.


    But his tone sounded so annoying.


    At that moment, Mona felt like she was seeing Maxwell from their high school days, the one who used to pull her braids and pinch her cheeks every day.


    When she came to her senses, she immediately threw a pillow at him. "Maxwell, can''t you just disappear!*


    Mona wasn''t very strong, and since it was just a pillow, when it hit Maxwell, it felt soft and ticklish against him.


    After being hit, Maxwell wasn''t angry. He bent down, picked up the pillow from the white carpet, and calmly ced it in front of Mona.


    "Mona, after that hit, do you feel stronger now?" Maxwell said, running his hand through Mona''s soft hair a few times. Mona had to admit that shouting at Maxwell like that did ease a lot of her inner fatigue.


    She raised her small fist and waved it in front of Maxwell, saying "I really do have some strength now. Do you want to try my power again?"


    The strength she was talking about was naturally the strength of her fists.


    Maxwell''s hand instantly enveloped Mona''s small hand, slowly intertwining their fingers. "Wait for the next time to try it You should rest well while I clean up the bathroom," he said. 07:16 Thu, Nov 7


    After Maxwell left, Mom slumped onto the bed, arranging herself in whatever position felt the mostfortable.


    She casually picked up her phone and noticed that her friends'' group chat was blowing up again.


    96%E


    As soon as she opened it, she saw a message from Ava: [Where the heck is Mona? We''ve been trying to reach her for so long. and she still hasn''t shown up!!


    Then, she saw a message from Artemis in their chat.


    [These days, after I finish filming a scene, I instinctively check my phone. Mona hasn''t been online for several hours, so she must be cuddling with her husband, doing something embarrassing.]


    0

 Chapter 226

    Isn''t this obvious? Whenever Mr. Carter has free time, he always goes to be with Mona. So, in the quiet of the night, how could he miss this chance?] Mona watched as ra''s message came through


    She didn''t know what these three were talking about. It''ste at night, and they''re being so noisy. The worst part was that she couldn''t refute any of it. She silently sent a message. (I''m back!]


    Ava: [Wow, it''s so rare. Did Maxwell release you?]


    ra: [Mona, is Mr. Carter next to you right now?]


    If Maxwell saw her message gossiping about his private life, he might get upset and fire her.


    After finally getting promoted to a full-time position as a designer, Mona hadn''t even considered quitting.


    [He isn''t here and didn''t see your message, so don''t worry!]


    ra felt relieved when she saw Mona''s message.


    Then she remembered the important matter, which was also the reason everyone in the group had been tagging Mona


    [Mona, check Twitter! Danielle confirmed the giarism issue!]


    Okay, I''ll check it now.]


    Mona said this as she clicked on the link. She thought the private gathering would end muchter, so she didn''t expect Danielle to post until tomorrow and hadn''t been paying attention to her phone. [Quick, go check!]


    Thest time Danielle posted on her Twitter ount was years ago when she announced her retirement from the design industry


    After several years, Danielle resurfaced on Twitter, and within an hour, she was trending at the top of the hot search list. (It''s been a long time since Ist logged into this ount, and I feel a bit excited.]


    [Today, I''m here to address the giarism issue surrounding the Noretin Design Competition. After reviewing Mona''s original designs based on my years of experience, I can confidently say she did not giarize. Additionally, I haven''t taken on any new apprentices recently. Below are some records of the color choices from Mona''s designs. Feel free to take a look!


    After that, she tagged Mona and posted a few photos. They were casual shots she''d taken of Mona''s design notes and sketches before she left.


    After reading it, Mona replied: [Thank you for your trust, Danielle. In the future, I will learn from you and work hard to design more outstanding works. I hope I won''t let you down!]


    Danielle''s post on Twitter made it clear. Mona didn''t giarize, and the real giarist was Molly.


    Though Danielle didn''t directly call out Molly for giarism, he remark, "I haven''t taken on any new apprentices recently," made it clear. Molly''s im of being Danielle''sst disciple was alie. Now, being publicly denied by Danielle was a tant p in the face for her.


    961


    Although Danielle had not been active in the public eye for many years, her status in the industry was unshakable. Instantly, the public fully sided with Mona.


    II


    Someone as talented as her wouldn''t giarize! To all the haters out there, did you see this? Danielle herself spoke


    up for Mona.]


    II had my doubts the moment Molly imed to be Danielle''sst disciple. Danielle hasn''t taken on students in years, so how could one just appear out of nowhere? Turns out it was all a liel [Danielle has already spoken. Isn''t it obvious who giarized? Molly,e out and give an exnationContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    [Now that the situation is clear. The Noretin Design Competition has already concluded, and the first-ce winner has been announced. What a loss for Mona!]


    [Yeah, if it weren''t for Molly, who not only giarized Mona''s designs but also used her of giarism, Mona could have likely ced in the Noretin Design Competition]


    [Danielle stamped Molly''s giarized work with her personal seal, indicating that the designs were approved by her. That''s why it had been easy for Molly to ce in the Noretin Design Competition. It''s really unfair for Mona.]


    For a moment, Twitter was filled withizens discussing giarism. Many people even went to Molly''s Twitter to scold her and ask her to admit giarism and publicly apologize to Mona


    After casually scrolling through Twitter, Mona logged out and set her phone aside.


    After seeing thements on Twitter, she feltpletely rxed.


    After Maxwell tidied up the bathroom and returned, he saw Mona giggling foolishly on the bed. He turned off the main light in the room, leaving only the warm bedsidemp on. He lifted the nket and held Mona in his arms. "Why are you so happy!"


    Mona nodded and said cheerfully, "Just now, Danielle posted on Twitter to rify the giarism issue for me. Maxwell, this won''t affect thepany''s stock price anymore, and no one will me me now."


    Although Maxwell had never mentioned in front of her that the giarism issue had affected the shares of bothpanies and some partnerships, Mona could tell from how busy he had been in the past couple of days and the stock market''s fluctuations. She was Maxwell''s wife, and whatever bad thing happened to her would also affect Maxwell and thepany.


    Maxwell tucked the corner of the nket behind Mona and gently brushed aside the loose strands of hair from her forehead with his long fingers. His tone, influenced by her cheerful demeanor, was also quite joyful as he said, "It''s wonderful. You deserve to be loved by everyone."


    "Maxwell, I''m not as great as you say. I have many ws."


    Every day, with Maxwell praising her like this, Mona felt as it she were about to float away.


    "No, Mona, you are perfect in my eyes," Maxwell said honestly.


    From the moment Mona was in his heart, she had been a perfect existence.


    "How can there be a perfect person? You''re just saying that randomly," said Mona


    "Then tell me what ws you think you have, and I''ll see if they right."


    Mona frowned slightly and said, "For example, I hold grudges indirectly and can be a bit narrow-minded" This


    time, Molly had framed her for giarism. She would remember this and take revenge in the future. "It''s human nature."


    I''m also selfish and petty. Maxwell, in your heart and mind, there''s only room for me."


    "That''s what I wish for!"


    "And I have a strong ambition for my career and won''t just be a housewife at home.


    §±


    This was the conclusion she had drawn from living her life. One must have their own career. If she stayed at home for too long, it would only lead to bing detached from society over time.


    "This is an advantage. It means that you''re motivated. I might even rely on you to support me in the future!"


    I can''t think of anything else. Do you think all my ws in your eyes just be strengths?" Mona asked.


    She really couldn''t recall many of her shorings at once.


    "Yes, I''ve said it before. You''re perfect in my eyes," Maxwell emphasized once again.


    FT

 Chapter 227

    In the end, Mona nestled into Maxwell''s arms and gradually fell asleep.


    Maxwell gazed at the person sleeping in his arms, his eyes softening as he ced his palmn on Mona''s abdomen.


    He said in a very low voice, "Be good in Mommy''s stomach. Otherwise, just wait and see how Daddy will discipline you when youe out."


    He spoke as if Mona was already pregnant.


    Sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, illuminating the hotel room.


    In a half-asleep, Mona felt a wave of heat wash over her. Instinctively, she turned over, and therge hand covering her abdomen followed her movement.


    Mona reached out to remove Maxwell''s hand because she felt ufortable and her belly


    y was too warm.


    Before long his hand was back on her abdomen.


    "It''s so hot, can you move over a bit?" Mona mumbled.


    After saying that, she immediately became wide awake, thinking. Does Maxwell really think I''m pregnant?


    "Wait, Maxwell, I don''t even know if there''s a baby in my belly!


    "Yes, honey, I know. But I believe in ourpatibility. The child is already here," Maxwell said confidently. "Fine, if you say so, then there is. Just don''t be disappointed if we find out there isn''t. Mona yawned.


    She would just leave the matter of having a child to fate.


    Their business in Yosneosnd was settled, and Mona asked Maxwell when they would return home. Maxwell replied that he had taken a few days off to spend time with her in Yosneosnd before heading back to Nathontown. For the next two days, Maxwell and Mona wandered around the tourist spots in Yosneosnd like an ordinary couple, taking pictures and posting updates on Facebook from time to time,


    Thinking about their fans online, Mona casually updated her Twitter with a photo of Maxwell embracing her.


    The photo only showed Maxwell''s well-defined chin and Mona''s cheek facing the light


    Her skin was already fair, and under the sunlight, it gleamed, showing no pores at


    all.


    Before long, there were numerousments under her Twitter post, praising the couple''spatibility. Fans who admired. their looks were eager to see a full-face photo of Maxwell. Mona decided not to pay much attention to thements because the day before returning home, she and Maxwell were going to visit Danielle.


    The car drove around the bustling city and headed towards the suburbs. After making many turns, it finally stopped at the entrance of a vige.


    Before Mona got out of the car, she saw the vigersing and going at the vige entrance, chanting andughing.


    It was often said that rural people were simple and warm-hearted. Mona remembered that Emily used to say this, which was Chapter 227


    why she often took Mona to the countryside when she was young


    Maxwell got out of the car and reached out to help Mona down. He was very careful, afraid that Mona would bump into something.


    At first, Mona was quite unustomed to Maxwell''s overly cautious demeanor, especially since she often stumbled in high heels. However, after two days, she gradually got used to it.


    As soon as the car stopped, Nigel quickly approached a nearby friendly resident to ask for directions to Danielle''s house Upon hearing the directions, he nodded eagerly and smiled. The four of them walked towards Danielle''s house, and with the guidance of the helpful resident, they quickly arrived at her


    house.


    Just as Maxwell was about to knock on the door, Nigel hurriedly called out to him.


    ""Mr. Carter?"


    "What''s wrong?" Maxwell instinctively asked, surprised by Nigel''s sudden change in expression.


    It seemed that he had been too gentle with his subordinates recently as Nigel did things without any rules now.


    Nigel nced at Mona beside Maxwell, unsure if he should share this with her.


    After all, the issue arose because of Mona''s "giarism incident


    "Nigel, are you mute? Speak up!" Maxwell said angrily.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    "Something''s happened at Carter Group. Gordon is now acting as the interim president," Nigel said with a trembling voice. This meant that thepany was no longer under Maxwell''s control. "What?" Maxwell couldn''t believe that Richard would be so foolish to hand thepany over to Gordon, who he considered useless.


    Nigel hurriedly forwarded the message sent by his subordinates to Maxwell. After a brief nce, Maxwell decided to leave and head back home.


    "Mona, there''s been an issue at thepany. Can we head back to Nathontown first? I''ll take you to visit Danielle Later when I have some free time, Maxwell said, holding Mona''s hand.


    Mona quickly nodded. Since something serious had happened at thepany because of her, she agreed. "Let''s go back to Nathontown first. I''ll exin to Danielle on the way." Just


    as Mona and Maxwell were about to leave, the door in front of them opened, revealing Danielle. "Mona, you''re here! Why didn''t you knock? I knew you would arrive around this time!" Danielle had fully opened the door to her home, weing them inside.


    Since they were already at the doorstep, Mona felt it would be disrespectful to leave without saying anything. So she said to Maxwell, "Maxwell, you go ahead and deal with thepany''s issues. I''ll head backter."


    Maxwell met Mona''s serious gaze and, feeling a bit reluctant, said, "I''ll have Haley stay with you at all times and leave a car for you. Take care of yourself. When you''re about to board, let me know, and I''ll have Nigele pick you up." "I know. Just keep your heart calm and settled," Mona said as she let go of Maxwell''s hand.


    Every time they parted, Maxwell would always remind her, and over time, Mona memorized his words.


    "Okay! Danielle, there''s an urgent matter at thepany, so I''ll leave now and let Mona keep youpany, Maxwell said to


    Danielle.


    "Okay! If you have something to do, you can go ahead!"


    After hearing this, Maxwell looked reluctantly at Mona, then said to Nigel, "Let''s go!"


    Nigel quickly handed a car key to Haley and followed Maxwell.


    Mona watched Maxwell''s hurried figure, hoping that nothing serious was happening with thepany.


    During the past few days when she and Maxwell had dinner at the Carter family home, Gordon had been acting quite normally. It seemed he was hiding a big surprise.


    "Alright, now that they''ve left away, let''s go inside with mel Danielle said.


    At her words, Mona pulled her gaze away and walked inside the house with Danielle.


    As soon as they entered. Mona sawrge patches of green grape vines in the courtyard. In this season, the grapes happened to be ripe. They hung on the vines in bunches and looked especially fresh.


    "Come in quickly! I have prepared fresh grapes for you," Danielle said with a smile.


    Her mood was truly brightened when she saw Mona again. Usually, it was just her, her son, and a few disciples living here. and not many visitors came by.


    FT

 Chapter 228

    "Alright, I''ming!" Mona said.


    Seeing the fresh grapes and feeling the warmth of the sun, she suddenly craved their cool sweetness.


    In the yard, a chair sat in the shade of a peach tree, where sunlight filtered softly through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Under Danielle''s guidance, Mona and Haley took their seats. "Here, try some. I grew these myself. Are they sweet?" Danielle asked, cing a bowl of washed grapes in front of them.


    "Well, don''t mind if I do!" Mona said, reaching for a grape.


    "No need to be shy. Go on, eat! Haley, you too!" Danielle encouraged them warmly.


    Her orchard was overflowing with fruit-she could never finish it all on her own, so she loved sharing the harvest with Mona and others.


    Mona bit into a grape, savoring its juicy sweetness. It was so refreshing she couldn''t stop herself from reaching for more


    Haley, who wasn''t big on fruits and veggies, hesitated at first but decided to give it a shot.


    She popped one in and realized it wasn''t bad-actually, it was pretty good. She even grabbed another one.


    With Haley around, there was no awkward silence, just easy conversation andughter. Danielle seemed so happy.


    A few minutester, Jesse and his juniors showed up. Before they even walked in, they could hear everyoneughing inside.


    I wondered why it was so lively today. Mona must be here," Jesse said with a grin as he ced a freshly caught fish on the ground.


    "Yep! Come on over, grab some grapes!" Mona waved them over with a smile.


    Everyone knew about Mona''s mom, Emily Clem, who had been Danielle''s favorite student. They had a close bond with Emily, so seeing Mona here felt like a familiar connection


    They gathered around in the courtyard, chatting,ughing, and swapping stories-it was one of those perfect, easy-going afternoons.


    Mona felt a deep sense of peace here. The countryside had its own magic-no city noise, just the quiet charm that filled her senses and made her feel right at home.


    Just then, an unexpected visitor showed up. Molly knocked on the door, stepping in with an uneasy expression.


    But the second she saw Mona,ughing and surrounded by friends, her expression shifted. Her guilt quickly turned to a re of pure resentment.


    Initially, Molly had counted on Danielle''sck of inte ess out here. She had figured she could pose as Danielle''sst disciple without getting caught-by the time Danielle found out it''d be years down the line. Molly thought she could just apologize then, and if Danielle forgave her, great; if not, no big deal. By now, Mona''s career in the design world was already fainted


    But her n backfired, Danielle had posted on Twitter saying she hadn''t epted any new disciples in years, and now people online were calling Molly a fraud, insisting she apologize to Mona.


    Refusing to admit defeat, she hade here with Jasper Reed, Danielle''s brother, hoping Danielle might still consider taking her on.


    17 Thu, Nov/


    And yet, the first person she saw was Mona. Bitterness surged within her as she recalled Mona''s refusal to ept her past apologies, leaving Molly resentful and cornered as she faced imprisonment. Now, she stood there, torn between entering and turning back. "What are you waiting for? Aren''t you going in?" Jasper nudged her, impatient.


    Jasper had already spotted Mona and knew Molly''s chances here were slim. Still, he thought if he introduced Molly and said a few nice things, he would be rewarded. A little cash for a small favor sounded good to him.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Worst case, his sister might yell or throw him out after Molly left, but he was used to that. Easy money was hard to turn down


    "Alright, let''s go in. Make sure to put in a good word for me, okay? I''ll pay you extra for the trouble," Molly said with a wide


    smile.


    Jasper nced at her, noticing the way her eyes seemed oddly stretched from the stic surgery. The look made him a little uneasy, but he quickly nodded. For the right price, he would dly talk her up.


    Once inside, Jasper grabbed a stool and ced it beside Danielle, gesturing for Molly. "Here, have a seat!"


    Molly smiled, looking at the chair with slight disdain before sitting close to Jasper.


    The moment Mona spotted her, her face dropped. She''d had enough of Molly''s usations and wasn''t about to pretend otherwise. If Molly dared to use her of giarism again this time, Mona felt ready to p her mouth.


    "Mrs. Reed, I''m truly sorry, Molly began, her voice full of forced guilt. "I only pretended to be yourst disciple because I admire you so much. Please, forgive me!"


    Her gaze was all admiration and caution as she looked at Danielle, waiting for forgiveness.


    "Exactly," Jasper chimed in. "This youngdy just has so much respect for you. She''s here to apologize sincerely, Danielle. Let''s not be too harsh on her." Jasper knew he would be paid well, so had no problem throwing out a fewpliments. Danielle, however, wasn''t swayed. "Molly, this isn''t about my forgiveness. Do you even realize the work you showed was giarized? An apology is owed here, and you know it."


    Molly''s expression soured, clearly unwilling to apologize to Mona. Ever since she''d left prison, Mona was her least favorite person on Earth


    "Mrs. Reed, I didn''t giarize. That design is mine, and I even filed a patent," Molly replied stubbornly, hinting that Mona was the real copycat. Mona gripped her ss tightly, watching Molly''s brazen denial. Even now, she couldn''t believe Molly had the nerve to keep up the lie. "Really? So you''re iming Mona copied you?" Danielle asked, her voice calm but sharp.


    Jasper had already warned Molly about Mona being the daughter of Danielle''s favorite disciple. He had made it clear that Danielle cared for her a lot, so Molly needed to be cautious. "Mrs. Reed, it could just be a coincidence," Molly replied with a forced smile. "Maybe I came up with a simr design to Ms.


    Clem


    She wanted to go-further and insist Mona had copied her, but she held back, remembering Jasper''s advice. Today was about trying to be Danielle''s disciple, not pushing her luck. "Miss Sinner, did you forget you publicly used me of stealing your design during the Noretin Design Competition Mona said coldly, catching her own expression in her coffee  07:17 Thu, Nov 7


    Danielle didn''t wait. "Molly, I''ve seen enough in my lifetime to t happening here? Why are you still trying to twist things?"


    She pointed to the door. "Look, it''s clear we''re on different path and see yourself out. Left at the door


    This was Molly''sst chance to make things right with Mona, and


    now, then Danielle had no problem shutting the floor on her.

 Chapter 229

    Hearing Danielle''s words, Mona''s grip on her ss cased, feeling the tension lift slightly.


    Meanwhile, Molly''s face flushed as she stammered, "I didn''t copy anything! I''m not a giarist!"


    Jasper, who''d taken favors from Molly, jumped in, "Come on, Danielle, she says she didn''t do it. Can''t you just give her a shot?" But after one sharp look from Danielle, he went silent.


    Danielle leaned back, looking between the two of them. "Alright, Molly. You say you didn''t giarize, and Mona says she didn''t either. How about you both prove it in a designpetition right now? I''ll be the judge


    Mona lifted her coffee ss, a faint smile ying at her lips. She knew Danielle was giving her chance to clear her name. "No problem with that. I''m inf


    Danielle turned to Molly, "Mona agreed. And you? Ready to show us what you''ve got?"


    Molly''s tense expression and hesitation said it all-she was the one who had giarized.


    "Uh... Mrs. Reed, don''t you think this is a bit... unnecessary?" Molly asked, bracing herself.


    Molly had been a model forever and didn''t know a thing about design. She''d just splurged on designs to p her name on them. So, when Danielle expected her toe up with something on the spot, she felt totally out of her league. Danielle just smiled mockingly. "What''s the problem. Molly? Afraid of a littlepetition? After all, if Mona is the copycat, what''s there to be worried about?"


    "That''s right, Molly," Jasper urged. "Didn''t you want a chance? Well, now you''ve got one-might as well make it count!"


    He believed Molly when she said she was capable, and that Mona was the one who giarized. Now that Danielle had given her a chance, Jasper couldn''t understand why she would want to turn it down. Figuring out a woman''s thoughts is tough enough, but a beautiful woman? Oh, forget it!'' he thought.


    Lum-Molly stumbled over her words, shooting a re at Jasper.


    He couldn''t get anything right and somehow always managed to mess things up. Seriously, he was just a deadweight


    teammate.


    "Alright, Molly. If you don''t want topete, just leave. It''s almost lunchtime, so don''t waste time!" Danielle said, clearly impatient.


    "Fine, I ept the challenge!" Molly finally said, feeling trapped,


    If she bailed now, it would look like she was a giarist scared to face the consequence. Might as well tough it out Even if she ended up losing, it didn''t prove she actually copied that dress "Awesome! I have a white T-shirt in my yard. With this hot weather, let''s use the yard for inspiration and design a pattern for it! Danielle said.


    They both nodded. Jesse led them to the design space, where he handed out white T-shirts. They had 15 minutes to create something Mona quickly decided to sketch a grapevine pattern. As soon as she stepped in, the sight of all those grapevines caught her attention


    Drawing was a breeze since she had the perfect scenery right there; matching colors was a walk in the park.


    Thu, Nov/


    BK 96%2


    On the other hand, Molly had only picked up drawing a few years ago when she was younger, and now, having forgotten most of what she learned, she was overwhelmed by the colors around her.


    As the clock ticked down, her nerves kicked in. Molly peeked over at the partition next to her and felt even more anxious. Grabbing a random color, she made a few strokes on her T-shirt, but suddenly, the paint started spreading all over the ce. She looked at the mess she''d made of the T-shirt and felt like crying¡ªshe was really going to embarrass herself today.


    When time was up, Danielle and her students gathered to check the designs. Everyone nodded approvingly, smiling at Mona''s pattern on the white T-shirt


    Then they moved to Molly. By now, she was so frustrated she''d crumpled her T-shirt into a ball, ruining any trace of her original design.


    "Molly, this is what you bring to thepetition?" Danielle said, her tone sharp. "Youck even the basics, yet you Mona of giarism. Where''s your shame?" used


    Danielle had been impressed by Molly''s designs when Jasper brought her in, thinking they were fresh and lively. Now, realizing Molly knew nothing about design, she was fuming.


    It was obvious to everyone that Molly had zero design skills, yet she had somehow made it as a judge for the Noretin Design Competition. Clearly, she was just riding on connections, Even Jasper, no expert in fashion, could see it-he realized he had been conned.


    As he nced at Danielle''s stern face, he had the sinking feeling she would ban him from the studio again. He could pr¨¢ctically see the sign on the door: [Jasper is not allowed!] Mona''s voice cut through the silence, calm but icy. "Molly, don''t you think you owe me an apology?"


    Molly''s face twisted into a smirk. ''An apology? I already gave you one when the police hauled me in! Apologizing isn''t going to fix anything.


    "No way!" Molly shot back, clearly furious.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    As far as she was concerned, it was Mona who had taken her chance to be Mrs. Carter. Now, thanks to that, she couldn''t even use the name Lydia Reed and had toe back as the "illegitimate daughter."


    If Mona thought she was getting an apology from her, Molly thought she could keep dreaming.


    Mona, on the other hand, was just fed up. Molly had stolen her work, imed credit, and somehow kicked her out of the Noretin Design Competition.


    That whole setup was clearly wed. But all Mona wanted now was a simple apology. That didn''t seem like much to ask. Molly''s dismissive attitude, though, pushed her over the edge. Mona grabbed the coffee ss from the table and sshed its warm contents right onto Molly''s face.


    Coffee dripped down, messing up Molly''s perfectly done makeup as her eyes squeezed stuur.


    "That''s what you get when you don''t apologize," Mona said, mming the ss back onto the table. Honestly, she wasn''t even sure how she kept her cool enough not to throw the whole ss at her.


    Molly''s eyes snapped open, her face twisted with anger. "Mona, how dare you- she started, hand already raised, clearly ready to strike..

 Chapter 230

    ¦°


    Haley, Mona''s bodyguard, wasn''t one to mess with. The moment Molly raised her hand, Haley grabbed her wrist and gave her a hard shove, sending Molly sprawling to the ground.


    And it wasn''t the soft carpet Molly was used to; instead, the rough concrete bit sharply into her hands as she fell, sending a sting through her skin that made her eyes water. "Unbelievable! You can''t design a thing on your own, so you just steal Mona''s work? Where do you get the nerve!" Haley scolded, clearly ready to set her straight.


    "Do you even know who I am?" Molly shouted, scrambling to save face. "Tm the Reed family- However, she suddenly stopped, realizing that title didn''t exactly apply anymore. Haley only scoffed. "I don''t care who you think you are. Try touching Mona again, and you''ll get worse than that. She clenched her fist.


    Jasper, seeing how things were spiraling, quickly helped Molly up. After all, he was the one who had brought her here and wasn''t about to let her make things worse.


    "Well, looks like it''s about noon," he said, nervously chuckling. "My family''s expecting me for lunch. You all enjoy yourselves!" And with that, he dragged a very ruffled Molly out the door. Everyone just nced at Jasper. They were used to his antics by now, so no one bothered to see him out.


    As they left, Molly shot Mona a look full of hate, clearly wanting payback.


    Meanwhile, Mona watched her go, realizing she had lost her usual cool and even sshed coffee on her. "Sorry, t... I got a little too worked up back there," she said, feeling embarrassed.


    Danielle justughed as she replied, "No apology needed. I remember when someone stole one of my designs-I grabbed a stick and made sure they remembered not to do it again. People like that deserve a wake-up call! If you hadn''t handled her. I would have! Danielle''s warm smile instantly eased Mona''s nerves, and she returned the smile. The courtyard quickly returned to its lively atmosphere, with Molly''s departure barely leaving a dent in the joyful energy.


    Maxwellnded in Nathontown just as evening set in. After a quick message to Mona letting her know he had arrived safely, he made his way straight to the Carter family home.


    By the time Maxwell arrived at the old Carter residence, night had fallen. Dressed in a sharp ck suit, he looked out at the familiar entrance, a hint of loneliness settling over him.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Carter Group had really expanded under his leadership, but Maxwell knew his grandfather would jump at the chance to take control back if he got the opportunity, Maxwell wasn''t having any of that. When Martin saw Maxwelling up the walk looking tense, he hurried inside to announce him.


    Inside, it was aid-back scene. Gordon and the others were finishing up their dinner,ughing together in the sitting room. Then, Maxwell strolled in, casually settling into a chair, crossing his legs. "Maxwell, you''re back! Have you had your dinner?" Hannah greeted him, her pride obvious now that Carter Group was officially in her son''s hand.


    "Grandpa, I heard you''re taking over my duties. Is that so?" Maxwell directed his question at Richard.


    Chapter 230.


    "Maxwell, you''ve been running Carter Group for a while. And I''re not all that busy, so I thought I would handle things as CEO for a bit. Gordon replied, taking a puff from his cigarette. Plus, you''ve still got Clem Group to manage, right?" Richard stepping in looked like it was triggered by those rumors about Mona''s alleged giarism. Moreover, instead of sticking around to reassure the business partners, Maxwell had gone off to support Mona in Yosneosnd. Richard felt like Maxwell''s heart wasn''t fully in Carter Group-not with him running both that and Clem Group.


    Plus, Maxwell had been at thepany nonstoptely, waking up earlier than anyone and dealing with endless was enough to make Rochard decide to take thepany back from him. gripes. It


    "Maxwell, I''ve noticed you''re super swampedtely. Maybe it''s time you took a break and let your brother handle things. Richard said.


    §±


    "Grandpa, I''m fine. I still have time for thepany," Maxwell replied, clinging to ast bit of hope. Ever since he had been brought into the Carter family as an outsider, the illegitimate child, he knew no one truly epted him.


    Richard only brought him into the family to keep the bloodline close, but he held no warmth at all.


    "Maxwell, why don''t you focus more on Mona?" Gordon added with a satisfied smirk. Thepany was already his to oversee, and of course, he wasn''t about to give it back.


    "Exactly. Maxwell, take Gordon''s advice. Spend some time with Mona, and maybe think about giving our family a new addition soon!" Richard smiled kindly, but Maxwell felt the sting


    Now that thepany was stable, Richard wasn''t about to risk letting him lead, even if Maxwell was the one who had expanded it. It was probably because Richard didn''t want the public associating thepany with an illegitimate child.


    Maxwell took a deep breath, seeing the writing on the wall. "Alright, Grandpa. Tomorrow, I''ll leave Carter Group to Gordon" "Yes, good! And really," Richard added, "the Carter family can afford for Mona to stay home if she''d like. No need for her to be out working every day, don''t you agree?"


    When Richard made thatment, he seemed to forget that when Carter Group was in trouble back then, he had been the one begging Maxwell to take over.


    "Grandpa, you don''t need to worry about Mona," Maxwell said, tapping his leg thoughtfully. "And if I leave Carter Group this time, I''m noting back. So, please think it over."


    "Now, Maxwell, don''t be rash! We still need you to help with thepany, Gordon chimed in, though he would be thrilled if Maxwell stayed out of the picture for good. He secretly hoped Mona would leave Maxwell, too.


    "Maxwell-"Richard hesitated. He worried that Gordon might run thepany into another crisis, and by letting Maxwell walk away now, Richard knew he couldn''t just turn around and ask him toe backter.

 Chapter 231

    FT


    Seeing Richard keep quiet, Maxwell cut in. "Let''s get this straight I''ve managed the Carter family business all these years. but only out of respect for the family that raised me. Consider it my way of paying it back." He paused, ncing around the Toom


    "From here on out, whatever happens to Carter Group is not my concern."


    "Maxwell, is that what do you mean? Are you saying you are done with the Carter family?" Donald snapped, barely able to keep his anger in check.


    Donald could never quite figure out what his son was thinking, even since Maxwell was young. Thepany was only temporarily under Maxwell''s care-the shares still belonged to Richard. Now that Gordon was set to lead the Carter Group for its own future, Maxwell decided to cut tiespletely. Donald felt his patience fray.


    That''s right. Maxwell replied, his lips barely moving. He''d rather be free from a family like this, save himself the hassle of showing up with Mona out of some sense of duty,


    Actually, cutting ties with the Carters was long overdue.


    You-you ungrateful son!" Donald shouted, grabbing the ashtray off the table and hurling it at Maxwell.


    Richard had not expected things to escte this much-just the mention of Gordon taking over, and Maxwell was ready to walk away from the family.


    Maxwell saw the ashtraying but didn''t bother dodging. This was his version of respecting his father for thest time


    The ashtray hit his knee and ttered to the floor. Then, Maxwell calmly brushed the cigarette ash off his suit pants, his face expressionless.


    "Mr. Carter, I will let this go this time. But if it happens again, I won''t just stand here and take it.


    "You cold-hearted wretch. How dare you speak to me like this! am your father-the one who gave you life. What now? Are you nning to throw a punch at me?" Donald was mad, his teeth clenched as he red at Maxwell''s unflinching face. However, Donald''s voice was thick with challenge as he spoke, almost daring Maxwell to hit him back.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing this whole mess about to blow up, Richard banged his walking stick on the floor and said. "Enough! We''re family. Do you even hear yourselves? Aren''t you worried people willugh if they find out we''re brawling like this?"


    Turning to Maxwell, his voice hardened. "If you walk out that door, consider yourself cut off from the Carter family


    Most people would fight to be part of a family like the Carters, but Maxwell was different. It felt like the Carter family needed him more than he needed them.


    Now, with onest calm look around, Maxwell walked out without a second nce. For over twenty years, Maxwell had put


    with this family. Mona was the only one who had ever treated him with real kindness.


    up


    Donald, his father, hadn''t even bothered to be a parent. After Richard brought him back, he had barely looked his way, just signed off on a DNA test and ignored him-even when Gordon locked him up in the basement, he didn''t even lift a finger to help.


    As for Richard, this old man had pulled him from the countryside, sure, gave him a "better life," but only because he had Carter blood. Maxwell had worked his tail off managing Carter Group, keeping them on par with Clem Group in Nathontown, only to be pushed aside when he had done his job now.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie, Juliet, Gordon-they all looked down on him and schemed against him. There was nothing worth staying for in this family.


    As Maxwell''s figure disappeared, Richard stared after him, gritting his teeth. "Raised that boy for years, and this is what


    get


    "Dad, you should''ve let me go aftes him, Donald snapped. "Should''ve beaten some sense into him-where''d he get this nerve from?"


    "Grandpa, Dad, calm down," Gordon said smoothly. "Maxwell is just mad. Give him a few days to cool off, and he''lle back to apologize."


    But secretly, Gordon hoped Maxwell wouldn''te back at all-then everything in the Carter family would finally be his.


    "Exactly. Maxwell''s just being stubborn," Juliet added, pleased. She had been thinking about ways to push Maxwell out, but now he was doing it all on his own.


    Around nine that night, Mona and Haleynded back in Nathontown from Yosneosnd. She had been anxious about Maxwell and thepany, so she came straight home after a quick lunch at Danielle''s ce.


    Now, she was almost home. With Haley around, there was nothing to worry about. She nned to surprise Maxwell.


    As Mona arrived, she spotted Nigel leaving the Carter family estate. She learned from him that Maxwell had just returned from his own visit with the family and might not be in the best mood.


    With that, Mona headed inside, kicked off her ts, flipped on the living room light, and went upstairs to the darkened second floor. She didn''t bother with the lights, the moonlight pouring in was enough to guide her. She checked the bedroom-empty. Quietly, she moved to the study, where the door was slightly open.


    There, standing by the window, was Maxwell She knew his silhouette by heart. Walking up quietly, Mona stood on her toes and gently covered his eyes from behind.


    "Guess who?" she whispered, her voice soft and yful. What she didn''t know was that Maxwell had sensed her the moment she reached the second floor, waiting for her to find him.


    Holding her hands, he smiled. "The one who missed me-Mrs. Carter!"


    "Smart guess!" Monaughed. "You''ve earned a kiss. She leaned in, kissing him softly on the neck.


    Maxwell turned around and nted a kiss on Mona''s lips. Mona wrapped her arms around his strong waist, tilting her head back to meet his kiss, feeling their breaths mix in the stillness of the night.


    After a long moment, they both pulled away, breathing a bit unevenly. Maxwell finally let her go and flicked on the light, flooding the room with brightness that made it feel like daytime,


    He settled into the office chair and pulled Mona onto hisp, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.


    "Maxwell, you can talk to me about anything that''s bothering you," Mona said, meeting his tired eyes. "I might not have all the answers, but I can definitely be your ear to vent to," "You''re the best wife, you know that?" Maxwell said, resting his chin on her neck and soaking up her warmth.


    FT


    0

 Chapter 232

    Mona''s fingers gently ran through Maxwell''s hair as she said, "So spill it! I''m all ears."


    Maxwell nodded and rested his chin against her neck. "Well, Mona, Richard has given Carter Group to Gordon


    He skipped calling him grandpa because he was done with the whole Carter family scene. Honestly, all he needed was Mona and their future kids, and that was more than enough. Mona understood. Beforeing over, she had heard from Nigel and couldn''t shake the thought that her giarism usation might have yed a role. A little guilt crept in.


    "Hey, don''t sweat it. You still have Clem Group, and that''s all yours! I''m here for you, no matter what," she reassured him.


    my


    "I know, I''ve cut ties with the Carter family and sold my shares in the Carter Group. From now on, they''re out of my life. I should''ve told you earlier, and I''m sorry!" Maxwell said, pulling her in close like she was his lifeline. "Nothing to be sorry for! I''m on your side with whatever you choose," she replied, determined. All she really wanted was for Maxwell to be happy. As long as he was, she would stick by him through anything. "Mona, you''re incredible. I''m so lucky to have you!"


    "And I''m lucky, too! So, how do you feel? Better after saying it out loud?" she asked.


    Maxwell lifted his head and yfully tapped her nose. Way better, of course! The moment you walked in, the ck cloud just disappeared!" Mona was definitely his mood lifter.


    "Oh, and there''s one more thing I haven''t told you, Mona," he said, leaning closer.


    "Yeah? What is it? I''m listening!"


    Maxwell leaned in and whispered, "What''s mine is mine. I''m taking Carter Group back. He was ready to face off against Gordon in the business world, and he wasn''t about to hold back "Do your thing, I''ll always be right here with you!" Mona said, firm and ready.


    "With you by my side, I can tackle anything. And just wait, we''ll have plenty of kids in the future!" he replied, grinning wide.


    Speaking of kids, Mona found herself really hoping she was pregnant with Maxwell''s baby. He seemed so lonely and could definitely use someone to keep himpany.


    Her Maxwell Carter was really too lonely!


    He needed someone to apany him!


    Mona''s giarism scandal had started to fade from the online chatter. A bunch ofizens were calling out Molly on Twitter, demanding she apologize to Mona.


    But after iming that she didn''t giarize, Molly went radio silent. It was like she had vanished from the inte, ignoring all the bacsh.


    The Noretin Design Competition had alsoe to an end, and they weren''t going to redo it just because Mona might''ve been wronged. But on the upside, she picked up a ton of fans online, especially thanks to her rtionship with Maxwell. Everyone was cheering for her to find happines


    You could say Mona really won over the public in the Noretin Design Competition.


    Meanwhile, after the shake-up at Carter Group, it was business as usual, but Maxwell didn''t show up again. Even Nigel, his personal assistant since day one, decided to leave.


    As for Bud-he left without even thinking twice. Macy, the secretary, also quit just three days after the new CEO took and submitted her resume to the secretarial team at Clem Group


    With Maxwell now focused solely on onepany, he found himself with more free time. And he was loving it, spending a lot of that time just chilling with Mona at home.


    But after Noretin wrapped up, Mona


    decided to take a month off work in the best state of mind. She felt kind of down and low on energy, so she


    reset and work on her design skills.


    Just a few days into her break, enjoying some downtime, Maxwell''s team sent him a surveince video. It showed a servant handing over one of Mona''s iplete design ns to a stranger, who then slipped the servant some cash. Maxwell watched the video in front of him, narrowing his eyes So, it was a servant at home who leaked Mona''s design. It was pretty obvious who she leaked it to.


    Then, he sent the video over to Mona, letting her decide what to do next. Once Mona got the video, she called Haley to bring the servant to her.


    "Ma-Ma''am what do you need from me?" the servant stammered, confused. Everything seemed fine, so she couldn''t understand why Mona wanted to see her. She was nning to quietly quit soon and enjoy life without serving anyone. Mona wasn''t in the mood to beat around the bush with a traitor, She cut straight to the point by asking. "How much?"


    "W-What do you mean?" the servant replied, her eyes wide.


    Mona calmly set her coffee cup down. "How much did you get paid to steal my design draft?"Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    "Ma''am, are you kidding? I''m just a servant cleaning the backyard. I''d never touch something as important as your design draft"


    Mona studied the servant in front of her, genuinely surprised that someone with humble appearance like this would betray her trust. She had given her a chance, and now it was gone.


    Without another word, Mona threw the coffee cup at the servant''s feet, and it shattered with a loud crash. The servant jumped back, eyes wide.


    "Ma''am, what''s going on? We all know you''ve been getting dragged online. Even if you''re upset, you can''t take it out on us. We''re just servants, but you don''t have that right!"


    The servant was baffled by Mona''s sudden change in attitude. With some money in her pocket, the servant thought she could shrug this off and maybe just get fired. She never imagined that the usually mild-mannered Mona would actually know about the theft. "You sold my design to someone else. You really think I woulde after you without proof?" Mona said, hitting y on the video Maxwell sent


    The moment Kelsey saw that video, her heart dropped. The deal was supposed to be super hush-hush-how could there even be footage?'' she asked herself.


    "Kelsey, did you see that?" Mona asked, her voice steady.


    As soon as the servant named Kelsey heard it, she dropped to her knees, begging, "Ma''am, I was wrong! Please, have mercy and forgive me this one time!


    "Forgive you? That''s a joke. And what do you mean I should show you some mercy? Did you ever think about how I felt when you sold me out? Don''t you feel guilty seeing all those nedzens tearing me apart online? Mona replied coldly. 07:17 Thu, Nov 7


    "You really think you deserve a pass after selfishly putting yourself up and throwing someone under the bus?" she added with a sarcastic edge.


    Afterying it all out, Mona told Haley to take Kelsey to the police station. With the video evidence, Kelsey would have to face the consequences of her actions.


    Kelsey left, crying. If she had known it would blow up like this, the would''ve hightailed it out of there with the cash instead of sticking around.


    A little whileter, the cops got back to say they tracked down the person Kelsey had talked to. But they insisted it was all Kelsey''s idea and had nothing to do with Molly. Molly just imed she bought the design from Kelsey without knowing how it all went down. And just like that, it was clear now that Molly had copied Mona''s work. Suddenly, the online hate ramped up even more than before. Their feud was officially out in the open.


    The Noretin organizers then contacted Mona to apologize for their earlier blunders, even offering her a spot in the nextpetition. But Mona knew there was a bigger yer behind all this. She wasn''t interested and politely said no. Afterward, she reported the whole situation to the proper authorities and didn''t bother keeping tabs on what happened next.

 Chapter 233

    Time passed, and today, like mostys, Mona and Maxwell headed over to the Clem family home. This time was special, though-Albert was back from the army for a two-week break, and they would finally get to have lunch together. When Mona and Maxwell pulled up, they saw Albert already at the front door, waving them down. He had a two-week leave from the army, giving him some rare time to hang out at home with their family.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Before Maxwell even parked. Mona noticed her brother''s big grin practically glowing in the sunlight. She couldn''t help but smile-Albert was tanned again, of course, but he looked even more energetic than usual.


    "Mona! You knew I wasing home today, but no airport pickup? Guess you''ve forgotten about me, huh?" Albert teased as she got out of the car.


    He had been so worried about Mona when he heard about the giarism mess, and he had used every spare minute online defending her on Twitter, firing off paragraph after paragraph.


    Now that he was finally on break from the army, Albert was a little annoyed Mona had not shown up at the airport. He felt like she did not really care about him.


    "Hey, don''t pin this on me!" Sheughed, nudging him. "You gave me, like, zero notice. I was half-asleep when I saw your message, and you''d practicallynded. So, I sent the driver instead-if not, you''d have been bored to death waiting for me. She motioned to her loosely tied hair and added, "Look, I barely had time to get myself together! Now let''s get inside. I''m melting out here!"


    The July sun was beating down hard. Mona hadn''t been outside for long, but her skin was already starting to feel scorched, and she was getting a bit lightheaded.


    While she talked, Mona gave Albert a little shove to get him moving. Maxwell trailed behind, a bit sulky that his wife hadpletely overlooked him.


    "What time is it? Seriously, just now rolling out of bed?" Albert said, shaking his head. "You''re gettingzier by the day, Mora! If it weren''t for Maxwell''s endless patience, I know you would be in trouble."


    Besides Maxwell, who was clearly blinded by love, Albert couldn''t imagine anyone else putting up with Mona''s moods. Good thing it was Maxwell who married her and not Teddy


    "Oh, please!" Mona grinned back. "My husband loves doting on me, don''t you, Maxwell?"


    Maxwell smiled, giving her a warm look. "Every day, for the rest of your life."


    Albert rolled his eyes and replied, "Maxwell, spoiling her like this... are you not worried she''s going to get used to it?"


    "Fine by me," Maxwell replied, grinning. "The more spoiled she is, the less chance anyone else will want to steal her. Am I right?"


    Albert snorted andughed, "Ugh, I can''t with you two. So ridiculous!" He walked ahead, thinking. I don''t get it. Why is Maxwell so shameless? If I ever get married, there''s no way I''m gonna turn into sope wife-worshipper like him. No chance'' With Albert moving on ahead, Maxwell took the chance to reach for Mona''s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as they followed him up to the house.


    Once the three of them were inside, the Clemn family elders came down the stairs. Mona quickly noticed Jane, her grandmother, had her hair neatly tied up today. With a quick nce at Bernard, her grandfather, she realized he must''ve been the one to do the hair. "Grandma, you look so beautiful-like you just stepped out of a painting!" Mona said, smiling.


    Mona took after her inother, Emily, who had inherited Jane''s beauty and grace. Even in her age, Jane''s charm was undeniable; anyone could see she had been a real beauty in her youth.


    "Mona, always ttering me! A wounan in a painting? Oh, I am too old for that! What if people hear andugh?" Jane said, though clearly pleased. Mona''s charm could really win everyone over, not only was she beautiful, but she always had the sweetest things to say. "Mona, Maxwell, Albert, isn''t Jane''s hair looking good in that bun? Bernard chimed in with pride. "It''s my masterpiece, you know-took me a few tries, but I finally got it just right."


    The three of them nodded in agreement, smiling.


    "Alright, alright, stop standing around. Go sit on the couch and try some of the watermelon Jane and I grew ourselves!" Bernard said, leading them all toward the living room.


    They had barely sat down when Albert jumped up and said, "Grandpa, Grandma, you enjoy the fruit! Barbara just got here- I will go greet her."


    Albert figured he couldn''t y favorites, especially since he had just picked Mona up, so he hurried off to wee Barbara


    "Alright, go ahead, then, Bernard waved, grinning. "We are not going anywhere here!"


    Barbara did note around much since Maxwell promoted her-probably too busy-but Mona assumed she would show up today. With Albert finally home, Barbara wouldn''t miss a chance to reconnect. No surprise.


    In no time, Albert came back with Barbara, who was holding a small gift. She looked neat and polite in a simple white dress, standing close beside him.


    "Hi, Grandpa, Grandma, Mona, Maxwell!" Barbara greeted them with a warm smile, and Bernard nodded, gesturing for her


    TO S?L


    Mona still didn''t love having Barbara around, but she kept things polite. After all, Barbara helped testing the medicine to save her, and for that, Mona would always be grateful.


    "Barbara, you''ve slimmed down. Have you not been eating welltely?" Bernard asked, noting how much more worn out she looked since he hadst seen her.


    Hearing this, Albert nced at her too. Barbara did look paler and thinner, and even Mona seemed a bit out of it, loungingzily like she didn''t have the energy.


    Barbara touched her cheek and said, "Really? Maybe it''s from staying up too much-I''ve been preparing for anotherpetition. If I win, I will get to represent our country in an international event!"


    Her tone was cheerful, ncing at Mona with a smile. "Mona, it''s such a shame about Molly. What a nasty woman. If it weren''t for her, we could''vepeted together and made Nathontown proud!" Barbara clutched Mona''s hand, feigning outrage. "Don''t you think?" she asked, waiting for Mona''s response.


    Mona, not wanting to make a scene with Albert right there, rodded slightly, feeling too drained to get into it. Must be this relentless heat, she thought.


    Gritting his teeth, Albert chimed in, "Molly sounds like real trouble. If I run into her, she will hear from me."


    "But there''s always next time! If I get to represent the country in thepetition overseas, you''ve gottae with me!" Barbara said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    She couldn''t wait for Mona to see her in the spotlight, hoping to remind her just how much she was outshining her.


    .


    Chapter 233.


    96%E


    Albert''s face lit up "Yes exactly! All of us will go to support you. Maxwell, this is going to be big for the Clem family! He turned to Bernard and Jane. "Grandpa, Grandma-you two areing too. It''s been ages since we all went somewhere together!" "Alright, alright! If Barbara actually gets to represent the country in the designpetition, I''ll make sure she gets a big reward!" Bernard said with a grin.


    It was a big honor topete for the country, and just thinking about it made him proud. And just like that, the n was set. If Barbara made it, the whole Clem family woulde out to cheer her on at the event.


    Meanwhile, Mona felt a bit better after munching on the iced watermelon Polly had prepared now, enjoying a few extra bites.


    Maxwell noticed how happy she looked and offered her some washed grapes, cing them beside her. Mona smiled at him and happily took them


    Once she finished the watermelon, Albert pulled Mona toward his room to y some games. He wanted to see if he still had his gaming skills.


    But Mona felt this heaviness in her chest and just didn''t have the energy. She told Maxwell to join Albert while she headed back to her room for a nap. "Seriously, Mona, you''re getting way toozy! All you do is eat, sleep, and repeat!" Albert teased.


    0

 Chapter 234

    Maxwell noticed how tired Mona looked, and he couldn''t shake off the worry about her health. She hadn''t eaten much for days and was always sleeping.


    "Mona, I think we should get you checked out at the hospital. You haven''t been yourself thest couple of days," he said, frowning.


    Mona waved her hand dismissively. "I''m fine, really! It''s just this heat making me feel sluggish. I just need some rest. You should go have fun with Albert!" The summer sun was brutal, and she wished it would just cool down already.


    "Mona, I''d rather stay here with you," Maxwell replied, refusing to budge. He only yed games with Albert because of her, after all.


    "Come on, Maxwell, we talked about this in the living room. Let''s go! It''s almost lunchtime!" Albert chimed in, pulling Maxwell towards his room.


    Once they were gone, Mona kicked off her shoes and flopped onto her bed, hugging the nket as she closed her eyes. She felt like she was gettingzier andzier-just like Albert said, it was all eat, sleep, repeat.


    Mona didn''t even know when she fell asleep, but when she woke up, she saw Maxwell sitting by her bed. She rolled over and hugged his waist, mumbling, "What time is it? How long did I sleep?"


    With the thick curtains drawn, the room was pretty dark, and it was hard to tell how long she had been out.


    Feeling her hands around him, Maxwell turned to her. "You''ve been sleeping for a while now. It''s already past one."


    If Mona hadn''t woken up soon, he would have to nudge her. It was odd for her to nap for so long after getting full eight hours sleep the night before, and he couldn''t help but worry a little.


    Mona let go of him and stretched, yawning. "Wow, I really slept like a rock. Did you eat lunch yet?"


    Maxwell shook his head, looking a bit sad. "Nope, not yet."


    He looked over at Mona, lounging on the big bed, and gave her a yful pat on the butt. "Time to get up and eat."


    Mona nodded, realizing she needed to get moving since Maxwell hadn''t had lunch yet. After freshening up, they headed out of the room and spotted Jane in the living room, arranging a bouquet.


    Jane looked up and said, "Finally awake, huh? Go sit at the dining table. I''ll have Polly prepare you something. Seriously, how do you sleep so much? Barbara''s already left. Maxwell, you''re spoiling her! She''s gotten evenzier since you two got married!" "Grandma, I know!" Mona replied, a bit embarrassed. She just intended to take a quick nap, not end up hibernating. At least it was only family around to see her like this.


    Maxwell just grinned; he was totally okay with pampering Mona.


    Then, Polly walked in with some food they saved for her, saying, "Ms. Clem! We made your favorite sweet and sour fish today. You''ve got to try it."


    Mona nodded and grabbed a spoon, but as she looked at the fish, her stomach churned. She took a tiny bite, and just as it hit her mouth, she felt a wave of nausea wash over her,


    Maxwell noticed and hurried over, gently patting her back. "What''s going on?"


    Just then, Albert strolled down the stairs. Noticing that Mona was just getting her lunch at this hour and being all picky, he couldn''t help but think she was acting a bit bratty. Mona shook her head. "I don''t know. Just feeling a bit off."


    "Off how?" Maxwell asked, looking more worried. Jane and Polly rushed over, and even Albert looked concerned.


    "I can''t exin it. I just feel like I can''t eat." After a pause, she added, "Do you think I''m anorexic?"


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt silly. There was no way she could suddenly have anorexia when she was perfectly fine just a few days ago.


    "No way, are you really thinking about anorexia?" Albertughed.


    "Mona, how about I take you to the hospitalter? We can find a nutritionist to help figure things out," Maxwell suggested.


    Polly had a feeling about what might be going on, but she didn''t want to jump the gun. "Ms. Clem, besides not wanting to eat, have you felt off in any other waytely?" Mona shrugged. "Yeah, pretty much what Albert said. I''ve just been lounging around. Now I can''t even eat at all, and funny enough, I''ve somehow gained weighttely." Logically, if she couldn''t eat, she should''ve lost weight, but somehow, she was putting it on. It was baffling.


    Polly stared at Mona''s beautiful face, nervously wondering if she should voice her doubts.


    "Polly, if you have something to say, just spill it. I won''t bite," Mona urged her.


    After years of working for her, Polly felt like family. Mona thought Polly could just say what was on her mind. Excitedly sping her hands together, Polly took a deep breath and said, "Ms. Clem, you might be pregnant." Mona''s eyes widened in confusion. ''Pregnant?'' Her heart raced at the thought. ''Is it possible?''


    Maxwell was practically bouncing off the walls, unsure what to do with his hands. His eyes were glued to Mona''s belly. Turns out, he was right-Mona was pregnant.


    His palms got a little sweaty, and he let go of her hand, standing up as if he couldn''t sit still. He gently touched her hand again, excitement bubbling over. "Mona, we''ve gotta get you to the hospital." Mona was still sitting there, a little dazed, but she nodded. Maxwell looked into her bright almond-shaped eyes and reassured her, "Pregnant or not, we''re going for a checkup."


    "Mona, Maxwell, I''ming too!" Albert chimed in eagerly. If his sister was pregnant, he''d officially be an uncle.


    Once the pregnancy news started to sink in, Mona and Maxwell lost their appetite for lunch and headed straight out of the Clem family''s house.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona also asked Jane and the others not to tell Bernard yet, especially since she wasn''t 100% sure this wasn''t just a false rm.


    Maxwell, on the other hand, was all in. He just he wrapped his arm around her waist.


    was


    pregnant. He asked the driver to take it easy on the road while


    Mona couldn''t help but think Maxwell was even more nervous than she was; he seemed a bit scattered.


    When they finally pulled up to Nathontown Central Hospital, Mona followed the doctor''s instructions for her checkup, with Maxwell and Albert sticking close by, eager not to miss anything.


    While Mona was inside, Maxwell paced the hallway, bouncing with excitement, getting up and sitting down like he had ants in his pants.


    Finally, Albert couldn''t take it anymore. "Maxwell, chill out! You''re shaking so much it''s making my head spin. Mona''s definitely pregnant. I was wondering why she was sozy when she came this time."


    Maxwell nodded like a bobblehead. "Yeah, she''s been sleeping nonstop. If I''d known, I''d have brought her to the hospital way earlier."


    It wasn''t like he hadn''t tried to bring it up before, but Mona always brushed it off, ming the heat. Plus, she never ate much to begin with, and it had gotten even worsetely. So, he assumed it was really just the weather. Never once did it cross his mind that she could be expecting.


    Time ticked by an hour or two-until Mona finally rested her hand on her stomach and leaned her head against Maxwell''s shoulder. With her big almond-shaped eyes focused on him, she noticed Maxwell staring intently at the pregnancy test report in his hand.


    It clearly showed that she was going to have a baby. As soon as Albert heard the news, he couldn''t wait to make a call.


    Inside the exam room, the doctor had asked Mona a few questions, and deep down, she had a feeling about the oue. She was really pregnant.

 Chapter 235

    Maxwell was still staring at the,ncy test report when he heard Mona call his name. He looked over and replied, "Yeah?"


    "Are you happy about this baby?" Mona


    aved quietly.


    Honestly, she didn''t even need to ask. The look on his face said it all-he was over the moon. Since she stepped out of the exam room, that grin hadn''t left his face.


    Then, Maxwell tucked the pregnancy test report away and ced his hand on her shoulder. "I''m thrilled. I''ll love this baby, especially since it''s ours!"


    He wasn''t really into kids, but this baby was different-thin


    one was his and Mona''s. His feelings for this little one were all tied to his love for her, unlike some guys who get so caught up in being a dad that they forget about their partners.


    "Maxwell, soon you''ll have another family member. The spreading across her face.


    and I will love you and be with you forever," she said, a smile


    Maxwell just leaned in and kissed her forehead gently, whispering, "I know."


    After that, they headed to the doctor''s offi made sure to jot everything down.


    The doctor went over a ton of things they needed to keep in mind, and Maxwell


    Since Mona was still early in her pregnancy, there was no need for an ultrasound just yet. They woulde back in a month for that and to set up a health card for the baby. Before they left, the doctor added, "Remember, no sleeping together for the first three months. You guys need to keep that in mind!"


    Once they were out of the Gynecology Department, Mona shed a grin at Maxwell. "Congrats again, Mr. Carter! You''re going to be a dad!"


    This baby was both what Maxwell had expected and a little surprising at the same time. Excitement bubbled up in his heart, but it still felt like a dream.


    "Mona, congrats on bing a mom! I''m going to do my best to be a great dad and husband," he said, beaming.


    "Hubby, you''re already doing awesome!" Mona grinned back. She felt way happier in this life than in her past one.


    *****


    When they got back to the Clem family''s house, Albert was on high alert. He would remind Mona to watch her step on the stairs and spoke to her like in a soft tone.


    "Hey, you''re back! Come sit with us. Albert filled us in. No wonder you seemed a little off today; I totally didn''t think about it that way. Good thing Polly was around," Jane said with a smile.


    She was buzzing at the thought of a cute little baby joining the family. All she hoped was that she would be around long enough to see Mona''s little one grow up.


    "Wow, the little girl who used to cling to me is all grown up now. Soon enough, she''s going to be a mom!" Bernard chuckled, shaking his head. Time really flew, and he felt it in his bones. "Grandpa, no matter how old I get, I will always be your Mona," she said softly. Regardless of how her life changed, she would always be the youngdy of the Clem family,


    Mona decided not to tell the extended Clem family about her pregnancy; it was just for their immediate circle. Polly advised keeping it under wraps for the first three months until things were stable.


    So, Mona made sure to tell Albert to keep it quiet, even from Barbara. He nodded, getting it. He was itching to share the good news with Barbara but thought it was best to wait for a while.


    Mona was worried that Barbara mighte up with some dangerous ideas and harm the baby. After all, whenever Mona wasn''t doing well or feeling happy, Barbara seemed to take pleasure in it. The first three months of pregnancy were crucial. Eventually, the conversation shifted to Mona''s job. With her on break and a baby on the way, Bernard suggested she resign and move back to the family home. Jane quickly agreed-it was a big life change, after all.


    Mona turned to Maxwell, asking, "What do


    you think?"


    9:22 AM


    Truthfully, after the Noretin Design Competition, Mona had been rethinking her job. Thepetitions had all felt a bit too shady.


    She wanted to start her own business and create her own brand, but with a baby on the way, her ns would be on hold for at


    least a year.


    Maxwell squeezed her hand. "Mona, whatever you decide, I''m with you. I just don''t want you overworking yourself. Let''s put the job on pause for now. Once the baby''s here, if you want to get back to work, I''ll take care of the baby." "And if I want to start my own brand? Launch my own designs?" she asked, imagining the risks and expenses.


    If opening a clothing store didn''t work out, it would be a lot of money down the drain, and just thinking about it made her heart sink.


    However, Maxwell didn''t hesitate. "Then you go for it."


    "If it doesn''t work, that''s a lot of cash gone," she said, a littleContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maxwell grinned. "Doesn''t matter. You spend it, I''ll just


    For him, money wasn''t an issue; he was already set on Loverobably


    faster


    than you can spend it


    it it."


    working hard snag Carter Group as soon as he could.


    Hearing Maxwell say it out loud made her heart leap with


    joy, even though Mona had expected his support.


    "That''s what I like to hear!" Bernard chuckled, grinning. "You''ve got backbone, son. No wonder Mona''s smitten with you."


    shoulder and said, "Do what you want; the Clem family''s got your back." Then Bernard gave Maxwell a firm pat on th He''d been watching Maxwell''s efforts to restore and expand thepanytely. It was clear he had big ns ahead. Rumors had already spread about Maxwell cutting ties with the Carter family. People whispered that Richard had kicked him out, that he was just an illegitimate son with no real standing. Some were even betting on how soon Mona and Maxwell would divorce.


    as a business alliance between the Clem family and the Carter family. Now that After all, when they married, everyone saw it Maxwell was out, they assumed the Clem family would drop him too.


    But Bernard had always liked Maxwell for who he was, not for hisst name. He saw Maxwell as the one with the potential to rebuild the Carter Group and make it something even greater, not as someone relying on the Carter family.


    It didn''t matter if he no longer had ties there


    To Bernard, Maxwell was Mona''s husband and part of the Clem family. And someday, when Bernard was gone, he would leave the Clem family in Maxwell''s hands-as long as he continued to cherish Mona and their children.

 Chapter 236

    Maxwell nodded. He had wanted to wait until everything was set before telling Bernard, but it seemed Bernard had caught on early. No surprise, though, considering the experience he had after running thepany for so many years. "Thanks for the support. I appreciate it," Maxwell said, feeling a newfound confidence. With Bernard backing him, he was ready to make bold moves.


    ''Gordon, just wait and see. I will take back what''s mine, he thought.


    Later that night, when Maxwell and Mona got back home, his gaze kept drifting to her stomach.


    Aside from Hattie, the housekeeper they already had, he had asked Nigel to hire a few trustworthy staff on short notice- caretakers, cleaners, and others. He was taking every precaution to protect Mona and their baby.


    He had even picked out the baby''s room. Then, Mona looked at the newly chosen space, raising an eyebrow. "Isn''t it a little soon? I mean, we don''t even know if it''s a boy or a girl."


    She felt that not knowing the baby''s gender would make it tough to choose a color for the room


    However, Maxwell squeezed her hand and replied, "Not too soon at all. We can just prepare two rooms, one for each possibility, so we''re ready no matter what. Plus, there are clothes and supplies to take care of. The baby ising around April or May, and I want everything to be well-prepared."


    Monaughed, shaking her head in defeat. "Alright, you win."


    And Nigel wasn''t wasting any time either. After her shower, Mona went looking for Maxwell downstairs and found the house all set up, with new carpets running from the stairs down to the living room.


    Then, in the kitchen, there Maxwell was, in casual clothes with his sleeves rolled up, learning how to make nutritious meals from the cook.


    Her heart melted a little-Maxwell was really taking this whole "dad-to-be" thing seriously.


    Mona stayed back, watching him for a while, and then quietly walked over, slipping her arms around his waist. "You''ve been working hard, huh?"


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I actually enjoy making this for you," he said, smiling as he held up a grape for her.


    Mona loved grapes and pretty much any fruit. Even on days when she couldn''t eat much else, she''d still snack on it. "You''re amazing," she said with a grin. "The baby and I are so lucky!"


    Maxwell''s hand drifted to her waist, as if already saying hello to their little one. "I just wish there were more signs already," he said softly.


    Sheughed and replied, "Give it time! The doctor said it will be months before anything really shows."


    Mona was just guessing, remembering that when Emily was pregnant with Albert, they hadn''t known until a few months in.


    Maxwell nodded and made a mental note. In fact, tomorrow, scratch that tonight, he would be diving into those pregnancy books.


    Mona kept her arms around Maxwell, watching as he calmly worked through the ingredients, each move thoughtful and careful. Everything he chose was packed with nutrients, perfect for her and the baby.


    Later that night, after Mona fell asleep, Maxwell quietly slipped to the study, intent on learning everything he could about her journey and their child''s growth.


    The thought of their little one filled him with a joy he had never known. Unlike his own childhood, their baby would be weed by so many who already cared deeply.


    Still, for a moment, he found himself wondering about his past, about the person who had brought him into the world and then disappeared. With a quiet sigh, he returned to his reading, letting go of what couldn''t be changed. Let the bygone be bygone.


    For days, Maxwell took care of Mona nonstop, skipping work just to be by her side. Since she got pregnant, her bnce was all over the ce, and Maxwell was nervous she would trip, practically treating her like a toddler learning to walk.


    9:22 AM


    Maxwell had hired more help around the vi, though he rarely let them do more than the basics; he wanted to make sure he was the one preparing her meals. He''d hired someone to teach him how to make all the right foods, making sure every bite was healthy for her and the baby. Meanwhile, Albert had been popping by daily, giving Mona somepany, and then heading off with Haley for training in the garden.


    The vi Maxwell picked was close to the Clem family''s, making it easy for Mona to visit anytime. Now, with Albert''s regr visits, it felt even cozier.


    By the fifth day, which happened to be a Monday, Mona was growing restless watching Maxwell fuss over her nonstop. She finally insisted he go back to work-someone had to earn money for their baby, after all.


    Maxwell was hesitant but didn''t want to upset her, especially after reading in those pregnancy books that he had to keep her mood up.


    Before leaving, Maxwell made Haley promise to watch over Mona, made sure every staff member knew not to let her do anything risky, and reminded them to call him if she did. After onest goodbye, he left for the office. Once he was gone, Haley got Mona up for breakfast, and afterward, she drifted back to sleep, feeling like the baby''sziness had rubbed off on her.


    But soon her phone buzzed, snapping her out of sleep. Seeing the caller ID, she picked up right away.


    "Mona, are you pregnant?" Ava asked, clearly well-informed. Mona''s family had been visiting nonstop the past couple of days, and even renovation workers had been around.


    Ava had noticed Mona''sst message in the group chat about needing extra rest before returning to work. Then, just that morning, Mona had sent in her resignation to focus on her health. It all clicked for Ava-Mona had to be expecting. After all, she and Maxwell had been married for a while, and with how in love they were,


    it seemed only natural.


    Mona hesitated for a second, then sighed, knowing she couldn''t hide it anymore. "Yeah, you got me-congrats on being a godmother! But keep it quiet, okay? You can only tell Artemis and ra, nobody else!"


    She had wanted to spill the news to her friends the moment she found out, but Maxwell, practically reading her mind, had insisted they keep it private for now, just to y it safe.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    0

 Chapter 237

    Ava had already pieced it together. Even if she hadn''t gotten a confirmation from Mona, she would''ve figured it out eventually.


    Still, when Mona finally admitted she was pregnant, Ava couldn''t contain her excitement.


    "Mona, this is the best news! I don''t even have to go through childbirth, and I''ll get a little one to spoil! Don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone-not even Artemis and ra. Let''s see how long it takes for them to catch on."


    After the call, Ava was so thrilled that she applied for leave and went straight out shopping. She was getting tired of her job anyway; her coworkers weren''t exactly her favorite people, and she could afford a break.


    When Mona finally got up, she walked down the thick carpet and headed to the living room. By the time Mona got downstairs, the living room looked like a baby supply store exploded. Ava was bustling around, directing shop assistants and juggling shopping bags. When she spotted Mona, she rushed over and helped her. "Mona, be careful! Come check out all the goodies I''ve got for your little one!"


    Mona sighed as she nced around at the piles of clothes, toys, and baby gear. Since Maxwell found out she was pregnant, he had gone all out, clearing out store shelves. Albert had also sent more baby clothes, and the Clem family dropped off a ton of toys. Now, with Ava''s haul, the nursery rooms were stuffed to the brim.


    Mona assumed it would take so many years to use it all, and by that time, the baby must''ve grown up.


    "Ava, we already have so much stuff here. You think we could return a few of these?" Mona asked, trying to keep it light.


    "Return them? No way! These are my gifts to the baby. You''ll have plenty of use for all this," Ava said, cooing over a cute onesie. "Now, where is Hattie? She can help put these things away."


    Mona just smiled, thinking of another idea. If they ended up with too much stuff, she would donate whatever they couldn''t use. It was a nice way to build up some good karma for the little one. When Hattie saw Mona agree, she and the other servants began putting the clothes Ava sent into the room next to the baby''s.


    Once the gifts were settled, Ava pulled Mona over to the sofa in the living room and stared at her stomach. "Your belly is so t. Are you really pregnant?" Ava asked, clearly in disbelief. She looked at Mona''s slender limbs and fair face; her waist was still so tiny. ''A pregnant woman shouldn''t look like this, right?" Ava thought.


    Monaughed softly, ncing at her stomach and said, "I promise I am! You''ll see in a few months."


    Ava seemed a bit puzzled, then she reached out and ced her hand on Mona''s belly. "Wow, that''s so cool."


    "Ava, how are things going with you and Joseph?" Mona suddenly asked, shifting the conversation.


    Ava had been with Joseph for a while, and Mona wondered if they had any marriage ns since Ava wasn''t getting anyContent is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    younger.


    "Pretty good," Ava replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Just as Mona was about to dig deeper, Ava continued, "Joseph seems to want to marry me, but I''m not sure if I should say yes."


    Mona raised an eyebrow. "So, you don''t want to marry him?"


    Ava shook her head. "No, not that. It''s just that I''ve been on my own for so long. Having someone around feels like a big change, and I worry I might not adjust well. What if I end up needing a divorceter? It sounds like a hassle."


    "Ava, I totally think you and Joseph should consider trying out marriage. Just see how it feels to have someone by your side," Mona said casually.


    Ava grabbed a piece of fruit from the tter, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah, we can think about thatter. But speaking of big changes, I''ve been thinking about quitting my job and starting my ownpany. I''ve got some cash saved up, so why not? If it works, awesome! If not, no big deal."


    Mona lit up at Ava''s idea. She had been itching to find someone to help manage her own venture, and now was the perfect opportunity.


    She squeezed Ava''s hand, bubbling with excitement. "Ava, let''s do it together! I want to start my own clothing brand. You handle the business stuff, and I''ll take care of the designs. I know we can make it happen!"


    Just like that, they made a n. Ava was so pumped she decided she would resign right away-no need to wait until the end of the month.


    So, it was settled. Mona would create the design drafts, they would split the funding, and Ava would handle all the management for their new design brand.


    Feeling inspired, Ava was all smiles as they hit the shops together after that. And as soon as they reached the car, Bud popped up in front of her.


    They hadn''t crossed paths since that awkward encounter outside Ava''s house. Seeing him now, Ava felt surprisingly calm. No jitters this time; she just greeted him and kept walking.


    Bud watched her walk away, his gaze filled with a mix of emotions. "Ava, how have you beentely?"


    After Maxwell had given him some time off, he had buried himself in work to keep his mind busy. It felt like forever since he had seen her.


    "I''m good. No need to worry," she replied, keeping it casual.


    Bud watched the red car drive away until itpletely vanished from sight. It felt like his heart was drifting just as far from Ava-like there was no way to reach her anymore. Snapping out of his thoughts, he headed over to Mona''s house to grab a document Maxwell needed.


    Before five in the afternoon, Maxwell strolled home under the warm glow of the setting sun. Mona wasn''t in their bedroom; instead, she was in her study, working on design drafts.


    Sunlight filtered through the white screen window, casting a gentle glow on her face, making her look all warm and motherly. Maxwell found himself watching her for a while, mesmerized. Finally, he knocked on the door and walked in, wrapping his arms around her from behind.


    He leaned down to peek at her design draft and asked, "Hey, it''s been a while. Did you miss me? How''s our little one doing today?"


    Mona set her brush down and ced her hand on top of his. "Of course! The baby''s been good, just superzy. Seriously, all they want to do is sleep."


    She had barely managed to read a couple of pages from her design book before drowsiness set in, making it hard for her to keep her eyes open.


    "That''s pretty normal. Once the baby hits three months, the sleepy phase will chill out a bit," he said, remembering what he had read recently.

 Chapter 238

    her face.


    "Maybe. By the way, Ava and I decided to open a business! I''m going to spend the next few days working on designs, and Ava''s on the hunt for a factory to make the clothes. We''re really starting our own brand! I feel super excited about it," Mona said, her smile lighting up "Wow, that sounds great, but won''t you be tired?" Maxwell asked, bending down to scoop her up and carry her to the nearby sofa, holding her hand gently.


    "Not at all! I''ll just handle the design work and help fund it. Ava''s taking care of everything else, so it''s really easy for me." Mona could see that Maxwell was worried about her health-especially since she was pregnant.


    Since she had found out she was expecting, she had felt a little sleepier and pickier about food, but she hadn''t been sick or exhausted from sketching. Plus, it was something she loved to do.


    Hearing her enthusiasm eased Maxwell''s worries a bit, but he still said, "Okay, just make sure you take care of yourself. If you get tired, don''t hesitate to take a break."


    He remembered reading that staying positive was really important for pregnant women, and he wanted to support her however he could.


    "Don''t worry about me! You just focus on working hard and bringing in the money for our little one. I''ve got it covered," Mona said, ying with his hand gently.


    If their child was a boy, she hoped he would inherit Maxwell''s long fingers. They were perfect for writing.


    "Trust me, no matter how many babies we end up having, we''re going to be just fine financially," he said, thinking about how they should probablye up with a cute nickname for their future child. Calling it ''baby'' forever didn''t seem like the best n. Maxwell caught a glimpse of Mona''s bright eyes, which sparkled like fresh berries straight from the fridge, with a hint of frostiness that made them even more enchanting. Right then, a nickname popped into Maxwell''s head.


    "Mona, how about we call the baby Sweet Berry? It''ll save us from saying ''our child'' all the time," he said with a yful grin.


    ''Sweet Berry, huh?'' Mona thought, rolling it around in her mind. ''It sounds cute for a girl, but for a boy? Not so much.


    "Isn''t that a bit too casual?" Mona asked, raising an eyebrow.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "Not at all! I put some thought into it. Why don''t youe up with a name topare?" Maxwell replied, clearly proud of his idea.


    Mona hadn''t expected him to jump into naming so quickly, but he was already calling out for Sweet Berry like it was settled. She rolled her eyes but couldn''t help but smile; if it made him happy, he could have his fun. Meanwhile, Ava had just resigned from her job and wasted no time letting the group chat know about it.


    She also dropped the bomb that she and Mona were starting a business together, teasing them with the idea that Mona had a secret everyone needed to figure out.


    Instantly, Artemis and ra were all over it. They wanted to know what was up. Ava''s little tease had them guessing.


    Artemis: [Did Mona win the lottery or something?]


    ra: [Wait, is Mona pregnant?]


    Ava''s heart sank a little when she saw ra''s message. It was way too close to the truth. ''How did she guess that so fast?"


    T@ra How did you know?] she typed back, a little annoyed but mostly impressed.


    Ava only managed to piece it together after keeping an eye on Mona''s schedule for days and noticed that Maxwell hired someone to renovate the house. Plus, she had talked to a coworker who just took pregnancy leave, and that person sounded a lot like Mona-always sleepy and super picky about food.


    So, it caught her off guard when ra guessed it right away, wondering how she figured it out.


    ra: [Oh wow, Mona really is pregnant! I just took a wild guess! I thought I''d get in trouble for saying that. Can I be the


    D


    godmother now? @Mona]


    Ava: [ra, I''m already the child''s godmother. You''ll just have to wait in line. You can be the second one.]


    Artemis: [Count me in too! I''ll be thest one, the youngest godmother! @Mona, hurry up and say something!]


    Ava: [Girls, chill out. Mona''s probably with her husband right now. We''ve already talked about this. Oh, and don''t forget to get a gift for the baby. I''ve already sent mine today.]


    ra: [Got it!]


    Artemis: [Alright!]


    After that, they chatted about Ava and Mona opening a clothing store, and ra jumped in, saying she wanted to join them. She figured if Mona wasn''t working at thepany, she would be feeling lonely.


    Ava: [For sure! We''ll need to hire a bunch of people for the shop! When the timeester, let''s have Artemis endorse it. Our shop will definitely be the talk of Nathontown.]


    [Seriously, I''m dreaming big here. We haven''t even opened yet, and I''m already imagining the sess! Someone wake me up now!]


    Artemis: [Don''t sweat it! With Mona''s killer designs and my endorsement, we''re bound to hit it big!]


    ra: [I can almost see the money rolling in!]


    Meanwhile, Mona was totally missing out on the group chat. Since she found out she was pregnant, she had cut back on screen time after the doctor warned her about electronics being bad for the baby. So, she rarely checked her phone anymore. Right then, Maxwell was in the kitchen cooking for her. Mona stood by, watching and helping out here and there.


    Once she finished her dinner, she finally had a chance to check her phone. Seeing all the messages in the group chat made her heart swell, especially when she read that Artemis and ra wanted to get something for her baby.


    She replied: [Guys, seriously, don''t buy anything else for the baby. We''re running out of space in both rooms.] Artemis: [It''s all good! I already ordered some stuff online. It should arrive tomorrow. Mona, just keep an eye out!] ra: [Same here! I grabbed a ton of cute baby clothes. They''re super adorable!]


    Monaughed to herself, thinking there was no way she would manage to use all of that, even if another kid came alongter.


    The next morning, when Mona headed downstairs, she was greeted by piles of stuff-everything from boy clothes to girl outfits. She just waved the servant over and asked him to stash it all away.


    When Sweet Berry finally showed upter, Mona would definitely tell the baby all these goodies were from the amazing godmothers.


    Time flew by, and before she knew it, Mona was another month into her pregnancy. It was time for her ultrasound. Maxwell made sure to clear his schedule and joined Mona at the hospital, ready to be there for her. FT

 Chapter 239

    After Mona and Maxwell arrived at the hospital, Maxwell stayed close, supporting her as they walked in together. Nigel and Haley were tagging along, making sure everything went smoothly. Plus, a couple of bodyguards were blending into the crowd just in case they needed backup.


    Just as they walked in, Barbara wasing out with a colleague. Spotting Mona, she quickly shoved the medicine into her colleague''s hands and said she wasn''t feeling well, asking them to hang tight outside for a bit.


    Once Barbara ducked away, her colleague grumbled, "Seriously, if you weren''t tied to the Clem family and could bring me snacks, I wouldn''t be stuck here getting you medicine. It''s sunny out, and you want me to wait? You really think you''re the Ms. Clem? So annoying!" With that, the person headed outside to chill while waiting for Barbara.


    Meanwhile, Barbara kept a low profile as she trailed behind Mona and Maxwell, only catching shes of Mona in her purple outfit. When she saw them head into the Gynecology Department, she started putting two and two together.


    That night, Barbara texted Albert to meet her at the night market, pretending she was just missing him.


    Albert had just gotten back from the army for a quick two-day break. He wouldn''t have made the trip if it weren''t for wanting to see Mona and the baby in her stomach. But before he could even meet up with her, he saw a WhatsApp from Barbara pop up on his phone. ''Alright, he thought, ''I''ll swing by to see Mona and the babyter.


    Not long after he arrived at the night market, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Barbara''s bright eyes lighting up with a smile.


    "Hey, Albert! You''re here early," she said, her warmth making him grin.


    "Oh, just got here. Have you eaten yet, Barbara?" Albert asked as they strolled through the lively venue.


    They used toe to this night market all the time back in school. Everyone in the family always warned them about how the street food was gross, but that just made sneaking in even more fun.


    Now, as Albert eyed a cheese balls vendor nearby, he couldn''t help but drool a little. He dashed over to the stall, grabbed two portions, and handed one to Barbara.


    "Hey, Barbara, try this. Does it taste as good as it used to?" he said with a big smile.


    Barbara looked at the greasy cheese ball made from blue cheese and wrinkled her nose, but she took a bite anyway. Weird- smelling street food was never really her jam; she preferred meals crafted by a chef. Still, she wanted to create a moment for Albert, so she went along with it.


    After tasting it, she nodded at Albert and pointed at nearby stall. "Wow, it''s just like I remember! Too bad Mona isn''t here. She always loves those sausages."


    Albert nodded, but his mind drifted to Mona''s pregnancy. "Yeah, she can''t have stuff like this right now."


    "Huh? Why not?" Barbara asked, intrigued.


    "Uh, nothing much. Just that her appetite''s been a bit offtely," Albert replied, trying to sound casual.


    "Not feeling well? What''s going on? I saw Mona at the hospital today, but I didn''t get a chance to say hi because I was with a friend," Barbara said, her big eyes wide with concern.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    For a moment, Albert thought about telling her Mona was pregnant, but he remembered Mona''s request and Polly''s advice. He kept it to himself. "N-nah, she''s doing fine," he stammered.


    As he tried to pull Barbara along, she held him back. "Hey, Albert, I actually called you out here to have a real talk."


    Her voice cracked a little, sounding almost like she was about to cry. "So, what? You don''t need me anymore now that you''re all grown up? Mona, too. Since I messed up that one time, she hasn''t been nice to me.


    "I tried to see her at home, and she just acted like I wasn''t even there. Now that you guys know something''s wrong with her, you''re keeping it all from me? If that''s how it''s gonna be, I guess I''ll just stay out of your way. I don''t want to be a bother." With that, Barbara turned on her heel and walked away


    9:23 AM


    Her nails dug into her palms. It used to be that Albert would never lie to her like this. Back when they were close, even a little scratch on her hand would have him worried for ages.


    But ever since Mona''s engagement ceremony, everything had changed. Barbara felt like all of it was because of Mona.


    She used to be the only sister in Albert''s life, and now it felt like he had forgotten about herpletely. Barbara wanted to know what Mona did to win everyone over like this.


    Albert panicked and grabbed Barbara''s arm. "Hey, it''s not what you think. You''re still my half-sister, alright? We share the same blood."


    ou could


    Even though he didn''t like that part of their rtionship, he couldn''t deny the fact. Jeremy and Beatrice were to me, but Barbara was innocent in all this, and it made him feel bad for her. When she heard him, a tiny smirk appeared on her face. "Then why are you lying to me?"


    "It''s not that I wanna lie, Barbara. I just can''t say what''s going on," Albert replied, trying to hold on.


    Barbara pulled her arm away, looking hurt. "Whatever. I get it. I won''t ask anymore."


    Seeing the hurt in her expression made Albert feel awful. He rushed after her, wanting to say something to make it better. Finally, as she looked like about to cry, he said, "Mona is pregnant."


    Albert added, "Please, you''ve got to keep this under wraps. No one can know in the first three months-it''s just safer that way. That''s why I hadn''t mentioned it."


    "Pregnant?" Barbara forced a strained smile, but inside, her thoughts were churning.


    ''Of course Mona is pregnant,'' she thought, resentment bubbling up. ''A husband who dotes on her, a baby on the way... Why is her life so wless?''


    No way Barbara could let this happen. No chance. This wasn''t the way it was supposed to go. Mona was meant to have a life worse than hers-her career, her rtionships, all of it. Letting Mona have this baby was out of the question. Realizing that she had gone silent, Albert le

 Chapter 240

    Barbara snapped back to attention and gave a bright smile. "Oh, so Mona is pregnant? That is an amazing news!"


    Albert let out a big breath, relieved to see her smiling. "Yeah, that''s right! Polly said it''s better for us to keep things quiet for the first three months-just to be safe. You had to leave early for work that day, remember? So, no one had a chance to fill you in. But don''t worry, Barbara; Mona and I will always keep you close."


    Barbara nodded, her expression softer as she said, "I get it now. Guess I was just overthinking things."


    "Good. Just pretend you don''t know for now. If Mona finds out I told, I will be in a big trouble for it," Albert said with a chuckle, already picturing a scolding-or, worse, Maxwell''s reaction.


    "Don''t worry! Your secret is safe with me," Barbara agreed, and they spent a little longer wandering through the market, picking up a few things before heading home.


    But after Albert left, Barbara wasted no time texting Molly and Gordon to share the news about Mona''s pregnancy. She knew they would be as unhappy as she was-especially Molly, who despised Mona just as much.


    Meanwhile, after leaving the night market, Albert didn''t go directly to the Clem family''s house because he couldn''t resist visiting Mona''s ce. He hadn''t seen Sweet Berry in nearly a month, and he was sure the baby missed him


    As soon as Albert arrived, he greeted Hattie at the door, then noticed an odd sounding from the living room. When he walked in, he found Maxwell lounging on the sofa with Mona tucked at his side, the two of them watching cartoons on TV. Clearly, he had walked in on some cozy downtime. But Albert, being Albert, wasn''t about to let a little intimacy scare him off. Since he was here, he was staying.


    The living room had a warm, cozy vibe-Maxwell had made sure of it. Mona liked to sit here and work on her designs, so he''d asked Hattie to rece the furniture with softer pieces, even had the lighting changed to a gentle, warm glow.


    It was already dark now, and Mona''s head was resting on Maxwell''sp. Her thick hair spilled down, framing her small, delicate face and making her look even softer.


    Maxwell''s attention was nowhere near the two clumsy bears on the TV. Every so often, he would wind a lock of her hair around his fingers or yfully pinch her chubby earlobe, making her squirm.


    Mona wriggled her fingers around his hand. "Maxwell, stop pinching me! That tickles, you know," she murmured.


    Just then, someone coughed. "Uh... Mona, Maxwell, hey! I''m here."


    Hearing the voice, Mona quickly sat up from Maxwell''sp. "Albert! What brings you here sote? Have you had dinner?"


    "I ate a bit, but I don''t think it was enough," Albert replied, rubbing his stomach.


    He had only grabbed a little snack at the night market, and his stomach was already rumbling again. As he spoke, Mona sniffed the air, leaning in as if catching a familiar scent.


    "Albert, did you sneak off for something delicious beforeing here?" she teased, her curiosity piqued.


    Albert had not expected her to pick up on it so quickly. Despite walking around outside, the smell of blue cheese balls had somehow stuck to him.


    "Oh, no, nothing much, really. Just a bite, but I am still hungry!" Albert protested, feigning innocence. But Mona wasn''t buying it. She leaned in even closer, sniffing him with a raised eyebrow.


    Maxwell chuckled and pulled Mona closer. "Dude, you need a shower. You smell so bad, the whole living room is starting to


    stink"


    "Okay, okay, I''m outta here!" Albertughed, sprinting up the stairs. He didn''t even get a chance to nce at Mona''s baby bump, which was probably for the best.


    He knew those blue cheese balls he had eaten were not exactly pregnancy-friendly. If she found out he had been munching on them, she would definitely want to try them, and Maxwell would ban him from this house as punishment. Once Albert was gone, Mona took a deep breath and suddenly got an idea. "Maxwell, I really want some fried skewers."


    9.23 AM


    She knew it wasn''t the healthiest choice, but she still raised her hands, pleading. "I will only have one fried sausage, I swear! I haven''t had it in ages!"


    Maxwell avoided her big, hopeful eyes and shook his head. "No way. It''s not good for you."


    Even before she got pregnant, he was cautious about fried foods, and now that she was expecting, it was a definite no-go.


    Mona pouted, her taste buds feeling totally betrayed. All she wanted was to indulge in that food now. "Come on, just one little bite! I know Sweet Berry would want some, too." She wrapped her arms around his arm, giving him her best puppy-dog eyes. Maxwell shook his head, unyielding. "No way."


    "Is it because you think it''s dirty if we buy it outside? That''s why you won''t let me have it?" She wasn''t about to give up easily. The thought of not having that sausage that night was making her anxious.


    He nodded seriously and replied, "It''s just too greasy. Not good for your health."


    "Please, honey? Just fry it up for me! I had Hattie buy some before." She was hoping they still had some lying around that hadn''t gone bad yet.


    When Mona saw Maxwell hesitating, she quickly shook his arm and said with a pout, "Come on, just one little bite? If I don''t eat sausage tonight, I won''t be able to sleep! You''re the best husband, right, Hubby? Just a tiny piece, please." Maxwell couldn''t bear to say no. Plus, it wasn''t too much to ask, so he gently poked her nose and nodded.


    Mona''s face brightened, and she kissed his chin, grinning. "Yay for my husband! Alright, I''m off to find that sausage now!" With that, she dashed into the kitchen, careful with each step, eager to grab what she wanted while making sure everything was safe.


    0N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

 Chapter 241

    Mona finally found the bag of sausages in the fridge, grinning when she saw they weren''t expired. She held up the bag and waved it at Maxwell, who understood immediately. He rolled up his sleeves, knowing what wasing.


    By the time Albert came back downstairs, freshly showered and in a set of cozy house clothes, he found himself walking into quite a scene.


    Maxwell was in a yellow apron, spat in hand, while Mona held a te, staring intently at the sizzling pan with the happiest look on her face.


    ''Yep,'' Albert thought, ''here I am again, third-wheeling in the worst way possible.''


    But he had to admit, Maxwell was something else; he really pampered Mona. Albert found himself wondering if he would be able to treat his own future wife this well someday.


    Without thinking, Haley''s face shed in his mind, and he shook his head, embarrassed. Nope, he wasn''t going down that road.


    Lost in thought, he did not notice Mona waving at him until he looked up. Walking over, he epted a small sausage from


    her.


    "Here, try it! Maxwell''s fried food is a masterpiece, don''t you think?" Mona said, already holding one herself. The sausage was thered in Maxwell''s homemade sweet-and-spicy sauce, with hints of cumin and just enough chili to make it irresistible. Mona closed her eyes, savoring the taste with a big smile, then shot Maxwell a thumbs-up, pure satisfaction written all over her face.


    "Delicious!" Mona eximed, and then, as if one word wasn''t enough, she added, "It''s so delicious!"


    Just as she was about to take another bite, Maxwell reached over gently took the sausage from her hand, and took a bite


    brush your teeth." himself. "Alright, one bite is all you get. Time to go


    Immediately, an unhappy expression appeared on Mona Clem''s pretty little face. His face drooped and the corners of his mouth lowered.


    Mona''s expression fell instantly. Her face drooped, and her lips turned down in a pout. "But I still want more," she said, sounding so pitiful it''d be hard for anyone to say no.


    However, Maxwell just chuckled as he avoided eye-contact and shook his head. "Are you backing out of our deal, Mrs. Carter?" he teased, holding his ground.


    Seeing this exchange, Albert wisely kept quiet, slowly finishing his own sausage. Mona, though, wasn''t giving up. She tugged on Maxwell''s sleeve and gave him her best doe-eyed look. "Maxwell, I can change my mind, okay? Just one more bite, pretty please." Albert couldn''t resist stepping in and said, "Come on, Maxwell, one more bite can''t hurt."


    Mona shot Albert a grateful look. Then, finally, Maxwell sighed and let her have onest bite of the sausage she had been craving. Satisfied, she went upstairs to brush her teeth.


    Once she and Maxwell returned, Albert had already polished off thest of the chicken noodle soup Hattie had made for


    him.


    "How has Sweet Berry been this month? Behaving well?" Albert asked, finally finding a moment to get a word in.


    Mona nodded. "So well, all Sweet Berry does is eat and sleep. She grinned, though Maxwell''s endless meals had be a


    godsend.


    Her appetite had been rocky since the start of her pregnancy, and without Maxwell cooking tasty dishes for her, she would probably have lost weight by now.


    Sweet Berry had indeed been good, though. Only a few days of morning sickness, and even that has already passed. Mona''s figure hadn''t changed much yet, either; if it weren''t for the little bump, you''d never guess she was expecting. Her figure looked no different from before. When her wrist was exposed, one could clearly see the greenish-purple tendons.


    After that, she looked at Maxwell, then gestured for him to grab the ultrasound photo they had taken that morning.


    Albert took it with an impressed look. "Wow... Is this the baby? Sweet Berry is really on the way."


    Though the baby was still tiny and the ultrasound didn''t show much, Albert felt a warmth seeing the beginnings of Sweet Berry''s journey, a little awestruck.


    Mona smiled and added, "This was from today. Sweet Berry is healthy, and in just eight months, we''ll all finally meet." "Just over eight months? That''s fast." Albert''s face lit up, looking a little moved and in disbelief.


    Since it was alreadyte, Albert crashed there for the night and went home the next morning, smiling the whole time thinking about Sweet Berry''s arrival.


    Time passed, and Mona was fully embracing her new role as a mom-to-be. Her body started to soften, her skin glowing in that way only expectant moms seem to. She and Ava also had begun preparing their shop little by little. Early Monday morning, Maxwell was already gone for work. He had been neck-deep in work with Clem Group''s market expansion, so much so that he barely stopped for coffee. Every night, after Mona fell asleep, he would sneak back to his study to tackle everything he couldn''t get done during the day.


    Mona was lounging on the sofa in the living room, sketching out a design. Her thick hair flowed down her shoulders, curling slightly and stopping just below her waist, framing half her fair face. She held a pen in her fingers, moving it swiftly across the paper. Then, her phone buzzed, jolting her out of her concentration. She set her sketch aside and grabbed her phone from the corner. It was Ava, so Mona picked up without thinking twice.


    "Mona, are you busy?" Ava asked, her voice a bit rushed.


    "Nope, just drawing at home."


    "Perfect! I need your help deciding on something. I''ve got two locations in mind, and I can''t choose. A good spot is key to bringing in customers, right?" Ava exined. "Got it. I was nning to go for a walk anyway. Just send me the address on WhatsApp, and I''ll swing by."


    "Awesome! Thanks!"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    After hanging up, Mona quickly stashed her sketchbook and pen in the study. She tossed on a white T-shirt, paired it with some light blue jeans, and slipped into her sneakers. At a nce, she looked like a college student who had not graduated yet. Walking down the street, no one would suspect she was pregnant.


    Sat, Nov y

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242 96%


    After Mona finished preparing everything up, she decided to call Maxwell to fill him in on her ns for the day.


    Maxwell was deep in conversation with the sales manager when he heard his phone ring. Excusing himself, he stepped over to the French window. "Hey, honey, what''s up?" he asked, sensing she might have something important to say. Usually, Mona didn''t interrupt him unless it was really necessary. "Not much, just wanted to let you know I''m going out with Ava to check out the shop location."


    "Sounds good, but you should definitely have Haley tag along. And bring two bodyguards, alright? Sorry I can''t be there with you today," he replied, ncing at the busy street below. It bugged him that work was keeping him from being there for Mona and their baby. Mona was just trying to keep Maxwell in the loop. She didn''t want him to worry if he couldn''t find her when he got home. Plus, she figured he wouldn''t be able to join her anyway.


    "Don''t worry, I got it. Just focus on your work. Ava is waiting for me, so I''ll hang up now," she said.


    "Alright, but take care of yourself, okay? I wille home as soon as I can," Maxwell replied.


    Mona nodded and ended the call. She then reached out to Haley, who was on standby. With the two bodyguards in tow, they headed to the location Ava had sent her.


    After Mona ended it, Maxwell put his phone away, jumping back into his work. He couldn''t wait to finish up and get home to be with her.


    When Mona pulled up to the street, Ava was already waiting for her. After Haley helped her out of the car, she stayed close, keeping an eye on everything with all the hustle and bustle around them.


    you''re glowing! see you are being super careful now that you''re pregnant, huh?" she joked, ncing at the bodyguards keeping watch.


    As soon as they met up, Ava looked Mona up and down then held her arm. "Wow!


    Mona wasn''t really used to having so many people when she went out. But after everything-being giarism, and the car ident-she knew she had to be careful.


    I not be


    "How could


    mood.


    ped, used of


    reful? This is my baby we''re talking about. I can''t let anything happen," she joked, trying to lighten the


    "Absolutely, Mrs. Carter! You''re right. Now, let''s head to the shop Ava said, fully on board. Sweet Berry was definitely worth the extra attention.


    "For sure! Let''s get this done fast so we can get back. It''s boiling out here!" Monained, already sweating. She had only been outside a few minutes, and the sun was relentless. The sunscreen didn''t stand a chance. "Okay, let''s wrap this up today, and then-" Ava suddenly hesitated. She remembered Mona Couldn''t have ice cream because of her pregnancy and quickly kept quiet.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "And then what?" Mona asked, sensing Ava''s suspense. She hated when Ava did that.


    Taking a deep breath, Ava finally said, "Then we''ll head home and chill with our husbands, of course."


    After visiting Mona''s home that day, Ava thought over what she had said. It actually made a lot of sense. Then, the next day, she shared it with Joseph, and he was pleasantly surprised. That very day, he moved in with Ava. So far, living together was working pretty well.


    07:42 Sat, Nov 9.


    "Ava, that was so silly," Mona said with augh, shaking her head. Ava just giggled and moved on.


    1


    #


    ,96%


    They checked out a couple of shop locations. One was outside Pleasantview za, right on the main road, and the other was on the second floor of the mall, easy to spot as soon as anyone got off the elevator.


    move.


    They decided to check out the outside shop first. With Mona being pregnant, everyone in the group was extra cautious. When they reached the street, they waited for the traffic light to change. Only after it turned green and there were no cars around, they made their When Mona and the others arrived, the shop owner still hadn''t shown up.


    It was already past the agreed time, and Ava was starting to feel a bit frustrated. It was a scorching day, and here they were, stuck waiting under the sun-just in annoying.


    She tried calling the shop owner, but after a few rings, no one picked up. Ava sighed, wishing she could just head to Pleasantview za instead. At least there, they could enjoy some air conditioning.


    "Hey, don''t worry. He''s probably just stuck in traffic or something," Mona replied, ncing at the shop.


    It was a good-sized space in a decent spot, but the street was packed with food stalls. There were a ton of people, but hardly any were actually shopping. Off in the distance, a shoe seller stood with no customers in sight. Mona couldn''t help but think that the Pleasantview za spot would be better.


    way


    Just as she was about to suggest they check out the mall, a wooden board suddenly fell from above, headed straight for Mona''s head.


    She instinctively wrapped her arms around her stomach, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down her face. Panic set in, and she found it hard to move, feeling like her feet were glued to the ground.


    In a split second, Haley dashed to Mona''s side and pushed her into Ava''s arms to keep her from falling. But just as Haley went to run over herself, she was a moment toote. The heavy board crashed down onto her leg, making her wince and gasp in pain. Ava stumbled back as Mona fell into her arms, but she caught her firmly.


    In no time, the bodyguard jumped in, lifting the wooden board and helping Mona and the others get back up.


    Once she steadied herself, Mona quickly crouched down beside Haley, her heart sinking at the sight of Haley''s knees, both covered in blood. It made her stomach turn just looking at it.


    Ava, on the other hand, had only gotten a minor scrape when Mona had toppled into her. Just a bit of friction from the fall, nothing serious. Without wasting any time, Ava grabbed her phone and called for the police and an ambnce.


    "Haley, are you alright?" Mona asked, her voice shaking with worry. Tears started to fill her eyes as she reached out to help her up but paused, afraid she would make things worse.


    Haley waved her off with a smile. "I''m fine, seriously! Just a little scratch. It''s probably nothing more than a fracture. A few


    feet." days of rest, and I''ll be back on my


    0

 Chapter 243

    Haley understood her own body''s condition. At the moment, her legs could still move. Just moving them was especially painful. If nothing went wrong, it should be a fracture.


    When Mona saw that Haley''s legs could still move, she finally felt better. Her palms were already covered in a denseyer of


    sweat.


    She said, "It''s good that you''re fine. Ava has already called an ambnce. Haley, bear with it for a while. Thank you so much for just now. If you hadn''t pushed me, I would probably be lying on the ground now."


    The speed of the wooden board falling was getting faster and faster. Mona felt that if it hit her head, she might not even be able to keep her life, let alone the baby in her belly. Her life was saved by Haley.


    Haley held Mona''s hand and said, "Mona, have you forgotten that I''m your bodyguard? If there''s any danger, I''ll rush in front of you.


    "If I can''t protect you every time, I''m too ipetent as a bodyguard. Mr. Carter won''t spend a lot of money to hire me, and I''m willing."


    After interacting with Mona for such a long time, she had long treated Mona as her biological sister. Even if Maxwell didn''t give her money and she was not Mona''s bodyguard, she would spare no effort to save her when she saw Mona in danger. "Haley, you''re verypetent. You''re an especially good bodyguard! When we go back, I''ll get Maxwell to give you a raise!" Mona said. Looking at the wound on Haley''s leg, she felt heartbroken.


    The sudden fall of the wooden board caused many people around them to discuss how it had fallen.


    Soon, Ava saw the ambnce driving towards them. She quickly said to Mona and Haley,ing!" "It''sing, the ambnce is


    The ambnce stabilized at the prosperous intersection. The medical staff drove away the crowd surrounding the intersection and carried Haley into the ambnce on a stretcher.


    One ambnce could not amodate too many people. When Mona wanted to follow her, Ava and got into the ambnce.


    was one step


    ahead of her


    She said to Mona, "Mona, get the bodyguards to drive you there. I''ll bring Haley to the hospital first."


    This wooden board suddenly fell down. It could not be ruled out that it was man-made. Otherwise, why would it coincidentally hit Mona?


    Mona nodded and said, "Alright. Haley, go to the hospital first. I''ll be there soon."


    Haley nodded and said to the two bodyguards beside Mona, "Protect M¨®na well. If anything happens, you will be fired."


    Usually, at home, Haley was the head of these bodyguards. She would bring them to train together. Of course, they had to obey Haley''s orders.


    The two bodyguards nodded at Haley and stood on either side of Mona.


    Before the ambnce left the noisy street, the police rushed over and surrounded the ce.


    After Mona exined the situation to the police, she got into the car under the protection of the bodyguards and headed to the hospital.


    Maxwell, who was in a meeting, received a call from his bodyguard. When he learned that Mona had almost been smashed, he was so frightened that he almost fell back. His hand quickly grabbed the corner of the table. 1/3


    Fortunately, the bodyguard said, "She was just a little frightened. She''s fine."


    Upon hearing this, Maxwell felt a false rm. Fortunately, she was fine, otherwise he would have felt that life was meaningless.


    When he found out that Mona was on her way to the hospital, Maxwell didn''t even have time to end the meeting. He directly walked out of the meeting room. Nigel followed behind Maxwell and quickly told the others that the meeting was


    over.


    When Maxwell arrived at the hospital, Mona and Ava were waiting outside the operating theater.


    When Mona saw Maxwell striding over, her eyes turned red unconsciously. She was so afraid. If she had been hit by the wooden board just now, she would not have been able to see Maxwell.


    She ran straight into Maxwell''s arms and wrapped her arms around his strong waist. She buried her face in his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat. Only then did she have the real feeling.


    On the way to the hospital, Mona felt uneasy and afraid. Now that Maxwell was around, Mona felt much better.


    "Are you scared? It''s fine now." Maxwell tried his best to lower his voice so that it would sound as gentle as possible. He rubbed Mona''s head with his big hand.


    Mona nodded. With Maxwell by her side, she naturally became the woman who was taken care of.


    She said, "I was really shocked. That wooden board fell down for some reason. Fortunately, Haley was here. Otherwise, I don''t know if I would have been able to see you."


    Her voice sounded extremely aggrieved as she hugged Maxwell''s waist and refused to let go.


    She had no time to care about the people around her. She just wanted to hug Maxwell and feel the warmth he brought her. "When Haley recovers, give her more chicken drumsticks." Maxwell''s memory of Haley only stopped at Mona''s description that Haley liked to eat chicken drumsticks. She could eat a few in one meal.


    Mona nodded in Maxwell''s arms and said, "Chicken drumsticks isn''t enough. We have to give her a raise."


    Only now did Mona realize that the profession of bodyguard was too dangerous. They all risked their lives to earn money.


    "Okay, raise." Maxwell agreed to Mona.


    ze on her hand, picked up Ava, who was sitting on a chair in the distance, looked at the loving couple. She nced at the gauze on her hand, picked up her phone, and sent a message to Joseph.


    ''You have your Maxwell, and I have my Joseph. I can show off my love too!'' she thought.


    Joseph had to act in another scer. When he saw Ava''s message, he immediately informed the director, and without waiting for the director''s approval, he hurriedly got into the RV and rushed to the hospital.


    After Maxwellforted Mona, he pulled her to the chair beside him and looked at her carefully. When he saw that she was really fine, he rxed.


    "Mona, when Haleyes out, I''ll bring you for a full body checkup," Maxwell suggested. He was worried that Mona would have some invisible injuries,


    Mona thought about it and pregnant now.


    After all, she w


    Everyone waited outside for a while before the red light in the operati out of the operating theater in a wheelchair.


    theater finally went out. The doctor pushed Haley


    Haley understood her own body''s condition. At the moment, her legs could still move. Just moving them was especially painful. If nothing went wrong, it should be a fracture.


    When Mona saw that Haley''s legs could still move, she finally felt better. Her palms were already covered in a denseyer of


    sweat.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    She said, "It''s good that you''re fine. Ava has already called an ambnce. Haley, bear with it for a while. Thank you so much for just now. If you hadn''t pushed me, I would probably be lying on the ground now."


    The speed of the wooden board falling was getting faster and faster. Mona felt that if it hit her head, she might not even be able to keep her life, let alone the baby in her belly. Her life was saved by Haley.


    Haley held Mona''s hand and said, "Mona, have you forgotten that I''m your bodyguard? If there''s any danger, I''ll rush in front of you.


    "If I can''t protect you every time, I''m too ipetent as a bodyguard. Mr. Carter won''t spend a lot of money to hire me, and I''m willing."


    After interacting with Mona for such a long time, she had long treated Mona as her biological sister. Even if Maxwell didn''t give her money and she was not Mona''s bodyguard, she would spare no effort to save her when she saw Mona in danger. "Haley, you''re verypetent. You''re an especially good bodyguard! When we go back, I''ll get Maxwell to give you a raise!" Mona said. Looking at the wound on Haley''s leg, she felt heartbroken.


    The sudden fall of the wooden board caused many people around them to discuss how it had fallen.


    Soon, Ava saw the ambnce driving towards them. She quickly said to Mona and Haley,ing!" "It''sing, the ambnce is


    The ambnce stabilized at the prosperous intersection. The medical staff drove away the crowd surrounding the intersection and carried Haley into the ambnce on a stretcher.


    One ambnce could not amodate too many people. When Mona wanted to follow her, Ava and got into the ambnce.


    was one step


    ahead of her


    She said to Mona, "Mona, get the bodyguards to drive you there. I''ll bring Haley to the hospital first."


    This wooden board suddenly fell down. It could not be ruled out that it was man-made. Otherwise, why would it coincidentally hit Mona?


    Mona nodded and said, "Alright. Haley, go to the hospital first. I''ll be there soon."


    Haley nodded and said to the two bodyguards beside Mona, "Protect M¨®na well. If anything happens, you will be fired."


    Usually, at home, Haley was the head of these bodyguards. She would bring them to train together. Of course, they had to obey Haley''s orders.


    The two bodyguards nodded at Haley and stood on either side of Mona.


    Before the ambnce left the noisy street, the police rushed over and surrounded the ce.


    After Mona exined the situation to the police, she got into the car under the protection of the bodyguards and headed to the hospital.


    Maxwell, who was in a meeting, received a call from his bodyguard. When he learned that Mona had almost been smashed, he was so frightened that he almost fell back. His hand quickly grabbed the corner of the table.


    Fortunately, the bodyguard said, "She was just a little frightened. She''s fine."


    Upon hearing this, Maxwell felt a false rm. Fortunately, she was fine, otherwise he would have felt that life was meaningless.


    When he found out that Mona was on her way to the hospital, Maxwell didn''t even have time to end the meeting. He directly walked out of the meeting room. Nigel followed behind Maxwell and quickly told the others that the meeting was


    over.


    When Maxwell arrived at the hospital, Mona and Ava were waiting outside the operating theater.


    When Mona saw Maxwell striding over, her eyes turned red unconsciously. She was so afraid. If she had been hit by the wooden board just now, she would not have been able to see Maxwell.


    She ran straight into Maxwell''s arms and wrapped her arms around his strong waist. She buried her face in his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat. Only then did she have the real feeling.


    On the way to the hospital, Mona felt uneasy and afraid. Now that Maxwell was around, Mona felt much better.


    "Are you scared? It''s fine now." Maxwell tried his best to lower his voice so that it would sound as gentle as possible. He rubbed Mona''s head with his big hand.


    Mona nodded. With Maxwell by her side, she naturally became the woman who was taken care of.


    She said, "I was really shocked. That wooden board fell down for some reason. Fortunately, Haley was here. Otherwise, I don''t know if I would have been able to see you."


    Her voice sounded extremely aggrieved as she hugged Maxwell''s waist and refused to let go.


    She had no time to care about the people around her. She just wanted to hug Maxwell and feel the warmth he brought her. "When Haley recovers, give her more chicken drumsticks." Maxwell''s memory of Haley only stopped at Mona''s description that Haley liked to eat chicken drumsticks. She could eat a few in one meal.


    Mona nodded in Maxwell''s arms and said, "Chicken drumsticks isn''t enough. We have to give her a raise."


    Only now did Mona realize that the profession of bodyguard was too dangerous. They all risked their lives to earn money.


    "Okay, raise." Maxwell agreed to Mona.


    ze on her hand, picked up Ava, who was sitting on a chair in the distance, looked at the loving couple. She nced at the gauze on her hand, picked up her phone, and sent a message to Joseph.


    ''You have your Maxwell, and I have my Joseph. I can show off my love too!'' she thought.


    Joseph had to act in another scer. When he saw Ava''s message, he immediately informed the director, and without waiting for the director''s approval, he hurriedly got into the RV and rushed to the hospital.


    After Maxwellforted Mona, he pulled her to the chair beside him and looked at her carefully. When he saw that she was really fine, he rxed.


    "Mona, when Haleyes out, I''ll bring you for a full body checkup," Maxwell suggested. He was worried that Mona would have some invisible injuries,


    Mona thought about it and pregnant now.


    After all, she w


    Everyone waited outside for a while before the red light in the operati out of the operating theater in a wheelchair.


    theater finally went out. The doctor pushed Haley


    Mona quickly stood up and asked the doctor, "How is it? How''s


    "It''s nothing serious. She just fractured her right leg. She needs regr checkup. You can let her eat more nutritious food," the


    "Okay. After she recovers, will this have any impact on her futu legs were especially important to her.


    Mona quickly stood up and asked the doctor, "How is it? How''s


    "It''s nothing serious. She just fractured her right leg. She needs regr checkup. You can let her eat more nutritious food," the


    "Okay. After she recovers, will this have any impact on her futu legs were especially important to her.

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244.


    Regarding Mona''s question, the doctor shook his head and said. "It''s not a big deal. As long as she recuperates well in the future, there won''t be a problem."


    After hearing the doctor''s words, Mona heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the doctor.


    Fortunately, Haley''s leg was fine. Otherwise, she would feel guilty for the rest of her life.


    Then, she looked at Haley and said gently, "Did you hear that? When you get home, you have to recuperate well. Before you recover, you''re not allowed to move around."


    Haley looked down at her leg in a cast and nodded reluctantly. She could not run for a month or two. This was unbearable for her! However, her two months'' freedom in exchange for Mona and the baby''s safety was especially worth it. Mona listened to the doctor''s suggestion and got the medicine for Haley. She handed it to the bodyguards and asked them to bring Haley home first.


    Maxwell brought Mona for a full body checkup. The conclusion was that she was a little frightened. She and the baby were fine. Only then did Maxwell''s heartpletely calm down.


    Because nothing major happened in Mona, she didn''t tell Bernard and others for fear that they would be worried.


    After this disaster that fell from the sky, Mona felt that it was better for her to stay at home until the baby was safely born. On the way home, Mona nestled in Maxwell''s arms and did not move. She did not want to separate at all.


    She did not know if it was because of her pregnancy, but she felt that she had been relying on Maxwell recently. Even if the two of them did not do anything, she wanted Maxwell to be by her side. Maxwell enjoyed being near Mona. At this moment, in the Carter Group''s CEO''s office. Gordon grabbed Molly''s neck with one hand. The veins on her neck bulging as he pushed her against the wall.


    "You want to kill Mona?" Gordon asked angrily.


    Suddenly, a pair ofrge hands wrapped tightly around her neck. Instantly, she felt that she could not breathe properly. Her survival instincts made her instantly grab Gordon''s hand and pound it hard.


    "Let... Let go of me!" Molly''s face was flushed red as she said with difficulty. She felt that her neck and body were about to be separated.


    She had secretly gotten someone to push down the wooden board that had almost hit Mona.


    After the giarism incident, she was hated by everyone. She found someone to secretly follow Mona. She wanted to take revenge, but she could not find a chance. Moreover, that slut Mona was actually pregnant with Maxwell''s baby. It was not easy for her to wait for Mona toe out. How could she let go of this opportunity? "Let... Let go of me!" Molly said again.


    Tell me, do you want to kill Mona? We have agreed that let her live before I get her. Are you ignoring what I said?" Gordon said angrily.


    No one I like could escape, and Mona can not be an exception. If she is dead, am I supposed to y with the corpse?'' he thought


    "You, let me go! I know! I won''t do it again." Molly said with difficulty, feeling like she was about to die.


    Hearing what he wanted to hear, Gordon pushed Molly against the wall.


    I¨¦ ? ??? 96%


    "Remember what you said. Don''t do it again. Otherwise, there''s no need for us to cooperate," Gordon said coldly as he rubbed his fingers. Breathing in fresh air, Molly took a few deep breaths and copsed to the ground.


    After returning and seeing that Gordon could be the person in charge of Carter Group, Molly felt that Gordon was not as simple as it seemed.


    "But don''t forget what you said. Mona can''t give birth to Maxwell''s baby." After Molly finished speaking, she hurriedly fled. Gordon was a lunatic, just like her. After Molly left, Gordon sat at his desk and casually lit a cigarette. Instantly, smoke filled the air. He took a deep puff and yed with the cigarette in his hand. He thought, ''Did Maxwell want to rely on the Carter family''s baby to regain Carter Group?


    ''Otherwise, why would Mona not get pregnant earlier orter, but get pregnant after Maxwell and the Carter family broke off their rtionship?"


    He didn''t believe Maxwell would give up his long-run Carter Group for nothing. This was not the Maxwell he knew. He couldn''t let Mona keep her baby.


    On the other side, the police had already begun to investigate the matter of the wooden board falling down for no reason. They looked around and did not find anyone suspicious. Their initial judgment was that it was an ident.


    The people from Maxwell caught a person who was sneaking around the shop. That person insisted that he was careless and was sent by Maxwell to the police station.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    After Mona and Maxwell returned home, they felt especially tired. They heard from the servant at home that Haley had already fallen asleep in her room, so Mona did not want to disturb her.


    She slumped onto the sofa. Now that she thought about it, she still felt a lingering fear.


    After Maxwell called Nigel, he asked Nigel to pay more attention to the situation at the police station and see if he could let that person say something. However, Maxwell felt that the person probably didn''t know anything and was just used by others.


    When Mona saw that Maxwell was done, she stretched out her arms to Maxwell, looking like she wanted a hug. Maxwell naturally hugged her in his arms. He scratched Mona''s nose and asked, "What do you want to eat for lunch?"


    "Anything is fine, but I don''t seem to have much of an appetite," Mona said honestly.


    She felt very tired now and wanted to stay with Maxwell.


    "Then I''ll get you some shrimp, vegetables, and honeyed millet porridge that you like. Eat some more. If you really can''t eat, eat more fruit in the afternoon. There are fresh grapes and apples at home. I''ll get you a sd in the afternoon. Is that okay?" Maxwell hugged her in his arms, his palm supporting Mona''s waist.


    "Okay, don''t forget to ask Hattie to prepare extra chicken drumsticks for Haley." Mona was still thinking about Haley who was lying in the room!


    "Don''t worry, that''s for sure," Maxwell said.


    Because Mona was frightened in the morning, Maxwell did not go to thepany in the afternoon. Instead, he stayed at home with Mona,


    A few days passed, but the police did not manage to find out anything. They concluded that the person had identally dropped the wooden board.


    Because of this, Ava did not dare to ask Mona out to see the storefront anymore. She chose the shop in Pleasantview za as the main shop. She immediately signed a contract with the seller and started the renovation work.


    This matter was settled just like that. Mona and Ava felt that when the shop was renovated and the clothes were made, they would not be able to make it in time for the summer season. Mona''s designs were all autumn clothes, and most of them were skirts.


    The Image Representative of their shop was Artemis, and the brand''s benefits had to be good first. The Artemis fans were mostly young girls, so the two of them decided to use this as a breakthrough point to slowly enter the market and gradually expand the market.


    0

 Chapter 245

    Whether it was in front or behind, it was not obvious at all.


    Ever since Mona got pregnant, it was obvious that she changed a lot. She cared about the baby all day long and only cared about eating and drinking. The hot summer was graduallying to an end. She put on a loose sweater and one couldn''t tell she was pregnant. When Mona was three months pregnant, the Clem family finally announced this good news to her close friends and rtives.


    As for Maxwell, in order to let Mona rest well, Maxwell refused the people who wanted to visit in advance.


    Many elders wanted to build a good rtionship with the Clem family. They sent Mona many congrattory gifts. Nutritional supplements filled the storeroom.


    It was not that she did not want to see her elders, but sho as well draw the designs properly.


    simply did not want to sit down and listen to them chat. She might


    Of course, this news also reached the Carter family. Richard was both happy and angry. He was happy that the Carter family had a baby. He was angry that Maxwell really nned to leave the Carter family. He had not returned for three months.


    On this day, Maxwell went to work as usual. Now that the weather was not particrly hot, Mona asked the servant to bring a chair and table to the garden. She sat on the chair and drew a draft. Haley sat in the wheelchair beside her, and there were snacks in front of them.


    Haley looked at her feet. A month had not passed yet, and she still had to endure for more than a month. She couldn''t bear


    1. it.


    Haley felt that the beautiful muscles on her body were slowly disappearing, turning into lumps of soft flesh.


    Looking at Mona beside her, it was very strange. She was clearly pregnant, but she was exceptionally slim. From her angle, she could still see the greenish-purple veins on her wrist. Then, looking up at her face, her chin was sharp and her pair of bright eyes were exceptionally beautiful.


    Perhaps it was because of her pregnancy, and Mona glowed with love.


    ""Haley, you keep looking at me. Is there dust on my face?" Mona asked.


    Haley''s gaze was too burning. Even Mona, who was focused on the drafts, could sense it.


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, Haley retracted her gaze and said, "There''s no dust. I''m just thinking. Mona, why didn''t you gain weight?"


    She hadn''t exercised for such a long time, and the vi twice. It didn''t take long.


    was


    the same as her. In the evening, Maxwell would bring Mona around


    Mona touched her cheek. It still felt the same as before she was pregnant. In fact, it felt even perfect. No wonder Maxwell liked to pinch her face every night and the flesh on her body!


    "Maybe it''s because I''m pregnant. The baby absorbed some of the nutrition." She was eating alone now, and both of them needed it.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    However, Sweet Berry was really obedient in her belly. She didn''t feel anything when other pregnant women vomited. The baby didn''t disturb her at all. She slept and ate normally. Now, Mona was leaning toward the fact that there was a girl in her belly.


    While the two of them were talking, Mona heard the bodyguard say, "You can''t go in." Then, Haley, who was beside her, wanted to get up. Mona quickly held her hand and let her sit properly. 1/3


    Sat, Nov 9


    07:43


    It would take her a month or two to recover from her injuries. Haley still needed to continue recuperating so that there would be no seque in the future.


    This was aw-ruled society. Who would dare to hurt her in her house? Mona sat upright on the chair, waiting to see which bold person would dare to cause trouble for her.


    A momentter, Gordon appeared in front of Mona with many bodyguards behind him.


    After not seeing Gordon for a long time, Mona had almost forgotten about him. As soon as she saw him, Mona remembered the scene when she almost killed him in the warehouse.


    He really didn''t give her a good mood even when she was pregnant.


    "Why is the person in charge of Carter Group at my house today?" Mona put down the paintbrush in her hand and had no intention of getting up.


    "Mona, don''t forget. We''re family," Gordon said with a smile.


    At the same time, he looked at Mona. It had been a long time since hest saw her. She seemed to have be much prettier. It had been three months, and her belly was slightly bulging. He could tell that she was pregnant and her figure was still so good. ''Someone said that having sex with pregnant women feels very good. Is that true? Perhaps I can experience it, he thought.


    "Are you joking? Don''t you know that Maxwell has already cut ties with the Carter family?" Mona said coldly. She looked at Gordon with disgust.


    When she did not like someone, she really did not want to pretend. In the past, she was still worried that he was Maxwell''s brother and couldn''tpletely offend him. Otherwise, Maxwell would be in a difficult situation. Now that Maxwell had cut ties with the Carter family, she no longer had any worries.


    "Cut ties? Maxwell is from the Carter family. Mona, do you think it can be cut off?" Gordon ced his palm on the table and leaned over to stare into Mona''s eyes.


    He continued, "You''re pregnant and you''re not smart anymore."


    As he spoke, Gordon leaned towards Mona. Mona subconsciously stepped back. Gordon grabbed her shoulder first. Mona was forced to lean forward.


    Haley wanted to push him over, but she was pressed into the wheelchair by Gordon''s bodyguards and could not move. Gordon leaned forward and whispered in Mona''s ear, "When you married Maxwell, didn''t you like Maxwell as the CEO of Carter Group? Now that I''m the CEO of Carter Group, do you want to change your husband?"


    She was so close to Gordon. When she smelled the smoke on his body, for some reason, Mona started to retch and feel nauseous. The food was stuck in her throat. Gordon reacted and let go of Mona''s shoulder.


    Mona had already vomited. The fruit that she had just eaten was directly vomited on Gordon''s body. It flowed down his shoulder. It was sticky and smelly.


    After vomiting, Mona felt morefortable. She picked up the water beside her and began to rinse her mouth. She wiped her mouth with a tissue.


    Looking at the disheveled Gordon, Mona felt inexplicably relieved and wanted tough.


    "Why don''t you look in the mirror and see who you are? You still want topare yourself to Maxwell! That Carter Group, if not for Maxwell, would have disappeared from Nathontown long ago," Mona said. "Damn it, why did you vomit?" She even vomited all over him. It was disgusting,


    000 96%


    Mona replied, "Pregnant women are like that. Don''t you know? Why were you so close to me? How much is the suit? I''llpensate you."


    Mona''s words were generous as if she was giving alms to Gordon.


    Her vomiting came out of nowhere. It seemed that Sweet Berry really hated Gordon, just like her.


    Gordon looked at the mess on his body and wanted to say something to Mona. Suddenly, he lost all interest and walked towards the door angrily.


    SEND G

 Chapter 246

    After Gordon left, the bodyguards guarding the door hurriedly told Maxwell what had just happened. Then, they consciously went to receive their punishment.


    They were the ones who did not stop Gordon who barged into the vi. It was their negligence and they deserved to be punished.


    After they left, Mona felt that her breathing was a little easier and she didn''t feel chest distress. She picked up drank some water.


    the cup


    and


    "Mona, are you alright? I me my legs for being useless," Haley said angrily.


    ''If my legs were fine, I would have kicked Gordon down just now, Haley thought.


    Mona shook her head and blinked her eyshes. Her chest was still heaving. "It''s fine. He won''t dare to act recklessly in broad daylight. Haley, your leg still needs to continue recuperating. They made delicious soup. Drink more. It''s good for your recovery." Moreover, she vomited all over Gordon. Just thinking about it was hrious. He was probably here to teach her a lesson and wanted her to divorce Maxwell. In the end, it ended up like this.


    ''He didn''t even think about who he is and who Maxwell is. I''m still pregnant with Maxwell''s baby. Am I blind? Will I divorce Maxwell? Is Gordon living in his fantasy?'' Mona thought.


    After Gordon left, he quickly took off his suit and threw it on the ground. ''Damn, there is a smell. She is really annoying. The key is that I cannot hit her yet,'' he thought.


    Now, Mona actually did not abandon that bastard Maxwell and was even willing to give birth to his baby. This made Gordon even more confirm his previous thoughts. Maxwell wanted to rely on this baby to get Carter Group again.


    How could something that was already in his hands run away for nothing? When he came, Richard had even asked him to persuade Maxwell to return to the Carter family. ''Damn!'' he thought.


    After getting into the car, he quickly asked the driver to go to the nearest hotel. The car quickly ran along the road. When the window was opened, the wind blew on his body. Only then did Gordon feel that the smell on his body had dissipated a little and he felt a little morefortable.


    He hadn''t even closed his eyes and rested for a while when he heard the driver say that there was a car following them from behind.


    Gordon turned around and saw that the person looked familiar. Isn''t that Maxwell''s assistant, Nigel?'' he thought.


    Before he could think too much, the car overtook him and made a quick right turn. The driver mmed on the brakes and Gordon''s face mmed into the seat cushion in front of him. His face was deformed. Gordon opened the car door angrily. He got out of the car and wanted to ask Maxwell what he meant. ''Did he know how to drive? Did he want to die with me?'' he thought.


    Before he could reach Maxwell, Maxwell pushed him into the greenery beside him. He struggled, but before he could get up, Maxwell''s foot stepped on his hand. He wanted to resist, but it was useless.


    "Gordon, was it this hand that touched Mona just now?" Maxwell asked angrily. At the same time, he stepped on Gordon''s hand hard.


    Gordon only felt that his hand was about to be crippled by Maxwell. His right hand was burning with pain. He wanted to stop Maxwell, but he did not have the strength.


    "Maxwell, cripple my hand if you dare," Gordon said angrily.


    How unlucky! Wasn''t he just badmouthing Maxwell to Mona? In the end, he was vomited all over by Mona and even beaten up by Maxwell. They really didn''t treat him as a human.


    "Cripple your hand?" Maxwell chuckled. "Have you forgotten that I once crippled your arm?"


    After Maxwell finished speaking, he stomped hard on the ground, raised his foot, and took a step back. There was still a surveince camera beside him. How could he do the stupid thing of crippling Gordon''s hand? This was leaving evidence for him. He turned around and looked at Gordon behind him. He said coldly, "Gordon, you can do everything in front of me. Don''t provoke Mona. Otherwise, just wait!"


    Gordon looked at Maxwell''s leaving back and said angrily, "Maxwell, have you forgotten that I''m now the CEO of Carter Group? Do you still think that Carter Group is yours? What right do you have to be arrogant with me? Isn''t it because you married Mona? Otherwise, the acting chairman wouldn''t be you. You''re a shameless illegitimate son!"


    After saying that, Gordon felt better. When he looked down at his hand, his blood pressure instantly rose and his face darkened. He cursed angrily!


    After Gordon returned to the Carter family in a sorry state, he did not even change his clothes. Just like that, he met Richard and exaggeratedly told him everything that he had just suffered.


    In the end, he said, "Grandpa, Maxwell is looking down on our Carter family. Let''s not be looked down on."


    He held his hand pitifully in front of Richard and continued, "Grandpa, look at my hand. Maxwell stepped on me. He doesn''t treat me as his brother at all!"


    "Maxwell beat you up just because you cared about Mona?" Richard asked in disbelief. This did not match Maxwell''s style of doing things.


    "Grandpa, can I lie? Although Maxwell said that he has cut ties with the Carter family, in my heart, Maxwell is still my younger brother. We are family," Gordon looked into Richard''s eyes and said seriously.


    "Alright, you''re right. No matter what happens to Maxwell, he''s still from the Carter family. He''s your younger brother. Go back to your room and apply some medicine. I left thepany to you, and Maxwell must be unhappy. Don''t go near him for the time being." Richard sighed and went upstairs.


    There was just onepany. What could he do? After all, Maxwell was an illegitimate son.


    After Richard left, Gordon also returned to his room. Juliet took the first aid kit and applied medicine for him.


    Juliet cursed as she applied the medicine, "Bastard Maxwell! How dare he hit you? He is really shameless!"


    Gordon said angrily, "You should have objected when Grandpa wanted to bring this bastard back to the Carter family."


    ''If so, the following damn things wouldn''t have happened at all, he thought.


    "Gordon, you have to understand me. I had no choice back then Juliet said aggrievedly.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    She married Donald above her station. At that time, she had yet to gain a foothold in the Carter family. How could she act rashly?


    "Alright, since everyone knows that Maxwell and the Carter family have broken off their rtionship, we just need to prevent him froming in again," Gordon said lightly.


    What Gordon meant was that it was fine as long as Mona didn''t give birth to the baby. What Juliet thought was that Maxwell didn''t have the chance toe in. As long as something happened to Richard, no one would think about Maxwell.


    ''In the entire Carter family, isn''t it just Richard who wants Maxwell toe back? He cares about the Carter family''s bloodline. As long as something happens to Richard, who will care about this bastard Maxwell?''


    With her thought, Juliet''s eyes blinked and a smile on her face.


    0

 Chapter 247

    After Maxwell taught Gordon a lesson, he quickly returned home. Before he entered, he heard Mona''sughter. His face which had just darkened unconsciously revealed a smile. "Haley, you saw it. When Gordon left, his expression was ugly," Mona said.


    "I saw it, Mona. Didn''t you say that you don''t vomit during pregnancy? Why did you suddenly vomit? Are you hungry now? Do you feel ufortable?" Haley always remembered that Mona was pregnant and she needed nutrition. Monaughed and said, "Maybe Sweet Berry doesn''t like Gordon. I''m not hungry yet. I''ll eat some fruitter. Take it easy."


    After saying that, she saw Maxwell walking over from outside. Perhaps it was because he was in a hurry, he walked very fast.


    Mona quickly stood up and walked towards Maxwell.


    Seeing the situation, Haley had the maid push her back to her room so they could have some time alone.


    "What''s wrong? Why did you suddenly vomit? Do you feel ufortable? Do you want to go to the hospital for a checkup?" Maxwell asked anxiously.


    All this while, Mona had never had vomiting during pregnancy. Her sudden vomit made Maxwell worried along the way back.


    Mona didn''t know what happened just now. Maybe Sweet Berry really rejected Gordon just like she did.


    "Maxwell, don''t worry. Look at me, I''m good. There''s nothing wrong." Mona smiled at Maxwell. At the same time, she reached out and touched Maxwell''s face to help him rx. Maxwell saw that Mona''s cheeks were still rosy. She looked fine.


    He reached out and touched Mona''s belly. It was already bulging and he could feel it.


    "Alright. Should I hire more bodyguards? I feel that the vi''s security is not enough." Maxwell felt that the vi was not very safe because Gordon brought people and broke in.


    Mona looked at the bodyguards around her. ''In thiswful society, there is no need to fight with others. Do I need so many bodyguards?'' she thought.


    "No need. I think we already have enough bodyguards." If it weren''t for the fact that she was afraid that Maxwell would nag about her safety, she wouldn''t even want Maxwell to hire so many bodyguards, which cost a lot every day! "Really?" Maxwell asked. He wanted to speed up the acquisition of Carter Group so that Gordon would not be able to break in again.


    "Yes, that''s enough. I''m hungry. Come in and have something to eat with me." Mona pulled Maxwell into the living room.


    If this continued, Mona was afraid that Maxwell would hire a bunch of useless bodyguards. All of them stood there like idiots.


    At night, the moon was bright and the stars were beautiful.


    In the bedroom, Mona had just taken a shower. Shey in the bed and could not even be bothered to move her limbs. She was waiting for Maxwell to help her.


    After Maxwell dried her hair with a hairdryer, Monay t on the bed. Maxwell sat by the bed and took out moisturizer to carefully apply around her belly to prevent her from having stretch marks in the future. Chapter 247


    Her skin was smooth and shiny in the light.


    Mona felt veryfortable being massaged by Maxwell''s fingers. Her beautiful eyes subconsciously narrowed as she rubbed her forehead against Maxwell''s arm. Just as she was about to fall asleep, she suddenly felt Maxwell''s kiss on her neck. Her hands subconsciously wrapped around Maxwell''s neck. Her body also became soft, and her gaze became hazy.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    As the two of them kissed, Maxwell touched her body non-stop, and Mona''s breathing became hurried.


    A momentter, Maxwell''s fingers brushed away her hair and he said gently, "Okay, it''s time to sleep."


    "That''s it?'' Mona thought, ''Didn''t the doctor say that we couldn''t have sex for the first three months? But now, it was already more than three months''


    Mona turned her face away and said softly with a flushed face, "I want..."


    Maxwell looked at Mona with a faint smile and said, "Honey, did you forget that our Sweet Berry is in your belly?"


    Of course, Mona knew it. "It''s... more than three months," she said.


    "The doctor said it''s best not to have sex at all." He also wanted to have sex, but what should he do? For the baby''s sake, he had to endure it!


    If it weren''t for the fact that he really wanted to have sex tonight, he wouldn''t have kissed Mona.


    Mon¨¢ gradually calmed down and was no longer as careless as before. At this moment, she looked at Maxwell''s half-smiling expression and was rather unhappy. She covered herself with the nket and said, "Sleep!"


    However, just as Monay down, her body was hugged by Maxwell. The two of them faced each other and their gazes met. His big hand held her round shoulder. He said hoarsely, "I''ll be gentle."


    Mona looked at him angrily. Before she could say "no", Maxwell lowered his head and kissed her.


    Under the dim light, the feeling that she had painstakingly suppressed rekindled.


    In the end, she didn''t say "no". She thought about it repeatedly, but she still didn''t say it.


    Mona felt her body getting hotter and hotter. Finally, with Maxwell''s action, she bit his shoulder. Shey in Maxwell''s arms for a long time beforepletely rxing. "Feeling good?" Maxwell asked in a low voice.


    Mona nodded in embarrassment. She turned around andy in Maxwell''s arms.


    Maxwell looked at Mona in his arms and thought, "You naughty girl. After the baby is born, just wait and see how I will deal with you.


    The next day, Mona woke up naturally. By the time she had breakfast, Maxwell had already gone out.


    A servant came to report that someone iming to be Maxwell''s grandfather hade.


    Mona finished thest mouthful of oatmeal and asked the servant to invite Richard in.


    In the living room, the servant left after serving coffee. After Richard walked in, he sat on the sofa opposite Mona.


    Ty, Mona was wearing a white dress. It was not particrly loose. Her hair draped over her shoulders, and her slightly bulging belly could be seen.


    Although Maxwell and the Carter family had severed ties, Mona still greeted him softly.


    10.29 SUIT, NOV TU


    Richard nodded and asked, "It''s more than three months, right?"


    Mona nodded. "Yes."


    "This is a gift for the baby." Richard ced a gift on the coffee table.


    Mona thanked him and received it.


    0??? 97%]


    Richard looked at Mona, who was sitting on the sofa opposite him and said, "Mona, when you''re free, persuade Maxwell toe back to the Carter family. We miss him."


    Now, Mona knew why Richard was here. "Richard, have you forgotten that Maxwell has nothing to do with the Carter family anymore?" Mona said lightly.

 Chapter 248

    Mona thought, ''Richard was lying. It was obvious that he wanted to continue using Maxwell.


    As soon as she said this, Richard''s expression immediately changed. He treated Mona as his family member, but she did not even have the most basic respect for him.


    "Mona, what are you talking about? His surname is Carter, he''s the Carter family people!" Richard said.


    Mona said, "Yes, his surname is Carter, but it''s just a name. Since you decided to bring Maxwell back to the Carter family, you should treat him well and not leave him alone, making him feel lonely since he was young. "When there was no need, you sent him overseas. When there was a need, you brought him back to the Carter Group. Now that the Carter Group could develop steadily, you want to kick him away.


    "Maxwell is a human, flesh and blood, with feelings, not a robot. Since you''ve decided to hand the Carter Group over to Gordon, Maxwell has nothing to do with the Carter family anymore, stop talking about kinship! "Maxwell helped the Carter Group handle official business for such a long time for nothing. It could be considered as repaying your kindness in raising him. If there''s nothing else, please help yourself. I''m tired. I will go back to my room to rest."


    After saying that, Mona stepped on the white carpet and returned to her room.


    If it was possible, she didn''t even want to see Richard.


    If other elders came to visit her, she could reject them using the excuse that she was pregnant and not feeling well, but not Richard. He was Maxwell''s grandfather. She couldn''t bear to see Maxwell suffer in his family and couldn''t help but say it. Richard looked at the coffee that was steaming. He felt embarrassed and left.


    He wanted Maxwell to return to the Carter family. On one hand, he did not want others to recognize the Carter family as a joke. He did not want the Carter family''s people to work outside. On the other hand, he was selfish. He was afraid that something would happen to thepany in Gordon''s hands again. When the time came, he would still need Maxwell to deal with it.


    Now that his thoughts had been voiced out in person, Richard was too embarrassed to meet Mona again.


    Time passed day by day. By the time Mona was four months pregnant, her belly was gradually showing. Every night when she was about to fall asleep, she would hear Maxwell quietly muttering something to her belly.


    During this period, with the bad memory of the wooden board fallingst time, she did not dare to go out. She was afraid that something would happen again and the baby would be hurt. She slept at home until she woke up naturally every day. Then, she would read the fashion magazine that Maxwell had gotten someone to send to create inspiration and start drawing designs.


    On Monday morning, Mona officially established their clothing store. They epted Artemis''s suggestion and started a live broadcast online to promote the clothing store and make it famous.


    The brand Mona founded was called Star.


    Because of the endorsement of the superstar Artemis, it had just been established and had already attracted the attention of manyizens.


    As one of the founders, Mona had to attend the opening ceremony of Star.


    However, Mona was already four months pregnant. One could easily tell that she was pregnant when she wore a tight gown.


    Kis


    3


    Early in the morning, Maxwell watched nervously as Mona changed her clothes and put on makeup. Even when she put down her lipstick and turned to look at him, Maxwell was still worried.


    "Do you have to go?" Maxwell asked, unwilling to give up.


    Usually, Maxwell would be at case if Mona drew designs and would not hurt herself. However, Star''s opening ceremony today was a live broadcast and they had invited so many people. Maxwell was really worried that something unexpected would happen. Mona nodded seriously and said, "Yes. Today is Star''s opening ceremony. As the founder, I definitely have to attend."


    Mona knew that Maxwell was worried about her body and that the baby may be in danger. However, this was a clothing store that she had opened. The clothes inside were all designed by her. She wanted to see Star''s opening with her own eyes. Moreover, with Maxwell by her side and the bodyguards, Mona believed that there would not be any idents.


    Ever since thest ident, she had not gone out much. She spent all her time in the vi or going to the Clem family to apany her grandparents. She wanted to go out too.


    Mona sat beside Maxwell and held his hand. "Don''t worry, I will protect myself and our baby. I''ll just show up and watch them. Ava will handle everything. Hubby, don''t worry. If I don''t go out, I''ll be bored to death. Don''t worry!" Mona said. Maxwell met Mona''s serious eyes and nodded. "Alright," he said.


    He also knew that Mona had been bored to death at home for the past few months. It was good to go out for a breather.


    Of course, Mona was happy. She just wanted to take a look at Star''s opening ceremony and rx outside.


    These days, she spent most of her time at home drawing design drafts, then sleeping and eating. She felt like she was about to be a pet raised at home.


    Mona put on a red gown with a loose skirt. If one did not look carefully, one would not be able to notice her pregnant belly. The shoes were chosen ording to Maxwell''s requirements. She wore a pair of leather shoes without heels.


    Star was located in the most prosperous Pleasantview za in Nathontown. Its location was also very good. Beside the elevator on the second floor, guests would often be able to see the word "Star" the moment they stepped out of the elevator. It was very eye-catching.


    The opening ceremony officially began at ten o''clock in the morning. Because the Image Representative was Artemis, there were many customers early in the morning, and reporters were holding cameras.


    When Mona and Maxwell arrived, the entrance was already surrounded by customers. Fortunately, Star had a back door. Otherwise, Mona and the others would not know how to enter.


    After entering, Mona saw Ava and the others busy cleaning the shop. There was also a sign for the opening promotional event so that customers could see it as soon as they entered.


    The design of the Star was mainly golden yellow. There were photos of Artemi''s outfits on the coffee table in front of the sofa for guests to rest. Coupled with the warm light, it exuded a glorious aura.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Star mainly sold middle-to-high-end clothes, which were more suitable for young people. Most of them were designed by Mona, and some were made by ra.


    After Mona entered, Ava hurriedly greeted her. Mona casually looked at the clothes in the shop and touched them. They were all produced ording to her request. She silently praised them in her heart. "Mona, you look good today. Is the baby obedient recently?" Ava said with a smile. Her gaze fell on Mona''s belly. It had been almost four months. Although Mo

 Chapter 249

    When Ava mentioned the baby, Maxwell nced at her.


    After Ava finished speaking, she felt a cold gaze on her from the side. She turned around and saw Maxwell, who was taking care of Mona.


    He casually wore a light gray suit and didn''t wear cufflinks. But Ava felt that if he stood at the door of Star with his handsome face, many girls would probably be attracted. Before the opening ceremony of Star began, the excited voices of the girls outside could already be heard.


    "Oh my god, I saw Maxwell through the ss. He''s even more handsome than the photos! His face is even more handsome than the current popr male celebrity." "Let me take a look. He''s really handsome. If I can see him every day, I''m willing to abandon anything!"


    "He''s so manly. When Mona was framed for giarism, he directly spoke up for her online!"


    "In the past, I thought that the two of them got married for benefits. Now, I''ve seen what love looks like!"


    "Mona is so beautiful too. I love her beautiful eyes!"


    "As expected, handsome men and beautiful women are the most pleasing to the eye. Just for Mona''s looks, the taste of the clothes she designed won''t be bad!"


    "That''s right. Moreover, it''s endorsed by my idol, Artemis. I''m ready to buy it!"


    Mona heard the conversation outside and felt a little proud. She looked at Maxwell sitting beside her. He was really handsome. He had perfect eyebrows and beautiful blue eyes. He was the one who would be dazzling among celebrities. "They are all praising you!" Mona said softly.


    "Yes, I heard it. They''re also praising you," Maxwell said.


    "But there are so many people praising you, and they are all beautiful girls!" When she said this, Mona''s tone carried a little jealousy.


    ''Many girls like my husband!'' she thought.


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, Maxwell smiled and looked at Mona. He said with a faint smile, "What, are you jealous?"


    Mona retracted her gaze and said, "I don''t! I''m not like you..."


    Hearing that so many girls liked Maxwell, she just felt a little awkward. However, she still felt a little proud because such an outstanding man was her husband and the father of her baby.


    "Alright, I''m jealous. I will be angry when you talk to other men too much. If it''s serious, I want to go over and teach them a lesson."


    After saying that, Maxwell added, "Mrs. Carter, are you satisfied with what I said?"


    Ava stood at the side and watched the two of them say sweet nothings. She was too embarrassed to move closer. Maxwell looked like such a cold and aloof person. But when he said sweet nothings, he spoke so smoothly, one sentence after another. "Satisfied," Mona said with a smile. Maxwell saw Mona''s hand on the sofa and quietly held it in his. There was even no gap between their fingers.


    Kiss


    :0296%¡ã


    Artemis arrived just in time After applying a light touch-up to her makeup, Star''s opening ceremony began.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    This shop was very big and could amodate many customers. Sales assistants were standing at every fixed position. If customers came in, they could provide better service.


    At ten o''clock in the morning, Star''s door was opened. The eye-catching costumes inside were disyed. They were of all kinds of styles. Every category was neatly allocated.


    The customers surrounding the door all looked over. Some even whispered that they wanted to buy itter.


    "Hello, everyone. I''m Mona Clem, one of the founders of Star. I''m mainly in charge of fashion design and I guarantee that it will be original. I wee everyone toe in and take a look. Today is the first time Star is open for business and there are many discounts. At the same time, there''s a limit to the number of clothes. If you like it, don''t hesitate. I look forward to your arrival!"


    Apanied by Ava, Mona stood at the door of Star and spoke.


    The entrance was decorated very festively and was already filled with customers. After Mona spoke, she maintained a smile and put away the microphone in her hand.


    When Mona spoke, Maxwell sat quietly behind her and kept watch over her. He hid himself in the crowd and looked at Mona who was very attractive.


    "Hello, I''m Ava Swanson. Just like Mona, I''m one of the founders of Star. I''m mainly in charge of the business operations. If anyone has any objections to Star, or if there''s anything wrong with Star, you''re wee to say it at any time. I''m very easygoing. We''ll do our best to improve it. I hope everyone likes Star! Alright, let''s move on to our superstar, Star''s Image Representative, Artemis. Won''t everyone give her a round of apuse?"


    After Ava finished speaking, there was a continuous round of apuse. After all, most of the people who came were here for Artemis.


    The entire second floor of Pleasantview za was filled with people of all ages and genders. After all, some of th wanted to see the celebrities.


    1 simply


    "Hi, everyone. Thank you very much for taking the time to let us gather in Star. Today is Star''s opening ceremony. There are many discounts and costumes. If you need anything, you cane in and take a look."


    Artemis was wearing a light yellow dress that Star had justunched that season. There was an embroidery of a small daisy at the cor. Her slightly curly hair was naturally scattered at the back of her waist. Her big eyes were lively and cute.


    As soon as she finished speaking, someone asked if there was the same dress saling.


    "Yes, you cane in and try itter. See if it suits you," Artemis said gently.


    After the three of them finished speaking, the ribbon was cut, and Star was officially opened.


    Almost at the same time, customers swarmed over.


    Fortunately, Mona and the others had thought of this situation in advance. Each time, they would let about a hundred customers enter to choose. After they had done choosing, they would change to the next batch.


    This way, the salesperson would not be in a hurry to serve them and the cashier would not make a mistake. The entire work was in order.


    Those who spent money to apply for membership in Star would also receive an additional autographed photo of Artemis.


    In an instant, the queue at Star''s entrance had reached the first floor.


    Mona looked at the busy and orderly staff in the shop and listened to the satisfied conversation of the customers. She 10:29 Sun, Nov


    smiled.


    C


    At this rate, Star would soon be able to open a few more branc


    Mona was just thinking about it when a harsh voice pulled her room through the crowd.

 Chapter 250

    "Is this your service? This lousy dress is so expensive. Can''t I say? Everyone,e and take a look. She looks down on me and says I can''t afford this dress!"


    Mona quickly followed the voice and walked towards the fitting room. Maxwell followed behind her.


    As soon as she arrived, Mona saw the salesperson''s aggrieved look. She patted her shoulderfortingly, indicating for her to stop talking.


    "Hello, madam. I''m in charge of this shop. How can I help you?" Mona said.


    Facing the noisy customers, Mona did not show any impatience. Instead, she was very gentle, giving people a feeling of rxation.


    Her words made the surrounding customers feel good.


    The noisy people looked at the beautiful and gentle Mona and the man beside her. For a moment, they were stunned. However, they remembered their purpose of squeezing in the crowd and quickly looked away. "You''re the person in charge? I want to lodge aint. Your shop assistant looked down on me. And I want her to apologize to me," the woman said.


    The shop assistant exined softly, "Mona, I didn''t."


    A few days before they were hired, they had all received training. They all knew that service was the most important and their attitudes were good. Today was the first day, so how could she make such a low-level mistake? Mona patted the shop assistant''s shoulder again, indicating that she should not act rashly.


    "Then please tell me the details. If it''s really the shop assistant''s fault, not only will I get her to apologize to you, but I''ll also give you cash aspensation. How about that?" Mona asked.


    As soon as she heard about cashpensation, the middle-aged woman''s eyes lit up. She immediately exaggerated in front of everyone.


    "I saw a dress and liked it. I wanted to take it down and take a look. But the shop assistant didn''t even let me try it," she said as she pointed to the white dress on the model beside her.


    "I asked this shop assistant what the price was. The shop assistant said that it was more than 200 dors. I immediately felt that it was a little expensive. Guess what she said?" the woman said. The surrounding customers shook their heads.


    She continued, "What she said could anger someone to death. She said that if you think it''s too expensive, don''t buy it. There are discounted and cheap ones beside it. Coupled with the disdainful gaze of the shop assistant, I was especially angry.


    "Wasn''t she looking down on me for being poor? Yes, the clothes I usually wore were of ordinary brands and weren''t as expensive as this dress, but it wasn''t like I couldn''t afford it. This shop assistant''s attitude was too bad.


    "And to put it bluntly, the quality of this dress isn''t very good, right? Tell me, if it were you, would you be able to take this lying down?"


    Her voice was so loud that many people heard her.


    After this woman finished speaking, someone beside her whispered, "200 dors is not cheap, and the service attitude is not good. If it were me, I would also be angry."


    Kis


    Another man said, "Well, let''s see how the person in charge handles this!"


    When the shop assistant heard the customers'' words, she felt that she might be fired. She hurriedly said, "Everyone, you can''t only listen to her. You have to hear what I have to say.


    "It''s not that you can''t try on our clothes. It''s just that you can buy them if you think you can ept the price. That way, you can buy them after you try them on.


    "As everyone can see, today is the first day of the opening. There are still many customers waiting outside. We have to save as much time as possible.


    "After I told her the price, she felt that it was too expensive. Naturally, I introduced the lower-priced dresses to her and chose the ones that suited her. Then, she said that I looked down on her.


    "To be honest, I''m just a salesperson. My sry is about 1 thousand dors a month. I have to save money first if I want to buy some clothes here. Why would I look down on customers? Today is the first day of opening. All the clothes here are discounted. It''s just how much they are discounted."


    After the shop assistant finished speaking, Mona heard a youngdy beside her say that this shop assistant''s attitude was quite good.


    After listening to their conversation, Mona smiled slightly.


    "I think the service attitude of this shop is very good. You''re thinking too much." A customer at the side could not stand it anymore and spoke up for Star.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "How could I be thinking too much? Anyway, it''s this shop assistant''s fault today. Didn''t you say that you would apologize to me andpensate me in cash?" As the woman spoke, she approached the shop assistant, looking like she was about to fight.


    "Everyone here has heard it. It''s not our shop assistant''s fault. So there would be no apology orpensation," Mona said lightly. It was obviously the customer''s fault.


    "What? Then I''ve suffered here for nothing. No way."


    After saying that, the woman approached Mona again and wanted to push her. Just as she was about to touch Mona''s shoulder, Maxwell protected her.


    A pair of cold and ruthless eyes stared at the woman who wanted to push Mona.


    "What are you doing? Do you want to fight?" Maxwell asked coldly.


    Mona was still pregnant. If she lost her bnce and fell, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Maxwell did not know that the woman''s main purpose was to push Mona down and make Mona miscarry.


    "What do you mean I want to fight? The clothes in your shop are so expensive. And you still want to control people and not let us speak," the woman said.


    Some customers came to stop the fight and grabbed her arm. The scene was chaotie.


    Mona couldn''t help but frown when she saw this. She thought about how she had almost been injured and quickly took a few steps back. She was still pregnant now, so nothing could happen to her.


    "Mona, let''s go out first. Let Ava handle thister," Maxwell said.


    The customer was obviously being unreasonable. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell at a nce that the customer did not have any manners. Seeing that a fight was about to break out he could not let Mona get hurt.


    Kiss


    3


    Mona nodded. It was better to let Ava handle it. She was still suitable for drawing design drafts. This was too messy. It would be bad if she hurt herself.


    After Maxwell left with Mona, the customer wanted to follow them, but she was stopped by Ava who rushed over. So she could only watch helplessly as her mission failed and she couldn''t get the money.


    She directly quarreled with Ava. No matter what, she wanted an exnation. Ava was not as gentle as Mona. She knew the whole matter through other customers. She smiled and told the customer to have a talk in private. Of course, the customer disagreed. The bodyguards brought by Maxwell were not to be trifled with The two of them directly chased her out.


    "Alright, everyone can choose whatever you want. Don''t let one person affect your good mood," Ava said and then left.


    The surrounding people began to chat. "Oh my god, that person just now must be a scammer!"


    "Mona is too gentle. She even has a good attitude when facing such a person."


    "Did you notice that Mr. Carter took special care of Mona? His gaze was always on her. And did you take a closer look? Mona''s belly, although she was dressed very loosely, I think it''s very likely that she''s pregnant." "Really? I think so too."


    "Oh, these two are super good-looking. I think the baby will definitely be super good-looking. I''m already looking forward to


    it."


    SEND G

 Chapter 251

    After Mona and Maxwell went out of Pleasantview za, Maxwell''s phone suddenly rang. It was Nigel.


    Maxwell let go of Mona''s hand and said, "Mona, wait a moment. I''ll take this call first."


    Mona nodded. Maxwell picked up the phone in front of Mona.


    Suddenly, Mona saw a little boy crying in front of her. She did not know if it was because she was pregnant or if it was because the little boy was crying too sadly. For a moment, Mona felt pity. "Maxwell, I''m going to see what happened to the kid!" Mona whispered.


    Maxwell saw that the child was right in front of him and had been crying. He knew that Mona wanted to go over and coax him, so he nodded.


    If Maxwell could predict what would happenter, even if he had to end the call, he would quickly bring Mona home no matter what.


    Mona walked over and looked at the little boy in overalls. His face was chubby and covered in tears. When he saw Mona, he even cried until he was out of breath.


    Mona took out a tissue from her bag and gently wiped his little face. Then, she held his chubby little hand and said gently, "What''s wrong? Why are you crying so sadly?"


    The little boy looked at Mona in front of him and cried even harder. "Mommy, Mommy, I can''t find Mommy."


    With that, he even threw himself into Mona''s arms. Mona''s heart almost melted as she hugged him. She patted the little boy''s back and said, "What''s your mother''s name? After he finishes his call out there, we will bring you to find your mother." Upon hearing Mona''s words, the little boy ced his chin on Mona''s shoulder and whispered, "My Mommy''s name is Sarah Davis. Like


    beautiful." you, she''s very


    A chubby little boy in her arms praised her beauty, and Monaughed uncontrobly when she heard it.


    "Okay, Sarah Davis, right? I remember it. I''ll bring you to look for herter. Don''t cry..."


    Suddenly, Mona''s words were stuck in her throat. She was so frightened that she could not say anything.


    On her left, a white van was speeding towards her. It did not seem to slow down at all. When Mona saw this, she even forgot how to blink. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest.


    Without any time to think, she subconsciously pushed the boy away. The boy cried even louder. Because she was squatting, it was toote for her to run. Before the car hit her, she used all her strength to turn around and protect her belly with her hands and bit her lower lip.


    When Maxwell had the call with Nigel, he subconsciously looked at Mona. He happened to see the car rapidly approaching Mona. He was stunned and his phone fell to the ground. With a bang, the screen of the phone shattered.


    Their gazes met. Mona did not know what was waiting for her next. She subconsciously smiled at Maxwell, wanting him to remember how she smiled.


    "Mona!" Maxwell shouted at the entrance of Pleasantview za. His hands and feet were trembling.


    Almost as soon as Maxwell finished shouting, the van behind Mona crashed into her with a bang.


    Mona once again felt the feeling of her body being torn apart, especially her back and lower abdomen. It hurt so much...


    Kis


    ''Am I dying? Maxwell, Idon''t want to die yet. I haven''t loved you enough, she thought.


    6%


    Maxwell watched helplessly as Mona was knocked more than 10 feet away. He used all his strength to hold Mona in his arms. She was already unconscious.


    Maxwell looked at Mona in his arms and screamed a few times in loneliness and helplessness. But Mona ignored him, lying in his arms.


    Blood flowed down Mona''s thigh and dyed her even calves red. Maxwell''s hand was full of blood.


    Maxwell had no choice and could only hope God could appear and save Mona. ''Nothing could happen to Mona. We still have a long time to apany each other for the rest of our lives,'' he thought. Soon, peopleing and going outside Pleasantview za saw this tragedy and quickly called the police and an ambnce.


    The man in the van saw Mona lying motionless on the ground and looked down at his hands. He really did listen to others and killed someone, and it was a pregnant woman.


    I''m guilty, but my child could be saved. Let me atone!'' he thought.


    Maxwell half-knelt on the ground and hugged the unconscious Mona tightly in his arms. For the first time, he felt heartbroken. He was extremely sad, and tears flowed down the corner of his eyes.


    When the bodyguards rushed over, they saw this scene. They immediately drove the car from afar over and arrived before the ambnce. Maxwell carried Mona and got into the car, leaving two bodyguards to monitor the criminal.


    On the way to the hospital, he didn''t know what to do. He let the bodyguard drive as fast as he could and rushed through a few traffic lights. Finally, they arrived at the hospital and sent Mona to the emergency room to undergo emergency treatment.


    Throughout the entire process, Maxwell did not know how he got here. He copsed at the door of the resuscitation room. In that case, he could be closer to Mona and apany her.


    He sincerely prayed to God, hoping that Mona would be fine.


    When Ava and Artemis rushed over, they saw Maxwell copsed in the corner of the emergency room. Compared with his high-spirited appearance before, Ava knew that Maxwell loved Mona deeply.


    The two of them looked at the red light at the entrance of the emergency room and their eyes turned red.


    A few minutester, the emergency room door opened.


    The nurse came out and said very seriously, "The vital signs of the pregnant woman are very weak. The baby can''t be saved anymore. We can only try our best to protect the adult. Her family member, pleasee and sign it." The nurse handed the surgery sheet to Maxwell. Maxwell signed without any hesitation.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    In Maxwell''s mind, Mona would always be number one. He did not even ask if the baby had a chance of survival. Even if there was a chance of survival, he would not give up saving Mona for the sake of the baby


    0

 Chapter 252

    After Maxwell signed, the nurse turned around and prepared to return to the emergency room.


    Maxwell suddenly stopped her at this moment and said, "Please save my wife. It doesn''t matter how much it costs."Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    He did not care how much money was spent. In the face of Mona''s life, money was nothing.


    However, how could the nurse guarantee that she could save Mona?


    After a moment of silence, the nurse said, "Your wife has many fractures, especially in her lower back, and her various organs were also hurt. Moreover, she''s in aa now. We''ll try our best to save her, but..." After a pause, the nurse said, "You should be mentally prepared.


    These words were undoubtedly a ruthless blow to the three of them, especially Maxwell. Now, they all wanted to kill the person who had just bumped into Mona.


    Ava and Artemis cried. ''How could this happen?'' they thought.


    Maxwell leaned his back to the wall and covered his face with his hands weakly. No one could see his expression, but his trembling body showed his true situation.


    No one dared to tell Mona''s parents that Mona had been hit. They were afraid that their bodies would not be able to take it and they would faint.


    However, this driver could be said to havemitted a malicious crime. The police had yet to convict him, but it had already caused an uproar online.


    Bernard happened to be watching television at home and happened to see Mona being hit. Although her face was pixted, when Bernard heard Maxwell''s scream, he was so frightened that he dropped the remote control in his hand. Bernard called Maxwell. Seeing that he couldn''t hide it anymore, Maxwell admitted.


    After hanging up the phone, Bernard''s hands could not help but tremble. ''Did I do something bad in my life? Why were my daughter and granddaughter all in trouble?'' he thought.


    He rushed to the hospital with Jane.


    When they got there and saw Mona was still undergoing surgery Jane immediately cried. Tears kept flowing out.


    Bernard looked at the crying Jane and felt terrible. He was heartbroken as he hugged her shoulder andforted her. "It will be fine. Our Mona is very strong!"


    As soon as Bernard finished speaking, a shout of surprise suddenly came from the emergency room. "Oh no, she is bleeding profusely!"


    The nurse immediately came out and looked at them waiting at the door. "She needs a blood transfusion. I remember that on the blood test report, her blood type is RH negative. Now that we don''t have enough blood and can only transfer it from another hospital or draw blood on the spot. Do any of you have RH negative blood type?"


    "Oh my god..." Jane almost fainted when she heard that. Only Mona''s blood type was RH negative in their family, not even Albert.


    Lam." Maxwell stepped forward immediately.


    As long as he could save Mona, it would be fine even if he drew all the blood from his body.


    1


    Kiss


    "Alright, thene in with me," the nurse said.


    For some reason, Mona had lost a lot of blood.


    400 96%


    The nurse had drawn almost 1000 of blood from Maxwell, but Mona''s bleeding had notpletely stopped.


    At this moment, the doctor had no choice but to persuade Maxwell. "Sir, the possibility of your wife''s bleeding stopping is very small. Your body can''t stand it either. Let''s wait for another hospital to send blood over!"


    Of course, Maxwell knew what the doctor meant, but as long as there was the slightest possibility, he would not give up.


    The world without Mona was dark. He never wanted to go back.


    "No matter how much blood you need, you have to save my wife," Maxwell said.


    He had lost so much blood at once. His face was frighteningly pale, and so were his lips. There was no color at all.


    Not only that, his body was still covered in cold sweat and he did not have much strength. His breathing was also a little rapid.


    "But if we continue, you''ll fall into aa. That''s not allowed." The doctor had to remind Maxwell of the seriousness of this


    matter.


    Maxwell looked at the doctor coldly and said, "Do it. My wife needs my blood. As long as she can be saved, you don''t have to care about my life. I only want her to be alive..."


    In the end, Maxwell saw that the doctor had not agreed. He lowered his head and begged, "Doctor, please. I can''t live without my wife."


    Doctors also had their rules. He was determined not to allow this. This was equivalent to exchanging a life for a life.


    "Mr. Carter, we really can''t continue anymore. I understand how you want to save your people to save others."


    wife, but as doctors, we can''t kill


    Seeing that the doctor did not agree, Maxwell snatched the blood extraction tool from the doctor''s hand and drew his blood on his own. A with you,


    "If you don''t draw it, I''ll do it myself. If anything really happens to me, it has nothing to do he said.


    The doctor wanted to snatch the tool in Maxwell''s hand, but Maxwell looked at him coldly. Frightened, the doctor retracted his hand.


    "Mr. Carter, please don''t..."


    Maxwell knew what the doctor was worried about. He gestured for the doctor to pick up his phone and record it.


    "I, Maxwell Carter, voluntarily donated blood to my wife, Mona Clem. Even if I died here from excessive blood loss, it has nothing to do with the staff and the hospital here."


    After recording, Maxwell looked at the doctor and said, "Please, save my wife. She''s a very good person. Her life shouldn''t end like this."


    The doctor didn''t know what to say.


    Just as Maxwell began to draw blood, a nurse knocked on the door and came in. "Doctor, the blood is here."


    The doctor quickly stopped Maxwell''s bleeding and said, "Mr. Carter, you heard it. We have blood now. We''ll definitely try our best to save your wife."  JK


    Maxwell nodded. His vision was blurry and he was starting to feel dizzy.


    When he heard the doctor say that there was enough blood, Maxwell finally dared to take a deep breath. ''Mona must be fine, he thought.


    Fortunately, God took pity on Mona. In the end, her bleeding finally stopped.


    When Maxwell heard this good news at the entrance of the operating room, he finally felt relieved and revealed a smile.


    "The patient is not out of danger yet. It depends on whether the patient can wake up within 24 hours. This depends on her willpower. Transfer her to the ICU first." Hearing the doctor''s words, Maxwell was worried again. Mona was still in danger.


    Bernard patted Maxwell''s shoulder and said, "Maxwell, we have to believe that Mona will wake up."


    Maxwell nodded. He had to have hope. As long as there was a possibility of


    vival, Mona would definitely wake up.


    ''Mona has promised to apany me until we''re old. She will not give up halfway,'' he thought.

 Chapter 253

    84%1 Chapter


    253-


    Late at night, Maxwell kept vigil at the bedside of Mona''s bed alone. His heart ached when he saw that her entire body was filled with tubes.


    He tentatively held Mona''s hand.


    Her hands were very cold, her fingers slender. Lying on the bed, she was like a fragile porcin doll. Maxwell carefully held her hand, trying to warm her fingers.


    A hoarse voice came from his throat. "Honey, you can''t leave me Without you, the world will be meaningless."


    Maxwell spoke very affectionately, but there was no response from Mona.


    He continued, "Mona, you said that you would give me a home. You can''t leave me alone. What can I do without you?"


    Maxwell looked at Mona who was lying on the hospital bed. His eyes turned red unconsciously. A hot tear fell from the corner of his dim eye andnded on the back of Mona''s hand. Holding Mona''s hand, Maxwell bared his soul to her. However, Mona did not show any signs of waking up.


    His voice was so hoarse that he could barely speak. He said helplessly, "Forget it, Mona. If you don''t wake up, I''ll go with you.


    "Even death cannot take me away from you."


    Lying on the hospital bed, Mona felt that someone was talking in her ears, and she seemed to hear Maxwell''s voice. She tried to open her eyes.


    However, a pair of hands seemed to be covering her eyes tightly in the darkness. She tried, but the light pierced her eyes, and she could not open them.


    Thest words Maxwell said worked.


    Mona realized she couldn''t continue to sleep. She finally had the second chance to live. She hadn''t achieved either of her goals, so how could she end her life so hastily? Maxwell''s life was hers. She could not die when she was young like in her previous life. She wanted Maxwell to live until he was at least 80 years old.


    Mona fought against death and opened her eyes all of a sudden. She broke out in a sweat.


    The moment she opened her eyes, Mona saw Maxwell''s teary eyes.


    ..


    The emotions in his eyes wereplicated. There was hope for life, reconciliation for death, but more than that, there was love for her. "M-Maxwell!" Mona''s voice was hoarse and cracked.


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, Maxwell held Mona''s hand tightly. "Honey, you''re awake. It''s great!"


    He was ready to die with Mona.


    A world without Mona was colorless for him.


    Mona was an indispensable part of his life.


    Mona nodded to Maxwell with much difficulty and soon fell asleep again.


    By the time the doctor arrived, Mona fell unconscious again.


    "Doctor, my wife... Nothing was more devastating than the end of hope.


    The doctor looked at the equipment in the ward and carefully examined Mona. Then, he smiled at Maxwell and the others.


    "The patient''s will to live is very strong. She woke up much earlier than I thought," said the doctor.


    Bernard and the others heaved a sigh of relief when they heard the doctor''s words.


    "Has my wife fallen asleep again? Is she out of danger?" Maxwell sked nervously.


    The doctor said, "She''s out of danger. She fell asleep again because she still has anesthesia in her body. Leave her alone and let her rest well. She can be transferred to a normal ward tomorrow morning." "Thank you, doctor?" Jane said.


    After the doctor left, Maxwell looked at Mona in the ward with a smile.


    Mona made it though.


    "Maxwell, you''ve been with Mona for most of the night. Now that she is fine, go to the ward next door and rest. Otherwise, you won''t be able to take it," Jane said to the bearded Maxwell.


    If Mona woke up and saw him like this, she would feel terrible too.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Maxwell said, "Jane, Bernard, go and rest. I''ll stay with Mona. If there''s anything, I''ll tell you. I can''t sleep now. Besides, I want to stay beside Mona. I want her to see me first when she opens her eyes." Jane was about to say something when she heard Bernard say, "Alright, let Maxwell be!"


    Jane looked at Maxwell''s haggard face and wanted to say something. She finally swallowed her words and left the ward with Bernard.


    Maxwell sat on the chair closest to Mona. He nced at the cigarette Nigel had given him and finally threw it into the trash can beside him.


    Mona did not like the smell of cigarettes.


    It was a long night.


    Maxwell kept his eyes open until six in the morning when a new day arrived.


    The sun rose high in the east. The fiery red sunlight immediately lit up the ground and every corner of the ward.


    Mona''s conditionpletely stabilized and she was transferred to a normal ward.


    Maxwell left Mona to Bernard and Jane for a few minutes. He went to the ward next door to take a shower, shave, change his clothes, and wait for Mona to wake up. He did not want Mona to see him so dispirited. In less than ten minutes, Maxwell appeared in th

 Chapter 254

    After leaving the hospital, Albert took a taxi to the police station.


    Although Albert was in the army, his reputation was well-known When Albert saw the police chief, Albert told him why he was here.


    Soon, the man who hit Mona was brought out.


    Albert looked at the man, raised his fist, and punched him to the ground.


    "Can you drive? Don''t drive if you can''t. Damn it, you almost killed two people. Do you understand?" Albert raged.


    His angerpelled him to knock the driver to the ground.


    The driver said, "Yes, it was my fault. I mistook the elerator for a brake. I''m should be punished."


    "What''s the point? My sister lost her child and she''s lying in bed on herst breath. It''s pointless even if you pay with your life!" Albert said heatedly.


    He then gave the person a few more meaningless kicks. He could only vent some of the resentment in his heart.


    Sweet Berry was gone forever. She had not seen the sun for a day and did not know that there were many delicious foods in this world. As his uncle, he had never hugged her...


    At this moment, Albert seemed to have found Sweet Berry back from death.


    way to vent his anger. He gave the driver a good kicking, hoping to bring


    When the chief outside saw Albert was out of control, he quickly called two police officers over to pull him up. Albert could beat the man up to vent his anger, but he would go to jail if he injured the man. "Damn it, I want you to pay with your life. I want you to pay with your life for my sister and Sweet Berry!" Albert shouted, his entire body trembling violently.


    The person on the ground said weakly, "I-I''ll pay with my life."


    When he agreed to do this, he knew that his life wasing to an end.


    However, he didn''t mind as long as his child could grow up safely and live a good life in the future.


    Albert responded, "Pay with your life? You should pay with your life."


    Albert''s had mixed feelings. His heart ached.


    After venting his anger, Albert saw Barbara walking towards him as soon as he left the police station.


    "Barbara, why are you here?" Albert asked tly.


    Barbara sniffed and said sadly, "I''m here to find things out. Poor Mona. Albert, don''t be too sad. At least Mona is out of danger."


    She patted Albert''s shoulder.


    Although Barbara said that, she was thinking that Mona had a lucky escape. She was d that the child was gone.


    Albert sighed. Fortunately, Mona was out of danger. This was a blessing in disguise. "Um, Barbara. If there''s nothing else, I''ll go," Albert said.


    *BG.


    He wanted to return to the hospital as soon as possible. He wondered if Mona had woken up.


    "Okay, go ahead. I''ll go to the police station to figure things out, said Barbara.


    Barbara looked at Albert''s receding figure and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.


    Up close, her smile was a bit weird.


    At the hospital.


    Monay weakly on the hospital bed. A ray of sunlight shone through the window and shone on her body, casting a soft radiance over her.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and rubbed her palm against his cheek like a child. Heined to her, "Honey, you''ve slept for long enough. Can you wake up and look at me?" Although the doctor said that Mona was out of danger, Maxwell would not be able to rest assured if she was still unconscious.


    Mona was still sleeping quietly on the hospital bed, unresponsive to Maxwell''s words.


    Maxwell''s eyes turned red again.


    He wished he was the one who was unconscious. If possible, he hoped that he could suffer for Mona.


    He wished all the bad things happened to him instead of Mona.


    He buried his head in Mona''s palm. Tears welled from the corner of his eyes.


    When Gordon bullied him when he was young, he did not even shed a tear.


    He believed a man did not cry easily.


    However, his conviction copsed in front of Mona.


    When Mona was pregnant and couldn''t eat, he was anxious for Mona. When Mona was lying on the hospital bed, his heart ached badly and he shed tears for her.


    A tear burned her heart from Mona''s palm.


    In her sleep, Mona seemed to have heard Maxwell''s voice and felt her heart burning.


    Then, her thick eyshes fluttered slightly.


    Then, Mona slowly opened her eyes.


    Mona felt that she had a very long dream.


    In her dream, she saw a little girl in a purple princess dress, wrapping her arms around her neck enthusiastically and calling her Mommy. The two of them were ying under the grape vines.


    In the end, the little girl walked under the grapevine and waved at Mona. She said with a smile, "Mommy, I''m not ready. I''lle and y with you after some time!"


    Then, the little girl instantly disappeared under the grape vines. Mona felt a hot tear in her hand.


    Looking at the exquisite chandelier on the ceiling, Mona blinked in confusion.


    Recalling the scene before her ident, Mona subconsciously touched her belly. Previously, the child was more than three months old. She could reach out and feel it.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Now her belly was t and empty.


    Mona felt a sudden rush of panic at the thought of her baby.


    She tried to sit up, but before she could, her stomach and lower back hurt.


    When she turned around, she saw Maxwell with tears. Mona reached out to wipe his tears.


    "Maxwell, don''t cry," Mona''s said in a hoarse voice.


    However, this was the most beautiful voice Maxwell had heard since yesterday. He held Mona''s hand tightly.


    "Alright, I won''t cry. It''s good that you''re awake!" Maxwell said.


    Seeing that Mona was finally awake, Maxwell was relieved.


    "Hmm, Maxwell, how long have I been asleep for?" Mona asked.


    "From noon yesterday to around nine o''clock this morning," Maxwell exined.


    Mona nodded her head. Thinking of her baby and the dream she had, she asked tentatively, "Maxwell, baby, is the baby gone?"


    The moment she asked the question, Mona regretted it. She did not want to know the answer. That way, she could lie to herself that her child was alive and well.

 Chapter 255

    Before Mona asked this question, Maxwell''s eyes were fixed on her. He was afraid that if he looked away, Mona would fall unconscious again.


    After hearing Mona''s question. Maxwell opened his thin lips, at a loss for what to say.


    Maxwell''s long silence had told Mona the child was gone.


    "Maxwell, the baby said she was not ready and woulde to us after a while.


    "But I know it was my fault. I didn''t protect our child well. You can me me. If I listened to you and didn''t attend Star''s opening ceremony, this wouldn''t have happened and the baby would''ve been fine," Mona sobbed, tears flowing down her pale face and drenching the pillow.


    Maxwellforted, "Mona, don''t me yourself. This wasn''t your fault. No one expected this to happen. The driver confused the brake and the elerator. He should die. We''ll have children one day


    He stretched out his hand and wiped tears on Mona with a trembling hand.


    Mona''s body was racked with sobs. Her lower abdomen was in extreme pain. She shook her head at Maxwell.


    "It''s all my fault. As a mother, I didn''t protect Sweet Berry well. Even if I have another child, she''s not Sweet Berry." Maxwell didn''t know what to say to stop Mona from ming herself.


    At this moment, Jane, Bernard, and Albert walked in together after breakfast. They saw Mona crying on the bed. "Mona, it''s good that you''re awake. Thank goodness," Jane said excitedly as she walked towards Mona with tears.


    Jane sat by Mona''s bed. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out to Mona''s cheek.


    "Grandma, Sweet Berry is gone. It''s all my fault. I killed my child," Mona said, almost breaking down.


    Mona cried non-stop. After a while, her eyes closed unconsciously and she fainted again.


    Maxwell''s heart skipped a beat. Jane and Bernard called Mona several times but were met with no response. Then, Albert hurriedly called the doctor over.


    The doctor did a full body checkup on Mona and said, "The patient is fine. She just woke up and her body is weak. She got carried away and fainted."


    Hearing this, Maxwell and the others heaved a sigh of relief.


    After the doctor left, Maxwell looked at Mona''s sleeping face. He touched Mona''s forehead with her big hand and said to Jane, "Jane, Bernard, Mona, please wait for me. I''ll be back after making a call." Jane quickly agreed.


    Maxwell took an affectionate look at Mona before leaving the ward. Perhaps it was because he did not sleep the entire night and donated blood to Mona with an empty stomach, he almost fainted when he got up. He hurriedly ced his hand on the table and took a few sips of water before leaving the ward.


    He walked to the stairs and called Nigel.


    "Get someone to check on the driver and see who he has been in contact with these days. Also, check if his ount has been credited recently. Oh, no, check his family or friends'' ounts," Maxwell said in a hoarse voice.


    <


    Maxwell didn''t think a thriver with 5 years driving experience would confuse the brake and the elerator.


    Maxwell suspected that the driver hit Mona on purpose.


    Whether it was a coincidence or not, Maxwell wanted to get to the bottom of it.


    If someone was behind this, Maxwell would make the person pay the price and avenge Sweet Berry and Mona.


    "Alright, Mr. Carter. I''ll get someone to investigate. I''ll leave everything in thepany to Bud."


    Maxwell hummed and hung up.


    However, when he turned around and saw Barbara walking over his gaze immediately turned fierce.


    Barbara did not expect to be lucky to meet Maxwell the moment she arrived. Now that Mona was unconscious, she thought Maxwell needed apany at this time.


    "Maxwell, don''t be too sad. Mona is blessed. She will wake up." Barbaraforted him with pleasure.


    She did not know Mona had woken up and then fainted again.


    "Get lost!" Maxwell roared.


    Barbara was on the verge of tears. She did not understand why Maxwell was so good and gentle to Mona but so cold to her.


    Mona was pretty, but Barbara believed she was attractive too.


    She didn''t understand why Maxwell was so annoyed because she didn''t do anything wrong.


    She figured Mona must have spoken ill of her in front of Maxwell. That was why Maxwell treated her like this.


    Barbara wished Mona dead badly.


    "Maxwell, did 1 do something wrong? Why are you shouting at me?" Barbara said aggrievedly.


    Any other man other than Maxwell would feel guilty towards Barbara.


    "Go away. Mona''s resting. If I see you in the ward, I''ll get the bodyguards to throw you out." Maxwell walked towards the ward after saying that.


    He knew that Mona didn''t like Barbara, and neither did he. Mona was in a bad mood. If she saw Barbara, she would feel even


    worse.


    Therefore, Barbara should better not appear in front of Mona.


    Barbara looked at Maxwell''s tall back and dug her fingers into her nails. She swore to herself that she would break them up.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    In this life, she would do her best to destroy Mona''s happiness.


    Maxwell returned to the ward. He looked at Mona lying on the hospital bed and hoped that she would wake up soon and get out of the grief.


    When Mona woke up again, it was afternoon. She touched her belly, overwhelmed with sadness.


    Maxwell knew that Mona was awake and crying. He did not disturb her and only reached out to wipe tears for Mona.


    Sweet Berry was gone. He was just as upset as Mona, but he could not show it. Otherwise, Mona would feel even more guilty.


    Maxwell was afraid that Mona med herself.


    Mona was tired from crying, She opened her swollen eyes and looked at Maxwell. "I, I think there might be something wrong with the driver. Maxwell, get someone to check."


    When she was crying just now, Mona thought back to the moment when the car rushed over. The driver clearly had a chance to turn the steering wheel and go to the empty space beside, but he didn''t.


    0

 Chapter 256

    A feeling of suspicion crept over Mona at the thought of the driver''s action.


    If the driver was nervous and confused the brake and the elerator, he couldn''t have forgotten to turn the steering wheel. This didn''t make sense.


    He knew there were two lives in front of him, but he still rushed over. He did it on purpose.


    Moreover, Mona could vaguely hear the conversation between Maxwell and Albert. The driver wanted to die.


    This didn''t make any sense. If the driver did not do it on purpose, he would quibble and fight for a life sentence, or even lighter punishment. But he did not even fight for it and said that he would pay with his life.


    It was as if he already knew the oue when he decided to crash into Mona.


    If someone was behind, Mona would not let the viin off. She had to avenge Sweet Berry.


    Maxwell''s heart ached when he saw Mona''s swollen eyes from crying. He brushed his thumb across Mona''s nose and wiped away thest tear for her.


    "I''ve asked Nigel to investigate. I''ll let you know as soon as there''s something. Mona, I''ll get you some water and wash your face," Maxwell said.


    Mop¨¢ felt that her eyes were filled with tears that blocked her vision. She nodded.


    After Maxwell left, Mona looked at the ceiling above her head, touched her belly, and said with a trembling voice, "Sweet Berry, Mommy will never forget you. Even though I''ll have other children one day, you will always be my baby." Although Mona was not ready to be a mother when she had this child, the baby had been with her for more than three months and she had grown attached to the baby.


    And her love for her children was inherent.


    Women were weak to begin with, but as mothers, they were tough.


    Mona would not allow anyone who killed her child to live well and happily in this world.


    Maxwell got hot water from the bathroom and wet the towel. He gently dabbed Mona''s face with it and wiped away the tears on her face.


    "Mona, Jane made egg soup and noodles. What would you like to eat?" Maxwell tried to lower his voice so that Mona would be less ufortable.


    Mona had no appetite. She felt her stomach churning, but when she met Maxwell''s worried gaze, she nodded. "Anything is fine."


    Anyway, she was not in the mood to enjoy the delicious food. It did not matter what she ate.


    Soon, Jane had the breakfast and lunch brought in. The nurse Maxwell called over raised the bed and set up a dining table on the bed with delicious food.


    Because Mona had a car ident and had a miscarriage, she was in her confinement period. Jane was especially careful with her food. She made it after following the doctor''s advice.


    Maxwell picked up the egg soup and scooped a spoonful. He blew it to cool it down and brought it to Mona''s mouth.


    Mona was ovee with a feeling of nausea at the sight of it. However, when she saw the expectant gazes of Maxwell and


    BG


    the others, she endured the difort and ate it.


    Maxwell was delighted to see her eating. He quickly prepared a second spoonful.


    Mona finished half a bowl and felt that she would throw up if she ate any more. She waved at Maxwell.


    "Maxwell, I can''t eat anymore. You should eat more. Your lips are pale." Mona looked at Maxwell''s pale lips and advised.


    She could tell that Maxwell had not eaten for a long time. If this continued, his health might break down.


    Maxwell said hoarsely, "Okay."


    He then grabbed some bites. He was so hungry that he was numb. Even his stomach felt cold.


    Since Mona''s ident, Maxwell had only drunk a few mouthfuls of water. When Polly brought food overst night, Maxwell was too worried about Mona to eat.


    In the afternoon, Mona was no longer asleep. However, she could not help but cry at the thought of her unborn baby.


    In the middle.


    of the afternoon, the Carter family came to visit Mona with gifts. Richard took the lead to go in, but he was stopped by Maxwell, who had juste out of the ward.


    "Maxwell, is Mona alright? How could she have a miscarriage?" Richard said regretfully.


    Although hisst conversation with Mona ended in an unpleasant ending, Richard was looking forward to the birth of the baby.


    Because this was the Carter family''s descendant, his great-grandchild.


    Now that the child was gone, Richard med Mona and thought she should''ve stayed at home when she was already three months pregnant.


    "She''s out of danger. If there''s nothing else, please leave. My wife is resting here," Maxwell said calmly.


    "Richard?" Richard repeated. Maxwell intended to cut ties with the Carter family. He did not even call Richard grandfather.


    "Maxwell, how can you talk to your Grandpa like that? Apologize Before Maxwell could say anything, Donald shouted angrily at Maxwell.


    Donald thought, ''As expected, this bastard is hard-hearted. Richard is in charge of thepany''s business, and he doesn''t want to interfere. ''Maxwell is ambitious. So what if he had helped to manage thepany for a few years? I can''t believe he wants to monopolize it. ''The Carter family never treated him unfairly, yet he has decided to sever ties with us.


    ''He thought that by doing so, he would be able to return to the Carter family and get control of thepany. Maxwell is overthinking."


    "I''ve made it very clear that night. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Carter family. If you make a fuss here, I''ll get the security guards to send you out," Maxwell said coldly.


    "Alright, Maxwell. If you have the guts, don''t ever return to the Carter family," Donald said, gritting his teeth. With that, he led the way out of the ward.


    Richard nced at Maxwell, shook his head, and left the ward.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Gordon was d to see this. Seeing that the two people who had just left had not gone far, Gordon deliberately said, "Maxwell, when you calm down, apologize to your Grandpa and Dad. I''ll go."


    Maxwell watched the crowd leave calmly. The only person who could make his mood fluctuate was Mona, or someone or something rted to Mona.

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257.


    Maxwell was about to refuse when a young mother appeared with a beautiful little boy.


    Maxwell had an impression of this little boy, whom he saw at the scene of the car ident. At that critical moment, Mona had pushed him over and saved the boy''s life. "Sir, where''s Mona? I''m here to see her," the little boy spoke in a childish voice.


    His words were unclear as he looked at Maxwell with his grape-like eyes.


    "Mr. Carter, hello, I''m Sarah Davis. Is Mrs. Carter awake? Thank you for saving my son''s life. Can I bring my son to see her?" Sarah said carefully.


    Looking at the man in front of her, Sarah found him very unapproachable.


    It was very different from the person who cleared Mona''s


    name on Twitter.


    What Sarah did not know was that Maxwell would only act like that in front of Mona. When facing others, he was cold.


    Just as Maxwell was about to reject, his leg was hugged by the little boy, who said, "Sir, I want to see Mona. She must miss me too. Can you bring me to her?"


    For some reason, perhaps it was because the little boy reminded him of Sweet Berry, Maxwell surprisingly nodded


    Maxwell quietly opened the door of the ward. From this angle, he could see Mona lying on the bed.


    Not only did the car ident take away Sweet Berry''s life, but it also seemed to have taken away Mona''s vitality and her yearning for life.


    Maxwell knew that this was only temporary. Mona could not ept the fact that she lost her baby, but Maxwell hoped that Mona could recover quickly. He did not want to see her sad.


    The door only opened a crack, and the little boy quickly squeezed in. Maxwell frowned and wanted to open the door to follow him, but Sarah boldly pulled him and shushed him. "Trust my son. He''s very good at cheering people up," said Sarah


    Maxwell watched as the boy walked to Mona''s bed in quick and short steps. He reached out to pull Mona''s hand. Maxwell did not hear what the boy said, but Mona gave a faint smile. Maxwell quietly closed the door and left.


    Sarah said, "Well, Mr. Carter, I''ll leave my son here for a while. My husband is waiting for me outside. I''ll pick my son up in about an hour. Please!" Sarah then quickly left the ward.


    She knew Mona had been in a car ident. Coupled with the fact that she was rumored to be pregnant, Sarah figured out Mona''s current situation.


    It was Mona who saved his son. Sarah wanted to do her best to cheer Mona up.


    After all, Mona was very young. There was a lot of fun in her life in the future.


    After Sarah left, Maxwell asked the bodyguard beside him for a cigarette and lit it.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Maxwell stood in front of the window and looked at the crowded hospital below. For the first time, he smoked a cigarette.


    He knew Mona did nor hike the smell of cigarettes. He had not smoked for a long time, even in a difficult time likest night. But at this moment, when he sa

 Chapter 258

    08:36 MON, NOV II Chapter


    258


    For the next few days. Toby woulde to the ward in the afternoon to spend time with Mona. After a few days, Mona slowly recovered from her sadness and smiles reappeared on her face.


    Mona stayed in the hospital for more than half a month. It was not until the doctor said Mona was fine that Maxwell decided to bring her home.


    Maxwell spent most of his time by Mona''s side during this periol. Her best friends often came to visit her and tried to cheer her up telling her the increasing sales of Stars these days.


    Albert brought Haley to talk to Mona. Haley was in a wheelchair but she felt her body had almost recovered and she could even run. However, Albert didn''t let her do so.


    Haley could only sit in the wheelchair, but the good thing was that she could ask Albert to help her do things. Albert would do anything for her when she asked him for help with the excuse that she had trouble walking.


    Now, Haley ate well without working out. She had a few extra pounds around her middle, which made her ufortable.


    Jane and Bernard often came to the hospital. They persuaded Maxwell, "Maxwell, go to work. We''ll be with Mona."


    Maxwell refused every time. He asked Nigel to hand over thepany''s matters to Bud, and he came to the hospital only when he couldn''t decide. asionally, Maxwell would make a video call to the executives and then apany Mona. Such a lifested until the day Mona was discharged.


    On the morning of the day she was discharged from the hospital, Mona did not ask her grandparents and best friends to pick her up. She went back with Maxwell.


    In the morning, Nigel found out the driver''s personal background and connections.


    His name was Sean Foster, living in Nathontown. He was a taxi driver and a divorced single father. His parents away, and he was living at the bottom of society.


    had


    passed


    This was very ordinary information and nothing suspicious. The only suspicious thing was that Sean''s son had leukemia and there was no suitable bone marrow. Moreover, if there was a suitable bone marrow, he couldn''t afford the surgery fee. However, two days after Mona''s miscarriage, a kind-hearted person suddenly contacted Sean''s son and said that he wanted to treat him and raise him.


    This was a good thing for Sean, who was in the police station. His son''s illness could be cured, and his life in the future would be guaranteed.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Mona didn''t believe that things could be so coincidental. The couple didn''t adopt from the welfare home. Instead, they adopted a patient with leukemia. Moreover, a bone marrow transnt couldn''t be 100% sessful.


    The other folder was an introduction to the couple. They were from Noretin who had moved to Yosneosnd a few years ago and had been living there until now. They were childless, which might be the reason why they nned to adopt children. After reading it for a long while, Mona said, "Maxwell, let''s go to the prison. I want to see Sean."


    Mona already had an idea. There was someone behind Sean, but she didn''t know who it was.


    If Mona found out who was behind this, she would not let the person off.


    "Mona, are you okay?" Maxwell asked worriedly. In his opinion, they could meet Seanter and Mona''s health was the most important.


    #


    BG


    Mona held Maxwell''s hand and said seriously, "I''m fine. If I don''go, I probably won''t be able to sleep at night."


    Maxwell met Mona''s sparkling eyes and finallypromised.


    Mona had almost recovered, but during the confinement period she needed to pay attention to her diet and hygiene. The recovery was very essential to her future health.


    Mona didn''t need to worry about it with Maxwell around. He was like a doctor when it came to Mona''s health.


    On the way to the prison, Maxwell had contacted the police chief Mona could see Sean as soon as they arrived.


    After arriving at the police station, Maxwell apanied Monato see Sean. He looked simple and honest. If it weren''t for his son, Mona wouldn''t have thought that this car ident was maliciously nned.


    "Mrs., Mrs. Carter, I''m sorry. It was all my fault. I''ll pay with my life for you and your child," Sean said seriously, looking into Mona''s eyes.


    His life would be worth it even if he lived for another hour.


    "What''s the point? My child is gone," Mona said calmly. "Let''s not talk about this. I have good news to share with you."


    "I-I''m already in this state. I''m just waiting for death. What good news can there be?" Sean sighed.


    As long as his child was fine, it didn''t matter what happened to him.


    "Someone is willing to donate bone marrow to your child and adopt him. Isn''t this news good news for you?" Mona gave a faint smile.


    When Sean heard Mona''s words and saw her smile, he had a bad feeling.


    "Is... Is this true? That''s good news for me." Sean held his hands, sweat oozing out of his back.


    "Don''t you know the good news, Sean?" Mona asked.


    "I-I''ve been in prison all this time. How would I know? Thank you for telling me this." Sean got goosebumps at the sight of Mona''s eyes. It was as if she knew the secret in his heart.


    "Oh, I see. So you don''t know. Ie here for nothing. s!" Mona sighed and said to Maxwell beside him, "Maxwell, let''s go!"


    When Mona left, she forcefully threw the stool to the ground. The chair made a bang, which immediately sent Sean''s heart jumping to his throat.


    She looked at the person behind her and a shadow of a smile touched her mouth.


    "I don''t have a good temper. I''ll take revenge. Since you''re the only one who killed my child, I''ll let you pay. It''s on your child. Otherwise, I''m not worthy of being a mother!"


    Almost as soon as Mona finished speaking, Sean immediately stood up. Veins appeared on his forehead as he shouted at Mona, "I was the one who hit you and caused your miscarriage. "What has it got to do with my child? He''s still so young and hasn''t enjoyed a good life for a few days since he was born. "You, how can you take revenge on him? If there''s anything,e to me. I''ll pay with my life!"

 Chapter 259

    Mona turned around and looked at the angry Sean in front of him. She said unhurriedly, "Oh, your child is innocent. What about my child? She was only three months old and didn''t even have the chance to live. I want more than your life, unless..." When Sean heard Mona''sst words, he was on tenterhooks, but Mona stopped.


    A few secondster, Scan asked, "Unless, unless what? Mrs. Carter, tell me. I can do anything for you."


    Monaughed and said, "Unless you tell me the person behind you for me to revenge, or your son will be in trouble. Well, you don''t even know your son is about to be adopted. There''s obviously no one behind you."


    With that, Mona looked up at Sean and said, "Why am I telling you this? It''s a waste of time. I might as well go and see the child!"


    Mona was giving Sean a multiple-choice question. He could either reveal the person behind, or Mona would vent the resentment in her heart on his son. It was up to Sean.


    Just as Mona was about to walk out of the room, Mona quickened her pace and said in a hushed voice, "1, 2, 3!"


    Only she and Maxwell could hear this voice. Sean was looking at her and Maxwell''s backs. He could not even see Mona talking.


    Almost as soon as Mona finished speaking, Sean called out to her from behind.


    Deak


    Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter, please wait a moment. I have something to tell you!" Seanpromised.


    He had crashed into Mona with the intention of killing her. However, Mona had a lucky escape and ended up having a miscarriage.


    Sean agreed to hit Mona because of his son. The person behind it would treat his son''s leukemia and give him a happy family and a happy childhood.


    Sean was very grateful that the person behind was going to fulfill his promise.


    But now that Mona had survived and was about to make a move on his son, he should have a second thought about it.


    Mona was already in a low spirit. A mother who had just lost her child would do anything as long as she made up her mind. Sean assumed Mona might even die with his son or bribe the attending doctor to let his son die quietly on the operating table. If that was the case, Sean knew everything he did was meaningless.


    He could not contact the person behind him because he was now useless, and the person wouldn''t care about his son.


    Sean realized the only way to save his son was to tell Mona the truth.


    In just a few dozen seconds, Sean had analyzed the pros and cons of his son''s situation.


    Sean was a bad person in this life and would end up in hell. However, his son was young and his whole life lied ahead of him. He could not let Mona ruin his son''s life.


    "Oh, you have something to say? What do you want to say? I''m going to find your son. I heard that he''s in the hospital!" Mona said as she turned her head.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Her voice was very cheerful, but it sent a chill down Sean''s spine.


    Sean wondered why Mona wanted to find his son. He had a bad feeling.


    "Mrs, Carter, actually, actually... Sean stammered.


    Mona interrupted, "What? Are you going to tell me or not? If not I''m leaving"


    Seeing that Mona was about to disappear from his sight, Sean shouted, "It was a woman who instructed me. Don''t go looking for trouble with my son."


    "So


    you have someone behind you. A woman? There are so many women. Who should I look for? Why don''t I look for son? Anyway, I know where your son is!" Mona said. your


    After hearing her words, Sean wanted to kneel down and beg her to let his son go.


    Sean said, "I only know that it''s a woman. I''ve never seen her face. No, but I heard the people around her call her Miss Sinner. That''s all I know. Mrs. Carter, please let my son go. He''s a child. He doesn''t know anything!" At the end of his speech, Sean knelt down in front of Mona in floods of tears.


    Life was so hard.


    After listening to Sean''s words, Mona knew the culprit was Molly She swore she must avenge her baby


    "Don''t worry. I won''t cause trouble for your son," said Mona.


    Then she left with Maxwell without looking at the person behind him.


    Sean truly loved his son. His son''s health was more important than his life. However, this wasn''t the reason for him to hurt others.


    Mona knew that Sean''s words could not be used as evidence to call the police and put Molly in jail, so she did not ask Sean to change his confession.


    She had been framed for giarism, and now she was almost killed in the car ident nned by Molly. Mona realized she could not sit still and wait for death.


    Otherwise, she would end up dying tragically in her previous life.


    Sean looked at Mona''s departing figure and knelt down. He knew that he was guilty of causing the death of an unborn child and deeply hurting a mother''s heart.


    If he was blessed and had a next life, he didn''t wish to be as rich as Mona. He just wanted a simple life, a stable job, and a healthy child.


    After Mona and Maxwell returned to the car, Mona leaned her head on Maxwell''s shoulder and held his hand.


    "Maxwell, do you think I offended Molly in some way? Why would she want to kill me?" Mona asked in confusion. The Design Competition in Noretin was an example. Of all the design drafts, Molly giarized hers. Mona did not think that her design was top-notch. Later on, Molly even used her of giarizing. This was very strange.


    After such a thing happened, Molly didn''t apologize to Mona, and she only sshed water on Molly to punish her. Mona wondered if this was the reason for Molly to kill her.


    Mona couldn''t believe it. There must be something else between her and Molly that she did not know.


    "Mona, people don''t need a reason to be bad. We can''t be softhearted to Molly. I''ll find a chance to send her to prison!" Maxwell said, looking into Mona''s eyes.

 Chapter 260

    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona held his hand tighter and said, Maxwell, I don''t want you to get involved. I''ll do it. I want to averige Sweet Berry myself, but there''s something I need your help with.


    Mona knew that Maxwell was very busy with thepany. Because of her miscarriage, his original n on thepany had been dyed for too long. She could take revenge for Sweet Berry on her own. She also wanted to find out why Molly wanted her dead. After speaking, Mona saw Maxwell''s hesitation and said, "Maxwell, don''t worry. If I need help, I''ll tell you."


    "Um, what can I help you with?" Maxwell said. He always madepromises when it came to Mona''s request.


    Mona said, "Ask Nigel to check on Molly for me. I want to know everything about her. Her hatred for me is baffling "Alright, I''ll talk to Nigel now," Maxwell said.


    Mona and Maxwell returned home. They were a bit excited and felt that everything was new. They could not help but sigh. There was nothing like staying at home for realfort.


    Before Mona was discharged from the hospital, Maxwell had locked up the nursery and put away the baby''s supplies, afraid that Mona would be sad to see these.


    Time passed day by day. It was not until Monapletely recovered that Maxwell allowed her to go out. At about the same time, Haley''s leg hadpletely recovered. There was nothing wrong with her running in the garden outside the vi She could run again.


    Enemies were bound to meet on a narrow road.


    On the way to Star, Mona bumped into Molly in the elevator in Pleasantview za.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    For some reason, there was no one else in the elevator at this time.


    Looking at Mona''s beautiful and pure face, Molly thought of her lonely life in prison and the unbearable time. She had the itch to scratch Mona''s face. She stared fiercely at Mona with her big eyes.


    Her gaze was so intense that Mona immediately felt it. She turned around and met Molly''s fierce gaze.


    This was a familiar feeling.


    The person in front of her was the murderer who killed her child. How could Mona not hate her? She wanted Haley to be Molly up to vent the resentment in her heart.


    Before Mona could decide whether to take action or not, Molly''s voice was heard.


    "Mona, your good days wille to an end," Molly said angrily.


    "Oh, really? Molly, I don''t remember how I offended you. Why do you hate me so much?" Mona said unhurriedly.


    "Your good days will not continue, Mona thought to herself.


    "Offend?" Molly forced a smile and said, "You''ve offended me in many ways. For example, you... You don''t deserve Max...


    Maxwell!"


    Molly almost forgot Lydia used to call him Max.


    Although Molly corrected her words in time, Mona still heard she said Max.


    Of all the people Moi nere only 1ydia called Maxwell Max, she was in prison.


    Mona knew that Maxwell did not know Molly. Why would Molly call him Max:


    Mona did not answer Molly. She had a bold guess in her heart that Molly was Lydia.


    With this thought in mind. Mona did not enter Stars. Instead, sh went to prison with Haley.


    She muste to see Lydia to confirm her suspicion.


    After Mona discussed it with the police, she sat on the chair and waited for a while. The more she thought about Molly''s back view, the more she felt that it matched 1 ydia''s figure.


    After waiting for a while, Mona heard the policee back and say to her, "Lydia was sick some time ago and passed away. Her family has brought her back. Mrs. Carter, your trip was in vain." "Alright, I see," said Mona.


    Mona walked out of the prison. It was alreadyte autumn. The cold wind blew through her clothes, and there was a slight chill in the air. Yellow leaves were piled by the roadside outside.


    Mona did not know how Lydia escaped from the prison under the guise of faking her death, but now she could confirm tha Molly was Lydia.


    This exined why she was ndered for giarism in the Design Competition in Noretin and why Molly got someone to hit her. It was all because Lydia hated her.


    After Mona got into the car, she sent Maxwell a message: [Molly is Lydia.]


    When Maxwell saw the message, he frowned. Then, he quickly replied to Mona: [No wonder Nigel couldn''t find out anything no matter how hard he tried except that Molly is the Reed family''s illegitimate daughter. It was as if this person o not exist in the world.] [Um, there''s no need to ask Nigel to investigate. I''ll go home ande back early tonight. I''ll cook tonight!] Mona sent.


    Mona would figure out a way to deal with Molly, or Lydia.


    Yet she knew she should live her life with optimism.


    *****


    h


    A weekter, it was Juliet''s birthday party.


    After Juliet''s repeated invitations, Mona agreed to go to the party.


    Juliet did not hold his own birthday party in the Carter family. Instead, he invited some people to gather outside and booked arge private room in one of the top hotels in Nathontown.


    The private room was very spacious with singing equipment. There was a stage on it, and one could perform on it.


    Before the meal started, the early arrivers had gone up to sing a song. Those skilled in dancing were dancing.


    The atmosphere in the private room immediately became lively


    The attendees were all youngdies or madams of various families. Most of them knew each other.


    They were kicking up their heels.


    When Mona arrived, almost everyone were there. Juliet warmly greeted Mona and let her sit beside her.


    Mon IVOV I


    Not long after Mona sreen, Molly came.


    Although Molly didn''t have any rtives in Nathontown and her family didn''t run apany, she was rich and often generously gave presents. Aleo, Juliet had a good rtionship with her.


    People liked to take advantage of others. Juliet wouldn''t refuse to be friends with Molly who gave her benefits.


    However, today was different with Mona around. From the giarism incident online, the fact that the rtionship between Mona and Molly was tense was obvious to all. They no longer ttered Molly. There were even some bold ones mocking Molly from time to time.

 Chapter 261

    3


    Take Audrey Brock for an example. She couldn''t stand seeing Molly currying favor with Juliet.


    After learning the truth about the giarism, Audrey stood by Mona''s side without hesitation and even spoke for Mona on Twitter.


    Molly arrived a littlete tonight.


    Audrey immediately mocked Molly sarcastically, "Oh, Ms. Stamper''s favored one is finally here. I thought you were going to be absent today."


    Molly had been in the entertainment industry for years and could deal with it.


    She smiled and said, "How can I be absent? I must make it for Juliet''s birthday. It''s mainly because of the gift for Juliet. It hasn''t arrived from overseas, and I couldn''te empty-handed. I rushed here immediately after the gift arrived but was stillte. It''s my fault. I apologize for beingte."


    When Molly finished speaking, Juliet pulled her to sit beside Mona. Molly quickly drank a ss of wine and ced the ss on the table.


    At that moment, the phone in her hand rang. [Bring her up halfway through the birthday banquet and tell me.]


    Molly typed unhurriedly. [What''s the rush? We haven''t even started eating yet.]


    Mona nced at Molly faintly and sipped her juice slowly. She had no intention of talking to Molly.


    Then, some people were curious about the gift Molly got for Juliet.


    Molly chuckled. "Since you''re so curious, why don''t you let Juliet open it and see if she likes it?"


    Being coaxed by everyone, Juliet was also curious about the gift Molly had prepared for her. "Okay, Molly, I''ll open it now."


    Molly smiled. "Juliet, do as you please."


    As soon as Molly finished speaking, Juliet opened the gift box and covered her mouth in surprise, saying, "Molly, this gift is too expensive."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Juliet took out the gift from the box. It was a pink diamond. It was dazzling!


    One guest praised, "Wow, this diamond is so beautiful. It matches Juliet perfectly!"


    Another guest nodded with a smile. "Miss Sinner is so generous!


    The third guest looked envious. "This diamond is so dazzling. It''s worth keeping."


    *****


    Hearing everyone''s praise, Juliet was even happier. Women loved these shiny things until their deaths.


    Mona looked at the pink diamond in Juliet''s hand indifferently. There was no excitement in her heart because there was -something bigger and more perfect than this in her essory box.


    Since everyone had arrived, the waiters started serving the dishes. The table was filled with delicacies, and everyone''s mouth was watering..


    Juliet was the main character of the birthday banquet. After the dishes were ready, she invited everyone to start eating.


    08:13 Wed, No


    Juliet felt extremely satisfied with each person''s blessing.


    Her son, Gordon, was the Carter Group''s general manager, and many people were trying


    to curry favor with her.


    Halfway through the banquet, Molly suddenly stood up and walked to Mona with a wine ss and a bottle of wine.


    She filled the ss with wine and said to Mona, "I''m sorry for what happened in Noretinst time. I apologize. Please forgive me."


    After saying that, Molly even bowed to Mona. It looked like Molly was sincere.


    Then, she raised her ss and said sincerely, "Here, my apology to you."


    While speaking, Molly finished the red wine in her ss in one gulp.


    Watching Molly apologizing to her seemingly so sincerely, Mona did not appreciate it at all.


    The corners of Mona''s lips curled up slightly. "You''re only apologizing now. Why did you wait till now? Besides, you''ve hurt. me deeply. Can only an apology make up for it?"


    In the end, Mona added, "If you''re sincere, why don''t you post your apology letter on Twitter so the entire country can read it?"


    Molly''s face turned red from the sarcasm. However, when she thought of the good things that would happenter, she endured it. She bit her lip and said guiltily, "Ms. Clem..." Mona cut her off. "Please call me Mrs. Carter!"


    Before Molly could finish, she was interrupted by Mona.


    After Mona found out that Molly was Lydia, she knew this person was still thinking of Maxwell.


    Mona first revealed her identity as Mrs. Carter and told Lydia that Maxwell was married and that Maxwell belonged to


    Mona.


    Everyone was happy to watch the show. Nobody went over to speak up for Molly, not even Juliet.


    Molly bit her lower lip hard and said reluctantly, "Mrs. Carter, I''m sorry. I''ve always wanted to apologize to you in front of everyone on an official asion. Mrs. Carter, I''ll post the letter of apology after the birthday party if you want me to."


    Molly was expected of someone who was once in the entertainment industry. Her acting skills wereparable to Barbara''s. Looking at the people at the dining table, Mona did not want them to think she was a dominating person. Although Mona did not care or want to contact them, as Mrs. Carter, she had to socialize.


    Mona smiled and said carelessly, "I''m just joking with you. It''s been so long. I''ve let it go."


    When Molly heard that, she looked up at Mona with bright eyes and said, "Mrs. Carter, are you forgiving me?"


    Mona thought to herself, ''Forgive you? Dream on. What you''ve done is not worthy of my forgiveness.


    A few secondster, Mona smiled and nodded.


    Hearing Mona''s words, Molly immediately took an empty ss from the table and filled it for Mona. Coincidentally, the bottle of wine in her hand could only hold two sses.


    After she filled it, Molly casually handed the bottle to the waiter beside her, who quickly took it down.


    )ww.


    Molly smiled as she picked up the wine and handed it to Mona. With hope in her eyes, she said, "Mrs. Carter, after drinking this ss of wine, can the two of us bury the hatchet? It was my fault before."


    "I''m sorry. I''m feeling unwell. I can''t drink." Mona looked at the red wine Molly handed to her but did not take it.


    After being rejected, Molly''s hand froze mid-air, and her brows furrowed tightly. "Mrs. Carter, you don''t forgive me, do you?"


    "No, that''s not true. I got into a small car ident some time ago. I really can''t drink." Mona rejected again.


    The news of Mona''s car ident had caused an uproar on the Inte some time ago. Everyone present knew about it. If Molly forced Mona to drink then, it would be unreasonable.


    Molly instantly nodded in realization. After seeing Mona''s ss emptied, Molly quickly went to the counter and took the ssware with orange juice.


    When she took the juice, Molly took advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention and secretly took the drug from her pocket. She put it into the juice and shook it.


    .


    *

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262 93%


    Molly had gotten the drug from Gordon. ording to Gordon, the drug melted in contact with water. No one would know Molly had tampered with the orange juice.


    On her way over, Molly was bumped by someone from nowhere. She almost lost her bnce and fell. Her hand subconsciously ced the fruit juice on the table beside Haley.


    Just as she was about to curse, Molly saw the people around looking over. The person who had bumped into her apologized to her. In the end, Molly could only swallow this grievance. "It''s fine." Molly picked up the ss container with the juice again. Then, she walked to Mona and filled her ss with orange juice.


    She picked up the ss of orange juice and handed it to Mona. She smiled and said, "Mrs. Carter, orange juice for you. And I''ll drink wine."


    Mona looked at the orange juice headed over by Molly. Her eyes shed slightly. Then, she nced at Haley, who nodded at her in the distance.


    Mona reached out to take the juice from Molly and drank half of it. Then, she raised her ss toward Molly.


    "Let''s continue eating," Mona said. She was not bothered to talk to Molly anymore.


    She feared that if she continued talking with Molly, she would fail to control herself and expose Molly''s true colors in public. Then, without any evidence, she would be used of framing Molly. Molly had nned to say a few superficial words, but when she saw Mona''s look, she gave up.


    Molly thought, ''Anyway, Mona has drunk the drugged orange juice. Next, I only need to think of a way to let her be alone and


    get her to the room upstairs.


    ''Shit. What''s so good about this woman? Why does Gordon want to sleep with her so much?


    ''But that will be good. After tonight, the love between Mona and Maxwell will no longer be indestructible.


    Molly finished the red wine in the ss in one gulp and ced the drugged orange juice on the counter.


    She whispered to the waitress that she had identally mixed some red wine with the juice and asked the waitress to empty and rece it.


    The waitress nodded with a smile and did as told.


    Mona watched Molly leave. She picked up the orange juice and took a small sip. The corners of her lips curled into a faint smile, and her charming face revealed a hint of cold charm. Halfway through the birthday banquet, Mona suddenly stood up. She felt a little dizzy and quickly shook her head.


    She said to Juliet beside her, "Excuse me. I need to powder my nose."


    Before leaving, Mona nodded at Haley, who was eating chicken drumsticks heartily.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    After saying that, Mona went straight to the restroom. The private room was big, and the restroom was far from the dining table. Coincidentally, when Mona arrived, the restroom was upied. Mona could only go outside. Mona had only taken a few steps in the long corridor when Molly followed her enthusiastically. Molly asked, "Mrs. Carter, heading to the restroom?"


    08:13 Wed,


    Mona nodded. "The restroom in the private room is upied. I can onlye out to find one."


    "We''ll go together, but we have to go up another floor because I saw the restroom on this floor being repaired," Molly said as she led Mona to the elevator.


    Mona agreed, "Alright, let''s go up then."


    Molly saw Mona had agreed without a second thought and even despised her for being too stupid.


    Molly sneered in her heart, ''Mona, I''ve framed you for giarism and instructed someone to hit you with a car. Fortunately, you know nothing about it. Gordon doesn''t know it, either. I''ve done it secretly! When Molly despised Mona inwardly, she did not know Mona had taken the bait deliberately.


    When she got into the elevator, Mona looked a little hot because she had pulled down the cor of her clothes. Her face was also abnormally red, and she was semi-conscious.


    Molly was constantly paying attention to Mona. She saw Mona was about to faint and quickly caught her.


    Molly said hypocritically, "Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Carter, what happened to you?"


    Mona''s eyes were already closed. She snorted and did not reply.


    That was what Molly wanted, and she immediately smiled evilly


    Molly thought, ''After I take a video of Mona and Gordon having sex, I''ll send it to Maxwell. Men hate it the most when their wives cheat on them. Huh! I''ll see how long Mona can keep her position as Mrs. Carter.


    ''In the end, only I''ll be the winner. Only I, Lydia Reed, deserve to be Maxwell''s wife. No one else is worthy of this position. After they stepped out of the elevator, Molly helped the semi-conscious Mona into the reserved suite. She swiped the card to open the door and helped Mona in.


    She threw Mona on the bed in disdain and ced a pinhole camera before the king-sized bed. She also lit the aphrodisiac incense that she had prepared.


    That was why Molly didn''t let Gordon wait in the room. Molly said she feared the surveince camera would catch her in contact with Gordon after the scandal. It was all nonsense. Her goal was to ce the pinhole camera in the room.


    The unconscious Mona''s lips curled up slightly. She thought, ''This is great. Molly has even set up the equipment. She''s truly well-prepared.


    wrong After everything was done, Molly quickly called Gordon. "I''ve brought Mona in. I''ll leave the door open for youter. You cane in. You''d better get a room next door and pretend to have entered the room."


    "Lydia, do you want to stay and have fun with us?" Gordon asked


    "Fuck off!" Molly snapped and hung up.


    Molly had to stay out of this mess. When she returned to the banquet, she would tell everyone that Mona was feeling unwell and that she had helped Mona back to the room to rest out of kindness.


    -None of the people present had such a good rtionship with Mona that they would disturb Mona after knowing she was


    sleeping in the room.


    Molly looked at Mona, who was about to be ruined by Gordon on the bed, and a smug smile appeared on her lips.


    Right then, Mona opened her eyes and smiled weirdly at Molly


    Molly looked at Mona''s smile. It was scary, but she couldn''t care less. She quickly said, "Mrs. Carter, I saw you weren''t feeling well, so I kindly booked a suite for you. Have a good rest. I''ll go to tell Juliet and the others." Molly smirked inwardly, "This time, whatever happens to Monater will have nothing to do with me. I''m innocent, and out of kindness, I''ve helped her into the room to rest.


    ''I don''t know what has happened afterward, and how Gordon got in has nothing to do with me!


    Before the smile on Molly''s lips could fade, she was struck down by Haley, who had secretly followed her into the room.


    Before she fainted, Molly stared at Mona with disbelief in her eyes.


    "You..." Before Molly could finish speaking, her vision turned dark and her body copsed to the ground.


    "Mona, are you alright?" After Haley knocked Molly out, she quickly walked to the bed and helped Mona sit up.


    1

 Chapter 263

    Mona shook her head and said gratefully, "I''m fine. It''s all thanks to you, Haley."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Beforeing to Juliet''s birthday banquet, Mona had helped Haley dress up and change her hairstyle, making her look like a yful young girl. Even if an acquaintance like Albert saw Haley among everyone, he might not be able to recognize her, not to mention that Molly had only seen Haley once or twice.


    At the birthday banquet, Haley sat far away from Mona. Molly''s eyes had always been on Mona, and she couldn''t pay any other attention to others. So, Haley had the chance to swap the orange juice that Molly had given Mona. Mona had prepared for the worst. If Haley did not have time to change the orange juice, Mona would drink it. Then, she would go to the restroom to pick her throat and vomit.


    Mona looked at Molly, lying on the ground, and quickly said to Haley, "Haley, bring her to the bed. Gordon will be here any minute. We have to hurry."


    Haley nodded, dragged Molly from the ground to the bed, and wrapped Molly in a snow-white nket.


    Then, Mona looked at everything prepared in the room and smiled.


    Mona thought she was a kind person who was gentle and attentive to everyone, but in return, she was framed for giarism by Molly and had a miscarriage because of Molly. And Molly even wanted to get her to a guy''s bed. "Nice guys finishst." This saying was indeed right.


    Mona thought, ''Didn''t Molly want to get me to another guy''s bed? She''s set up a pinhole camera and prepared the knockout drug. She''s nned it so meticulously, so she will have a good taste of her doing! ''Molly is digging her own grave. Does she think that her reputation on the Inte is not bad enough?"


    Haley helped Mona to the door. Remembering what Molly said about leaving the door open, she took a slipper from the shoe cab at the side and stuck it in the door frame. Then, she took out the room card in front of the door. Without the room card, the room quickly darkened. In the darkness, there was the faint smell of aphrodisiac. Without staying any longer, Mona left the room with Haley.


    The two of them did not leave. Instead, they hid around the corner.


    Soon afterward, Mona saw Gordon quietly enter the room with one of his scoundrel friends following behind him and close the door tightly.


    Mona saw it and thought to herself, "Gordon is ruthless. He even brought his friend here. Is this a surprise for me tonight?"


    Mona walked toward the elevator and met Ava who had rushed over.


    Ava saw Mona''s tired body and asked worriedly, "How are you feeling? If Maxwell finds out you''ve almost got yourself into trouble because of that bitch, he will be worried sick."


    Mona smiled at Ava and told her not to worry. "I''m fine. Everything is going ording to our n."


    "It''s good that you''re fine. Let''s go and watch the show," Ava said as she helped Mona into the room she had booked.


    Speaking of which, Ava identally discovered the scheme. It was a coincidence.


    That day, Ava took a job out of boredom. A richdy suspected that her husband had cheated on her and hired Ava to follow her husband. The richdy wanted to see who her husband was peeting when he went out and what they did, trying to find any evidence of cheating.


    It had to be said that a woman''s hunch was extremely urate. That richdy''s husband was a sugar daddy who had kept a young and pretty college girl.


    Ava followed the richdy''s husband to the hotel and identally saw Gordon and Molly hooking up. Ava hated Molly. She followed behind them and happened to eavesdrop on their n.


    When Ava found out that the two of them were so vicious, as Mona''s best friend, how could she not tell Mona?


    Unexpectedly, not only did Mona not avoid Molly, but she also wanted to set Molly up and catch her red-handed.


    Under Ava''s interrogation, Mona told Ava everything. Molly was Lydia, who kidnapped Mona and almost made her fail to participate in Nathontown''s Design Competition. Besides, Lydia was the mastermind behind Mona''s miscarriage. Mona couldn''t swallow her anger. Upon hearing that, Ava was so mad that she stomped her feet. So this was how Mona lost her child. The lost child might be her godson or goddaughter.


    In the end, Ava agreed. She thought, ''I won''t make a m

 Chapter 264

    Ava picked up one of her inactive phone cards and called Nathontown''s anti-vice police. "Hello, Anti-Vice Squad? I want to report someone having a sex deal in Room 606, Horosk Hotel."


    After calling the police, Ava found the phone number of the entertainment reporters online and called them one by one.


    After everything was ready, Ava looked at Mona, who was leaning against the sofa. Mona was soft like amb in school, but at the moment, she could think of such a meticulous n. Ava couldn''t help but sigh that time could change everything. However, after knowing what Molly had done to Mona, Ava could only say that Mona had done a good job. How satisfying it was to give Molly a taste of her own medicine.


    A momentter, Ava handed Mona a bottle of water and said, "Drink some water and rest a bit. There should be a good show to watchter."


    Mona nodded and took the water from Ava. She opened the cap and took a small sip. She was a little worried. Maxwell would be back the next day, but she hadn''t decided how to tell him.


    Mona pondered, ''Will Maxwell think I''ve be bad? Will he think I''m no longer the innocent girl from before? Will he think I''m different from what he thought?Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ''However, others have been scheming to harm me. I can''t let them walk all over me without fighting back. I must fight back!''


    Meanwhile, more than ten cars rushed over. It was the Anti-Vice Squad in casual clothes. Not only that, but the entertainment reporters who received Ava''s call also arrived.


    Although they did not know if what Ava said was true or not, as entertainment reporters, they would not let go of that might go viral.


    any news


    Therefore, they all brought their cameras to the hotel to get the materials. Even if the caller was lying, they only wasted some time to rest, so they didn''t lose out.


    Seven or eight police officers in civilian clothes walked straight to Room 606 with badges in their hands.


    When the reporters saw the police had taken action, they became even more excited and followed behind the police.


    When the police brought their men into Room 606, the room was pitch ck.


    However, this time, the female lead''s name was not Mona, but Molly herself.


    Mona had instructed Haley to control her strength. Haley would only knock Molly out, but it would not keep her unconscious for long. Molly woke up after a while.


    After Molly woke up, Gordon found it wasn''t Mona and got pissed off. He raised his hand and pped Molly, but he also inhaled a lot of aphrodisiac scent.


    At that moment, the police swiped the room card and entered. They turned on the lights, and the room immediately lit up.


    When the entertainment reporters disguised as guests saw the scene, they could not help but widen their eyes. Their eyes lit up, and they immediately took photos of the scene on the bed.


    As the reporters took photos, they couldn''t help but look down on Molly in their hearts. Previously, the scandal of her giarizing Mona''s designs had caused an uproar online. She had many fans on Twitter. And the sex scandal had happened. Molly wasn''t screwing with one guy, but two!


    That was hard to believe!


    It was the CEO who had just taken over Carter Group. The two of them were especially recognizable online.


    3


    The lights in the room suddenly lit up like it was daytime. When Molly heard themotion and saw a group of people standing at the door, she was so scared that she panicked and screamed.


    Half of her consciousness returned instantly. She quickly rolled off Gordon and wrapped herself in the nket.


    The leading police officer immediately showed his badge and said to Molly and the others, "We''re with the Nathontown Anti-Vice Squad. Someone reported that you''re having a sex deal. Now that you''ve been caught red-handed, please put on your clothes ande with us."


    There was an aphrodisiac scent in the room. At that moment, the person who came with Gordon was delirious.


    He looked at everyone in the room and shouted at the police and entertainment reporters, "Fuck, who the hell are you? Get the hell out before we make you!"


    "Do you know who we are?" The leading police officer realized something was wrong and immediately said to hispanions, "They''re probably on drugs, or there''s an aphrodisiac smell in this room. Bring them back to the station and prepare for a urine test." "Yes, sir!" A few police officers immediately subdued the guys on the bed and said to the two female police officers, "Wait for that woman to finish putting on her clothes and take her away!"


    "Okay." The two female police officers immediately went forward to tell Molly to put on her clothes. The red and purple. marks on her body looked terrifying.


    Mona was hiding under the nket. No matter what the two police officers said, she was unwilling to get up.


    She thought, ''How did things turn out like this? The person lying here should be Mona. How did it be me?


    ''And now, I''ve been caught red-handed by the police! ''It''s all Mona''s fault. It''s all her fault.


    The more Molly thought about it, the angrier she became. She shouted at the police and even hit them. However, she was immediately stopped by the police.


    In the end, one of the female police officers controlled Molly. The other helped her put on her clothes. Halfway through, they realized Molly had fainted.


    Hence, the female police officer quickly helped Molly put on her clothes and carried her down the stairs.


    The news that there was a sex deal in the hotel immediately spread to every corner of the hotel. Molly''s name had always been mentioned.


    On the other side, Mona saw the result she wanted. She satzily on the sofa and smiled.


    Under the dim light, she looked so sweet and harmless, but the oue of the scandal was caused by her alone.


    After seeing the cars leave, Mona stood up, and the three of them left the hotel.


    With the entertainment reporters following them and even taking photos, the scandal of the sex deal at the hotel went viral online. It didn''t take one night to make it the headline on Twitter That was the result Mona wanted. If she had not been prepared this time, she would have been the one being discussed.


    D

 Chapter 265

    At the police station, faced with the


    again. Please spare me this time."


    interrogation, Molly kept crying. "Officer, I confess my mistake. I won''t do it


    Molly knew she had failed this time. She didn''t dare to bite back at Mona because she was afraid the police would find out about her scheme. By then, it wouldn''t be a simple sex deal.


    She just wanted to get the hell out of there. The police station was the ce that would give her nightmares.


    "Officer, when can I leave? I want to go home." Molly was crying her eyes out. Her entire face was covered in tears. What a heartbreaking scene.


    Maybe people were born with sympathy for crying creatures, but when the police officer saw Molly''s expression, he even handed her a tissue.


    Molly wiped her tears and added, "I want to go home."


    Next door, Gordon and his friend sat on the chairs with dumbfounded expressions. They were speechless and couldn''t believe they had been caught by the police.


    If they didn''t admit the sex deal, they would be used of rape. Facing the police''s questioning, they could only confess helplessly.


    The scandal of Molly and Gordon had affected the stock price of Carter Group. In an instant, the Carter family people knew. Richard was so angry that he threw the walking stick to the ground. His body was trembling as he cursed! Richard thought furiously, ''This rascal has barely kept himself in line. I''ve just been relieved for days before this scandal blew me away!''


    Gordon was his grandson and the CEO of Carter Group. Richard would not ignore him and let him go to prison. Richard immediately asked his men to find out who had called the police.


    After over five hours of flight, Maxwell finallynded in Nathontown.


    As soon as hended, Maxwell was eager to give Mona a surprise. He instructed Nigel to drive to the vi.


    Maxwell did not tell Mona that he wasing back tonight because he wanted to surprise her.


    After getting into the car, he turned on his phone, which had been off for more than five hours. As soon as he turned it on, Donald called.


    Maxwell subconsciously frowned, and the surrounding aura turned colder. The phone rang in his ear. Maxwell picked it up impatiently.


    As soon as the call went through, Donald''s question came from the other end.


    Donald snapped, "Maxwell, tell me, why are you so vicious and petty? If I had known you would be like this, I would have killed you when you came to the Carter family. Tell me, did you want to kill Gordon and ruin the Carter family? Huh? Say something!" It was not the first time Maxwell had heard such harsh words. He had even heard worse than that.


    However, this time, Maxwell was confused. He had been thinking about expanding Clem Group''s business recently and had no time to deal with Gordon, let alone target Carter Group.


    Maxwell raised his hand and frowned, then said, "Are you done cursing? If you''re done, I''ll hang up."


    "Hold on, you little bastard. I know the person who reported Gordon for the sex deal is your wife''s best friend. Don''t tell me you don''t know it. Bastard, you''re unpresentable..." Before Donald could finish speaking, Maxwell did not want to hear his insults anymore.


    Donald kept calling him a bastard. Donald probably forgot Maxwell had half of his blood on him. What a terrible father! Maxwell could only say that he had gotten used to it over the years. When Maxwell first returned to the Carter family, it wasn''t that he didn''t long for fatherly love or treat Donald well. However, all Maxwell got in return was endless beating and scolding. After hanging up the phone, Maxwell thought of what Donald had said about Gordon having a sex deal and Mona''s best friend calling. He then searched for the news online.


    As expected, rumors about Gordon and Molly were everywhere. It seemed it had affected Carter Group''s cooperation. No wonder Donald was so furious.


    Maxwell''s well-defined hands intertwined, and he felt a little frustrated. Mona did not tell him about this immediately.


    The conversation between Maxwell and Mona was still at the lunch they shared at noon. After that, there was nothing else. The fact that public opinion could go viral like this on the Inte meant it had been a long time since the scandal happened, but Mona still did not tell him anything.


    Maxwell immediately wanted to call Mona to rify, but he thought Mona should be waiting for him at home at this time, so he put down his phone and closed his eyes to rest.


    The Bentley drove quickly on the smooth road. The sound of leaves rustling could be heard. The moon hung high in the sky, making it look a little lonely.


    When Maxwell arrived home, Mona was not home yet. The servants at home had returned to their rooms to rest.


    The huge vi seemed a little bleak at that moment. Maxwell changed into a pair of slippers and did not turn on the lights. He sat on the sofa in the living room and waited for Mona to return.


    It was already past 11 pm. Maxwell just sat there. It was not until almost midnight that Maxwell heard someone walking in. The first thing Mona did when she walked into the house was to turn on the lights and change her shoes.


    As soon as she turned around, she saw Maxwell sitting on the sofa. His brows were tightly furrowed and his face was filled with fatigue.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    In an instant, there was another person in the house. Mona was shocked. Then, she realized it was Maxwell.


    She smiled in surprise and ran over to sit beside Maxwell. She wrapped her arms around his neck and said coquettishly, "Honey, didn''t you say you would be back tomorrow? I was going to pick you up!"


    Maxwell had something on his mind, but after being hugged by Mona, most of the anger in his heart had dissipated. His hand pinched Mona''s smooth face hard. "I wanted to give you a surprise, but I didn''t seem to surprise you. Instead, I scared you." Mona''s cheek was pinched by Maxwell. It hurt a bit. She turned her head and still had a smile on her lips. "No, I''m surprised." She was not used to it when Maxwell wasn''t by her side.


    "Is that so? Then tell me why you''re home sote today," Maxwell asked as he let go of Mona''s face.


    Her originally pretty and smooth face was dyed with a faint pink color, making her look lovable.


    ww.


    03 93%¡ã


    Mona had yet to figure out how to tell Maxwell what she had done. That was not something Mona would be proud of. Her mouth moved unconsciously, but she didn''t know where to start


    "What is it, Mrs. Carter? Are you hiding something from me?" When Maxwell saw Mona''s expression, he knew she had done something "good."


    Mona nodded. She knew the prerequisite for two people in love was honesty. Before she did this, she wanted to tell Maxwell, but she was afraid Maxwell would not agree. But she did want to fight back and avenge her child. That was why she thought of telling Maxwell after she carried out her n sessfully.

 Chapter 266

    Mona had done.


    Originally, Mona still had one night to think about how to tell Maxwell everything and get him a gift. She wanted to make Maxwell happy first. That way, Maxwell would think of the good mood just now and wouldn''t get too pissed even if he was angry after hearing what However, she did not expect Maxwell toe back ahead of schedule. Mona did not prepare anything. It was indeed a big surprise.


    Mona pursed her lips and wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck like a spoiled child. "Well, if I tell you, don''t be mad at meter, okay?"


    Maxwell could not stand Mona being like this. Whenever she acted coquettishly, even if Mona wanted his life, he would give it to her without hesitation.


    Just as Maxwell was about to nod, reason prevailed. "Honey, acting coquettishly won''t work this time. Let''s make things clear first!"


    He wanted Mona to put her safety first. Although he did not know the details of the whole thing, he guessed Mona had most likely ced herself in danger. Maxwell''s slender fingertips tapped the tip of Mona''s nose.


    Mona sighed silently in her heart. She told Maxwell everything, including how she almost drank the orange juice that was. drugged and how Haley knocked Molly out.


    Towards the end, Maxwell''s expression became increasingly sour. His hand, which was holding Mona, subconsciously tightened.


    The strength in his hand suddenly increased. Mona subconsciously smiled at Maxwell.


    "Mona, have you ever considered how you would escape if Haley failed to knock Molly out or if Gordon and his friend arrived early?" Maxwell asked seriously.


    Since their marriage, Maxwell had rarely been so serious. Mona knew that Maxwell was furious.


    Mona moved closer to Maxwell and said softly, "Maxwell, Haley is the bodyguard you found for me. Don''t you know how good she is? Also, have you forgotten about Ava? Since Molly set up the camera, the room had been under Ava''s surveince. If anything happened to me, I would immediately terminate the n. Ava would call the police."


    After saying that, she added, "Before I do anything, I prioritize my safety. It''s just that I might not be as kind as you think."


    Mona subconsciously lowered her voice and dared not to look into Maxwell''s eyes, afraid that Maxwell would be disappointed in her.


    ''I don''t like it, either. Life is full of schemes, but there''s always someone there to harm me.'' Mona thought, IT didn''t make a move first, the victim would be me.


    Mona had no choice. She did not want to be forced like this forever.


    After listening to Mona''s words, Maxwell sighed softly, pulling Mona into his arms.


    Mona was pleasantly surprised. She subconsciously wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck and said sweetly, "Honey, are you angry?"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Maxwell''s gaze met Mona''s sparkling eyes. Even if he were angry with himself, Maxwell would not be mad at Mona. He felt ufortable because Mona had not discussed it with him before she decided to do this. Fortunately, she told him the truth afterward.  D


    Maxwell answered, "I''m still angry but haven''t seen you in days.miss you. I''ll continue to be mad tomorrow morning."


    After a pause, Maxwell returned to Mona''s previous question. "Next time, tell me before you decide what to do. You can''t act first and report itter. Also, whether you''re kind or not, I like you."


    It only mattered that she was Mona.


    Mona found it funny. ''What? He said he would continue to be angry tomorrow morning, huh? How so? I know Maxwell wants to be mad at me but can not bear to turn a cold shoulder to me.


    Mona thought about it and took it as a couple''s love and fun. She would coax Maxwell again if he got mad the next morning.


    While thinking, Maxwell carried Mona to the second floor. Mona naturally wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck andy in his arms.


    Mona opened her eyes in a daze the following morning and realized Maxwell was still asleep. She stretched out her slender hand and traced his eyebrows.


    His eyebrows were beautiful. And Mona didn''t think they looked like Donald''s. She believed Maxwell should have taken after his mother''s.


    Maxwell felt as if a butterfly was lingering on his face. He felt a little limp and numb. Instantly, he grabbed Mona''s naughty hand and drew her into his embrace.


    After hugging Mona, Maxwell thought of something. He opened his eyes and looked at Mona. "I remember something. My anger fromst night has not subsided. I''ll continue it now!"


    After saying that, Maxwell got up, leaving Mona alone on the king-sized bed. Mona turned over, thinking Maxwell had a good memory.


    After Maxwell woke up, Mona did not stay in bed anymore. When Mona washed up, she realized Maxwell had not squeezed toothpaste for her. For so long, Maxwell had always prepared the toothpaste for her. Once he suddenly stopped doing so, Mona was not used to it. By the time she finished cleaning up, Maxwell had left.


    Mona called Maxwell''s name in the living room and called him Honey''. But no one responded. Maxwell wanted to give Mona the silent treatment and even didn''t tell her before leaving for the office.


    When she reached the kitchen, she found Maxwell did not even cook her breakfast. Mona''s heart sank.


    She could only make breakfast herself. In just one morning, Mona already felt unustomed to it without Maxwell taking care of her.


    Mona took a big bite of bread and thought of how to coax Maxwell to stop him from being mad again.


    Mona kept thinking and did not go to Star. She spent the morning drawing designs at home. After all, winter wasing soon, and she needed to put on new winter clothes.


    At noon, Mona did not let Hattie cook. Instead, she cooked lunch for Maxwell, thinking of bringing it to himter.


    In the past, Mona had practiced hard in cooking to gain Teddy''s favor. However, after she married Maxwell, Maxwell cooked most of the time because he did not want her to get injured. Mona understood the difference between when she was loved and not.


    Although they had a cook and many servants in the house, Maxwell would cook whenever he was free after work. Especially when Mona was carrying Sweet Berry, Maxwell made almost everything she ate. Even though Mona had not cooked for a long time, her culinary skills were still not bad. Practice made perfect. Not long after, the fragrance of food floated in the kitchen.


    Mona knew Maxwell was not a picky eater. She made her favorite food, grilled ribs, broli, vegetable sd, and chicken


    soup.


    After everything was done, Mona ced it in the lunchbox and asked Haley to apany her to Clem Group.

 Chapter 267

    When Mona neared the office, she remembered that when she was framed for giarism by Molly, her former colleagues in the Design Department had spoken up for her on Twitter. Thinking of this, she told Haley to buy some coffee and desserts from the cafe beside


    Clem Group and asked the staff to send them to the Design Departmentter.


    After Mona arrived at Clem Group, she took Haley to the CEO''s elevator and pressed the button on the top floor to go to Maxwell''s office.


    At the door, Haley was smart enough and didn''t follow Mon¨¢ over.


    Mona tidied her hair at the door of Maxwell''s office before knocking twice. "Maxwell, I''ve brought you lunch."


    The naughty voice came from the door. Maxwell''s hand that was signing the contract paused, and the corners of his mouth curled into a faint smile. "Come in!"


    As he finished speaking, the smile on Maxwell''s face disappeared. He wanted to let Mona know he was still angry.


    Mona came in and saw Maxwell frowning. She thought, ''Fine, my husband is still mad at me. Fortunately, I''ve made lunch to soothe him.''


    "Honey, are you done? I''m here to have lunch with you." Mona smiled. She ced the lunchbox on the coffee table and walked toward Maxwell.


    When she got closer, she realized Maxwell was still reading the documents. He did not even look at her. Mona''s slender arms wrapped around Maxwell''s neck as her eyes nced at the papers on the desk.


    Mona said softly, "Honey, you ignored me. Let me ask you this. Do you think the documents are more important than me? If you answer correctly, you''ll get a reward. If you give the wrong answer, you sleep alone tonight."


    Mona''s hand roamed across Maxwell''s face. It was neither light nor heavy, just enough to make Maxwell feel itchy.


    Touched by Mona, Maxwell immediately put down the documents in his hands. He wrapped his big hand around Mona''s waist and let her sit on hisp.


    Mona wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck and smiled. "Tell me now."


    Maxwell answered, "You''re more important."


    Almost as soon as Maxwell finished speaking, the kissnded on his lips. Mona imitated Maxwell''s usual technique and slowly rubbed against his lips, savoring them carefully.


    After the kiss, Mona went limp in Maxwell''s arms. She had no strength left in her.


    ""Honey, it''s time for lunch," Mona said with a blush.


    Maxwell smiled, "Okay."


    At the door, Nigel was still hesitating to bring lunch to Maxwell. Thinking Mona was still inside, Nigel was afraid of interrupting his boss and Mona''s happy moments, so he stood at the door. When Haley came out to use the toilet, she saw Nigel pacing back and forth at the door. She walked over curiously and asked, "Why are you standing here?"


    Nigel looked at the takeaway and said, "I''m wondering if I should bring lunch to Mr. Carter and Mrs. Carter." Haley asked, "This is for Mr. Carter?"


    ww


    Nigel nodded. "Yeah."


    "Give it to me," Haley said as she took the lunch box from Nigel''s hand.


    100 K. 92%-


    She opened it and saw her favorite chicken drumsticks. They looked delicious and seemed different from how the cook at home made them.


    "You, Haley, why did you open it? This is for Mr. Carter," Nigel asked in disbelief.


    "I opened it to eat them, of course." As she spoke, Haley had taken a bite of one chicken drumstick.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She said while eating, "Mona has cooked for Mr. Carter at home. Do you think Mr. Carter would eat the takeaway you give him or Mona''s homemade lunch? Undoubtedly, he would choose Mona''s cooking. "Then wouldn''t the chicken drumsticks be a waste? If no one eats them, I''ll help you finish them. Nigel, you don''t have to thank me. I''ll be shy."


    Nigel said, "Uh, what you said makes sense. It turns out Mrs. Carter has prepared lunch for Mr. Carter. I didn''t see it when she came. By the way, is this box enough? There''s another box beside it."


    Nigel thought, ''It''s all thanks to Haley''s reminder. Otherwise, if I knocked on the door, I would disturb Mr. Carter and Mrs. Carter''s loving time. And I might be despised by Mr. Carter!''


    Haley immediately nodded vigorously. "Yes, I want more. These chicken drumsticks are delicious."


    Nigel looked at Haley and thought, ''This girl is small but can eat like a horse. It''s hard to believe!"


    After Mona and Maxwell had lunch in the office, Mona asked, "Honey, what do you think of the food I made for you?"


    Maxwell nodded. "Not bad."


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona revealed a faint smile. "Honey, I''m happy that you like it. I''ll bring you lunch tomorrow. You are not mad now, are you? It was my bad this time. From now on, I''ll tell you before I do anything. I''m not used to it when you''re mad at me." Maxwell listened to Mona''s soft voice and did not want to be angry with her anymore. He said, "I''m not mad anymore, but there won''t be a next time. Don''t do anything so dangerous again."


    Maxwell had subconsciously squeezed the toothpaste for Mona in the morning. Remembering he still had to be mad at Mona, he put the toothpaste on his toothbrush.


    It was the same when he cooked breakfast. So, Maxwell ate breakfast for two. He was too full.


    Mona said she was not used to it, and neither was Maxwell. He would feel bad if he did not reconcile with Mona.


    Presumably, Mona would not dare to do such a dangerous thing again


    Mona nodded. "I promise. The next time I do something so dangerous, I''ll tell you!"


    Maxwell corrected her. "Huh? You''re not allowed to do it."


    "Alright, alright. I won''t do it again," Mona smiled as she thought My husband is so easy to coax. I can settle it with a meal. Maxwell said, "That''s more like it!"


    "Maxwell, however, things on the Inte are serious now. It has affected Carter Group''s share price, which keeps falling. Does this have a huge effect on Carter Group?" Mona asked.


    She was well aware of Maxwell''s ambition. He wanted to strengthen Clem Group and find an opportunity to merge with


    08:14 wed,


    Carter Group.


    This time, the scandal of Gordon, the person in charge of Carter Group, affected Carter Group.


    1


    Maxwell shook his head. "Yes, but it''s not a big deal. It won''t cause any fundamental damage. Grandpa will resolve it soon."


    A few dayster, Mona discovered the solution Maxwell mentioned was to let Gordon marry Molly, and both families had agreed.


    Molly was married as the daughter of the Reed family overseas. The Reed family''s only daughter, Lydia, was dead. So, Molly was the Reed family''s only daughter. If nothing went wrong, the Reed family''s assets would all be Molly''s in the future. The marriage between Gordon and Molly could be considered a strong alliance.


    After her parents heard about Molly''s scandal from overseas, they rushed back from Yosneosnd overnight.


    Under the pressure of the Carter family and the benefits given by the Reed family, Molly was released after staying in prison for several days.


    When Molly saw the sun outside again, she was a little nervous. She kept calling Mona a bitch.


    When Molly''s parents saw Molly like that, they felt sorry and resentful. After saying goodbye to Gordon''s parents, they returned to the vi in Nathontown. Along the way, Molly kept cursing Mona. She was still trembling and he was a little crazy.


    0

 Chapter 268

    When Molly''s mother, Nancy Reed, saw Molly like that, her heart ached as she held Molly in her arms.


    She could not help but think of the happy Lydia from the past, who always had a smile on her face. The girl was still her daughter, but her appearance and personality were no longer the same.


    Nancy thought, ''If I had known Molly would have be like this, I would not have let her return to the country no matter what."


    "Look, it''s all your fault. I told you that Maxwell was a real piece of work. But you insisted on letting Lydiae to Nathontown. Lydia has a bad temper. She has got someone to kidnap Mona, the Clem family''s granddaughter, and ended up in prison herself. I spent a lot of effort and connections to fake Lydia''s death and change her identity.


    "And you helped Lydia escape after going home. What a coincidence! I''ve brought her out of the police station again. Just watch. After Lydia marries Gordon from the Carter family, she will suffer like hell." Wyatt fumed. His face was red with anger as he red fiercely at Nancy.


    "Stop shouting at me. Now that things havee to this, the most important thing is to think of a solution. When we go home, we''ll get a psychiatrist for Lydia," Nancy said. She felt terrible after Lydia became like this.


    She also knew Gordon was a notorious yboy. And she never wanted Lydia to marry him. But after such a sex scandal, which good man would marry Lydia?


    "Jesus, just spoil her. I''ll see if you can spoil her for the rest of her life," Wyatt said through gritted teeth.


    Nancy looked at the girl in her arms and was about to copse.


    After a long while, Molly finally realized what her father was talking about. She asked angrily, "What marriage? I''m not getting married. I can''t marry Gordon. Dad, Mom, I want to marry Maxwell, my dear Maxwell!"


    "Even if you don''t want to, you''ll have to marry Gordon. Go online and take a look. Your scandal is everywhere. Do you think you can marry a good guy now? And you are still thinking of Maxwell? He''s now the Carter family''s abandoned son. I can''t agree to it, and I won''t agree to it. Drop this thought. Stay at home and wait for your wedding day!" Wyatt was so pissed that he wanted to p Molly''s face.


    Wyatt thought, ''Till now, can''t she get the picture? Maxwell won''t marry her. That''s not happening. But she''s still thinking of Maxwell. Lord, Lydia has been too obsessed with Maxwell.


    "I''m not marrying Gordon. No way! I''m not marrying Gordon. The only one who''s worthy of me is Maxwell!" Molly said firmly.


    "Alright, alright, you..." Wyatt pointed at Lydia as if he wanted to strangle her to death.


    "Enough. Lydia has juste out of that godforsaken ce. Stop being angry with her for now. Let her rest and calm down. We''ll talk about this in a few days," Nancy said.


    Wyatt yelled, "Just indulge her. Continue spoiling her rotten. I don''t care anymore."


    Meanwhile, Gordon''s face was filled with resentment in the Carter family. He had nowhere to vent his anger, wondering why the


    person in the room had be Molly and someone even called the police.


    Gordon could easily guess it was Mona who did it. He swore inwardly, ''Good for you, Mona. The soft little kitten knows to counterattack now!''Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Juliet looked at the resentful Gordon andforted him. "Son, even if you don''t like Molly, you must marry her. Only then will thepany''s share price turn around. Your grandfather won''t take back the power in your hands."


    ¨¨ §ê 92%


    "Mom, stop it. I know," Gordon said.


    It didn''t matter to Gorden whom he would marry. In the past, he had wanted to marry Mona, who was beautiful and came from a good family, thinking he would be proud to bring her out. However, that was impossible. He did not want to marry Mona anymore. After such a scandal, he''d better keep thepany firmly in his hands. Gorden thought, ''Mona, there is still a long way to go!"


    These two families were worried, but Mona was overjoyed. Both Star''s autumn clothes sales and the customers'' evaluations were excellent.


    Artemis had a rare break. Mona invited all her friends to her house and wanted them to try her cooking.


    Mona thought her culinary skills were not bad. Early in the morning, after Maxwell left for the office, Mona began to busy herself in the kitchen. She washed the vegetables, cut the vegetables, and did everything happily.


    She didn''t work for long before Ava arrived. Ava quickly changed her shoes and went to the kitchen for Mona.


    Ava knew about Mona''s culinary skills. Back in college, Mona had learned to cook for Teddy. Most of the time, Ava would be by her side. Whenever Ava wanted to tell Mona that Teddy was not worth it, she would look at her smiling eyes and swallow the words about toe out of her mouth.


    Now that she saw Mona cooking again, the light from the window shone in, adding a lot of gentleness to Mona''s back. Mona had a smile on her lips.


    Ava looked at that smile and seemed to feel it was different from when Mona was in college. But Ava could not tell what was different.


    However, Ava knew Mona had chosen the right husband, married the right guy, and lived a happy life.


    "Let me see what good food Mona, the Master Chef, has made today," Ava said while washing her hands to help Mona.


    "I''ve made you favorite prawns. Maxwell just had them flown over yesterday. They''re fresh." As Mona spoke, she signaled Ava to look to the side.


    "Oh, Mona, you''re so kind. You know me well," Ava said as the corners of her mouth subconsciously revealed her canine teeth.


    "We''ve been best friends for many years. If I don''t know your favorite food, I am a terrible friend. Help me wash the vegetables. When Artemis and the others arrive, we''ll have barbecue food," Mona said as she cut the beef.


    Ava smiled. "Yes, chef!"


    Not long after Ava arrived, ra also came. She even brought a lot of snacks. Ever since Star opened, ra hadpletely resigned from Clem Group and worked as a designer in Star.


    ra quite liked Clem Group. She liked the Clem Group with Mona because she wanted to work hard with Mona. Now that Mona had left Clem Group, ra submitted her resignation letter without hesitation.


    After she arrived, she joined Mona and the others.


    Artemis was thest to arrive. When she came, she dropped by her ce to get her collection of red wine, thinking she could get drunk with Mona and the other girls.


    When Artemis arrived, the vi was filled with the fragrance of food. She skipped her breakfast in the morning and felt hungry just by smelling it.


    Other celebrities would control their diet to maintain good figures, but Artemis did not need to. She would not gain weight just by eating. When filming on set, she often ate snacks. When the weather was hot, she had ice creams almost every day.


    3

 Chapter 269

    Artemis changed her shoes and ced the red wine on the dining table. She entered the kitchen and saw Mona and the other girls had almost finished cooking.


    Mona turned around and saw Artemis''s smiling face. She could not help but wonder who would be the lucky guy to have such a beautiful woman.


    Seeing Artemis walking over, Mona said, "Artemis, you don''t have toe over. We''re almost done here. It''s thest dish." Artemis looked around and realized everything was almost ready. She said in embarrassment, "Girls, I''m sorry. I''mte!" "It doesn''t matter. We know you''re busy. You are the main reason why Star''s sales are so good. Just enjoy the food," Ava said with a smile, carrying the steak they had just made to the dining table.


    "Ava, please don''t tease me. My fans are supportive, and it''s all thanks to Mona and ra''s good design and the quality of our clothes. I like to wear Star''s clothes daily," Artemis said as she brought the cooked food to the dining table like Ava.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Mona said, "Alright, the reason that Star can sell well is also thanks to Ava''s daily management. How should I put it? We''re all taking credits. Each of us counts."


    As Mona finished cooking the prawns, the food for the gathering was ready.


    ra said, "Mona, I used to think you were the kind of rich girl who didn''t do any chores. Not only you but also Ava and Artemis. I thought you all were like that. But after interacting with you guys, I realized you all know how to do housework. Just this dish alone, I can''t cook as well as you do, Mona."


    ra looked at the food before her and felt lucky to have met this group of good friends.


    When she first joined the Design Department, someone told her the most difficult person in the Design Department was Mona, who wore pink clothes every day and thought of herself as a princess.


    However, after spending time with Mona, ra found Mona was not like they had said. Instead, Mona was an easy-going person to get along with. It was much better to get along with Mona than her former friends. ra thought Mona was a very good person. None of them would look down on her because of their wealthy family background, and each had a sincere heart. Indeed, only by having the same values could they be friends.


    "ra, you''re overthinking it. We''re all the same. These are necessary life skills. Alright, stop overthinking it. Living happily is the most important thing. We''ll get better and better in the future. Let''s go to the dining room," Mona said as she ced the te of sausages in ra''s hand.


    Mona carried two tes of vegetables herself.


    Mona called Haley over after they ced everything on the dining table. Then, Mona frowned when she saw so much food.


    Among the five of them, only Haley had a huge appetite. However, Haley only ate meat and barely touched the vegetables. Mona wondered if the four of them could eat so much.


    Ava only nced at Mona and knew what she was thinking. "Mona, don''t worry. We have an entire afternoon. Let''s eat slowly."


    Artemis nodded. "Can we start now? I''m hungry."


    "Then let''s dig in. I hope Star can rise to the next level. Winter clothing will be a huge hit!" Mona raised the ss in her hand. "Rest assured. I see the sales are quite good these days. Very soon, I can put the online shop on the agenda." Ava clinked her


    w.


    ss with Mona''s.


    "I wish we could make a lot of money." Artemis also raised her ss.


    3


    "I hope Star''s products can sell well. We''ll all be richdies." ra raised her ss and clinked it with the three of them.


    Haley raised her ss and said, "I hope there will be endless chicken drumsticks."


    91% +5


    Everyone sipped the wine, and Mona praised, "Artemis, this wine is not bad. Where did you get it?" The taste of this wine was more mellow. Mona thought Maxwell would like it.


    Mona thought of Maxwell''s temper from days ago, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously curled into a smile. She decided to treat Maxwell better.


    Hearing Mona''s question, Artemis cleared her throat unconsciously and said honestly, "Well, someone gave it to me. I don''t know where to get it." Mona nodded and could only give up.


    Ava looked at Artemis''s slightly red ears and had some guesses in her heart. "Artemis, is this wine from a man or a woman?"


    Upon hearing Ava''s question, Artemis''s ears and cheeks turned red. "From a man."


    "Oh my god, it''s from a man..." Ava purposely dragged the word "man" to the back. It immediately made the girls'' imagination go wild.


    "Artemis, you are seeing someone, huh?" Mona asked as she put the food on the barbeque grill.


    Artemis had debuted at a very young age. She had been in the entertainment industry for many years and had no gossip or scandals. Many guys were around her, but Artemis never wanted them. Seeing Artemis so shy, Mona guessed Artemis had someone in her heart. "Artemis, don''t hide it from us. We''re best friends," ra said.


    Artemis was a great beauty. She had a good personality and should have someone to dote on her.


    Artemis smiled shyly and said, "Actually, it''s nothing. It''s just that I''m filming a period drama now, right? He''s an investor in it. After a while, we got to know each other. Last time, my assistant bought a milkshake and got one free. Coincidentally, he was beside me, so I gave him the milkshake. "A few dayster, his assistant hurriedly handed me two bottles of red wine. I didn''t want them, but his assistant ran away quickly. I didn''t know when I would see him again. I saw these two bottles of wine were not bad, so I brought them over for everyone to drink." Ava shook the ss in her hand. Seeing the red wine''s excellent color, she nodded. "Tsk, it''s the milkshake for red wine. Based on my intuition, this investor is interested in you. Believe me. You''ll meet him again in a few days!"


    "Yeah, I think so, too." ra took a bite of the barbecue food. The food was really good. It tasted even better than those in the restaurant. She could not help but pick up the grilledmb chop


    "So, Artemis, are you interested in this investor?" Mona asked.


    Artemis was a little confused. She nodded and then shook her head. Atst, she said honestly, "I don''t know, either. I''ll wait and see."


    Artemis didn''t know how she felt about this investor who rarely talked orughed. Maybe she didn''t like him, but she couldn''t help but feel her heart race when being with him. Perhaps she felt a thing for him, but they had only met a few times. She didn''t quite believe it.


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 Chapter 270

    After Mona finished speaking, everyone stopped teasing Artemis and continued to eat.


    The gatheringsted for the entire afternoon. In the end, Mona felt so full that she thought she could skip dinner. She was holding a wine bottle in her hand.


    Mona muttered, "I''m so happy today. I feel like I''m over the moon."


    "Mona, it looks like you''re drunk," Ava said. Just as Mona had said herself, she would get roaring drunk after drinking.


    Maxwell knew Mona and the other girls were having a gathering at home, so he came home early. As soon as he entered, he saw everyone drunk at the dining table. Even Haley''s eyes were filled with confusion. He knew at a nce that they had drunk a lot. "Mona, why did you drink so much?" Maxwell walked up to Mona and asked worriedly.


    Maxwell thought, Fortunately, she''s drunk at home. If she was outside, she would probably embarrass herself.


    "Uh, a handsome man from nowhere? You''re as hot as my husband." Mona burped at Maxwell, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Maxwell.


    When Aya heard Mona''s words, she covered her mouth and giggled. She checked the time and saw it was gettingte. Then, she sent a WhatsApp message to Joseph, telling him toe and pick her up. Artemis called her assistant and took ra. home. When Maxwell heard Mona say that a handsome man was from nowhere, he wanted to open he was. When he heard thetter part, he was not so angry.


    her


    eyes


    and let her see who


    "Look at me again. Do I look exactly like your husband?" Maxwell looked into Mona''s eyes and asked.


    Mona opened her eyes in a daze. She nced at Maxwell from the corner of her eye and shook her head. "No. Although you''re a handsome guy from nowhere, you''re not as hot as my husband."


    This time, not only was Avaughing, but even Artemis could not hold back herughter. Mona was too funny when she was drunk.


    "Fine, your husband is handsome. Good girl!" Maxwell rubbed Mona''s soft hair and said.


    "Mr. Carter, we should get going now. Please take care of Mona," Ava said.


    They did not want to watch the couple show off their love there.


    "I''ll have my driver take you home. It''s getting dark. It''s not safe. Maxwell took his hand off Mona''s hair.


    "Don''t bother. Someone''sing to pick me up," Ava said. Then she turned to Mona, "Mona, I''m leaving. Have a good rest tonight."


    No one knew if Mona had heard what Ava said, but Mona nodded in a daze.


    Ava and the others went out. Haley also walked to her room in a daze. While leaving, Haley did not forget to take the remaining fried chicken with her, wanting to eat them in her room.


    After everyone left, Maxwell looked at the mess on the dining table, the empty wine bottles, and Mona, who was almost asleep on the chair. He thought it was better to get Mona back to the room beforeing back to clean up.


    Just as he was about to bend down to carry Mona, thetter almost pushed him to the ground and shouted, "Even if you''re a handsome man from nowhere, you can''t carry me.


    Chapter 270.


    Mona pointed at herself and said to Maxwell, "Only Maxwell can carry me!"


    3


    After being pushed by Mona, Maxwell felt it hurt. The drunk Mona was quite strong. "Mona, open your eyes and take a look. I''m Maxwell!"


    ""No, you''re not. Why are you lying, pretty boy?" Mona shook her head.


    Maxwell leaned in front of Mona again and pinched Mona''s chin. "Take another look to see if I''m a pretty boy or Maxwell. Look into my eyes."


    Mona subconsciously listened to Maxwell''s words and looked into his eyes. She saw Maxwell''s clear eyes reflecting her figure and Maxwell''s familiar face.


    After recognizing Maxwell, Mona''s eyes lit up. She wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck and said excitedly, "Honey, you''re back. I missed you so much. You know what? A handsome man wanted to carry me, but I rejected him. Isn''t that good?" "Mmm, my wife is awesome!" Maxwell said as he carried Mona up and walked to the second floor. He reminded himself again that he must not let Mona drink when they were outside.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Your praise is so perfunctory. Tell me, do you have a mistress outside?" Towards the end, Mona got angry. She opened her mouth and bit Maxwell''s earlobe.


    Feeling the pain, Maxwell pped Mona''s butt. "It hurts. Think about it. If I had a mistress, would Ie home so early every day?"


    After being hit by Maxwell, Mona even felt wronged. "Then tell me, do you not love me as much as before? Did you hit me just now?" Maxwell patted Mona''s butt again and said, "I''m not hitting you. I''m teasing you, my love."


    The moment his palmnded, Mona bit Maxwell''s other earlobe. "Then praise me!"


    Maxwell smiled. "Alright, my love. You''re pretty, kind-hearted, and have sexy legs. You are ambitious in your career and good at cooking, and everyone likes you. You can design and earn money. It''s my blessing to have married you!" "That''s more like it!" Right after Mona finished speaking, she slowly let go of Maxwell''s arm.


    Maxwell could feel the girl in his arms had fallen asleep. He carried her in his arms and walked withrger strides. After returning to their room, Maxwell did not turn on the light. He only turned on themp at the head of the bed and ced Mona on the king-sized bed. He went to the bathroom to get hot water and wiped Mona''s body.


    Maxwell looked at the sexy body before him and felt his desire burning inside. It was not easy for him to clean Mona. When he helped her put on her pajamas, Mona did not cooperate. Maxwell wanted to raise Mona''s hand, but Mona seemed to be deliberately going against him. After that, Maxwell could only put one arm into the pajamas and button it up, leaving the other under the nket.


    Before he went downstairs, Maxwell could not help but say to Mona, "Mona, you''re getting more naughty." Maxwell''s voice was filled with dear love and indulgence as he spoke.


    The next morning, Mona woke up in Maxwell''s arms. She felt warm all over, and only her arm felt cold.


    Mona stretched out her arm and took a look, screaming inside, What the hell? How did I put on my pajamas like this? I had nothing on this arm.


    She turned around and met Maxwell''s gaze. "1..."


    )ww.


    3


    Before she could finish, she was interrupted by Maxwell. "You can''t me me for this. It''s on you. No matter how I helped you lift this armst night, you didn''t let me. I was afraid I would wake you up if I used too much strength, so I could only put on the pajamas for you like this."


    0

 Chapter 271

    Alright, since Maxwell said so, Mona couldn''t refute him. She silently unbuttoned her pajamas and slipped her arm in.


    Before she could put it on, Maxwell''s hand reached in. His palm was hot and a little rough. When he touched Mona, it brought about a moment of shiver.


    Mona knew what Maxwell was like. She pped his hand away and urged him to get up.


    Maxwell looked at Mona with dissatisfaction. He left some marks on her neck before he reluctantly got out of bed. Mona looked at Maxwell shyly and yfully cursed him in her heart.


    After they washed up, Maxwell fried eggs in the kitchen while Mona helped him. Seeing the kitchen was so clean, Mona was a little touched.


    It seemed Maxwell had helped her clean up her mess again the night before. Thinking about how she had cursed him in her heart this morning, she felt guilty.


    She wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s waist from behind and said gratefully, "Honey, thank you. I love you."


    With a pair of soft hands suddenly appearing in front of his chest, the corners of Maxwell''s lips curled up slightly. "I love you, too. Let''s eat breakfast."


    Mona nodded and put down her hands, which had wrapped around Maxwell''s chest. She took the te from Maxwell and swore to be nicer to him.


    After breakfast, Maxwell went to work. Mona went to the mall with Haley and nned to buy Maxwell a watch.


    When Mona arrived at the mall, it was crowded. She knew what to buy for Maxwell. With the goal in mind, she didn''t wander around the mall. Instead, she went straight to the luxury shop on the first floor.


    Mona entered the first jewelry store but didn''t find anything she liked. She was attracted by a ck watch on the counter in the second store.


    The outer circle of the watchcase was iid with silver. The difference between this watch and the regr watches was that the twelve numbers were all engraved on the silver, not inside the dial te. The round dial te was covered with a clear pane of ss, and two sparkling diamonds were embedded in the dial.


    The more Mona looked at it, the more she felt the watch matched Maxwell perfectly. The salesgirl beside noticed Mona''s


    gaze.


    The salesgirl said, "Mrs. Carter, you have good taste. This watch is a new arrival. There''s only one in Nathontown and only two in the country. If you like it, I''ll take it out for you to see." Mona nodded with a smile and thanked the salesgirl.


    Haley was not interested in the watch. She stood beside Mona and protected her. After all, the danger was everywhere. The watch looked a little big in Mona''s hand, but it was just right for Maxwell. Just as Mona was about to tell the salesgirl that she wanted the watch, a loud male voice sounded in the shop. "I want this watch. Wrap it up!"


    Mona looked back and saw Gordon''s ugly face. She was extremely depressed. The watch was still in her hand, and she had decided to buy it. How could she give it away just like that?


    "I came here first. I''ll take this watch. I''ll pay by credit card," Mona said. But she did not hand the watch to the salesgirl.


    )ww. Chapter 271


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    When the salesgirl heard Mona''s words, she nodded and went to the register. When she met customers who liked the same item, she had to prioritize the first customer.


    "Oh, Mona, are you getting this watch for Maxwell? You''re so good to Maxwell. You''re in such a hurry to pay. Are you afraid that I''ll snatch it from you?" Gordon said as his gazended on Mona. Recalling that night when he was arrested by the anti-vice police, Gordon was so angry that he gritted his teeth. He wished he could teach this little bitch Mona a good lesson.


    Mona didn''t even bother to look at Gordon. Looking at the watch that cost over one million dors, she swiped her card without hesitation and asked, "Isn''t that so?" The first thing Gordon had said when he came in was, "I want this watch. Wrap it up!"


    After Mona paid, she wanted to leave the shop with Haley. But Gordon blocked Mona and Haley.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Seeing that, Haley stood in front of Mona. She looked at Gordon with anger in her eyes. Haley wanted to knock some sense into Gordon if they weren''t in a crowded mall.


    "Mr. Carter, what are you doing? Are you trying to rob me here? Mona asked coldly. Many people were in the mall. If Gordon had a brain that could think, he would not have stopped her there.


    Gordon looked at Mona''s angry and beautiful eyes and smiled evilly. "Mona, you''re overthinking it. I have something to tell you."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Gordon pushed Haley to the side. Haley wanted to go over, but Mona waved at her, gesturing for her to stand there and wait. There were so many people in the mall. Mona knew Gordon would not dare to do anything rash. Gordon approached Mona. When he was one arm away from Mona, he stopped and whispered, "Mona, did you n the scandal in the hotel?"


    Mona knew Gordon would guess it was her doing when he came out, so she didn''t panic. "What do you Mona looked confused. She did not look guilty at all for lying.


    mean?"


    "No one can hear our conversation now. Mona, you don''t have to lie to me here. You know very well whether you are rted to it or not. Mona, we still have a long way to go!" After that, Gordon stared at Mona with burning anger.


    After Gordon left, Mona felt her good mood was gone. She went home with the watch she had bought for Maxwell.


    It was not until dinner time that Maxwell returned home. As soon as he entered, Mona went forward, took the suit jacket from Maxwell, and smiled at him.


    "What''s wrong, Mona? Did something good happen today?" Maxwell touched the tip of Mona''s nose. Looking at her bright


    he felt less tired. eyes,


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    Mona smiled but said nothing. She led Maxwell to the sofa and said, "Close your eyes. I have a surprise for you."


    "Huh?" Maxwell was confused, thinking, ''What surprise? She even wants me to close my eyes.


    "Come on. Close your eyes


    now!" Mona wheedled at Maxwell as she shook his arm.


    Since marrying Maxwell for a long time, acting coquettish was like a piece of cake for Mona. Especially in front of Maxwell,


    it was effortless to act cute..


    "Okay, I''ll close my eyes," Maxwell said, closing his eyes gently. His thick eyshes reflected some shadows in the bottom of his eyes.


    Seeing Maxwell had finally agreed, Mona said to him, "Don''t open your eyes unless I tell you to."


    Maxwell replied, "Okay."


    After getting Maxwell''s approval, Mona quickly went into the bedroom. She had put the watch in the bedroom after she got home.

 Chapter 272

    When Mona appeared in front of Maxwell again, her heart raced, and her face turned red. Looking at Maxwell''s closed eyes, Mona''s lips unconsciously curled into a smile.


    She took out the precious watch from the box and sat beside Maxwell. She first tried it on Maxwell''s wrist. The ck color matched him well. Immediately, the corners of Mona''s lips curled up.


    She held Maxwell''s hand and said, "You can''t open your eyes yet. You can only open them when I tell you to." Mona said as she put on the watch for Maxwell.


    Maxwell smiled. "Alright, you''re the boss."


    When the watch touched Maxwell''s wrist, it felt cold. Mona''s soft hands moved around his wrist. Maxwell could already feel the surprise Mona gave him.


    The corners of his tightly pursed lips parted slightly. Fortunately, Mona was focused on wearing the watch for him. Otherwise, she would have seen Maxwell''s silly look.


    Mona busied herself for a while and finally helped Maxwell put on the watch. His well-defined wrist went well with the ck watch with quality diamonds. It was neither extravagant nor cheap, but just good for Maxwell.


    She looked at Maxwell''s wrist and could not help but take a few more nces. She told Maxwell, "Maxwell, you can open your eyes now."


    Maxwell seemed to have sensed her. As soon as she said it, Maxwell opened his eyes. Their gazes met in the air.


    Although they had been married for almost a year and a half, Mona still felt shy each time she met Maxwell''s burning gaze. A blush appeared on her cheeks.


    Maxwell''s gaze shifted from Mona to his wrist to find the watch. It was simple and not extravagant, just right for him.


    "Maxwell, do you like it?" Mona asked shyly.


    After their marriage, Mona would give Maxwell gifts for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Valentine''s Day, and so on. However, those were all holidays. Maxwell would also give her gifts.


    However, it was different this time. It was not a memorable day. It was just a day that she wanted to surprise Maxwell.


    Maxwell waved the watch and said happily, "I like it. I like all the gifts you give me, Mona."


    As he spoke, he held Mona in his arms. Maxwell carefully observed Mona''s eyebrows, skin, and tall nose. He realized Mona had not changed after they got married. There were no wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, and her skin was extremely smooth. "It''s good that you like it. I chose it today, and it was worth it." Mona brought Maxwell''s hand to her eyes. The more she looked at the watch, the more she liked it. It was indescribably pleasing to the eye.


    Maxwell said, "Thank you, my love. Come, let me hug you."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Maxwell''s arm pinched Mona''s armpit and pulled her to sit on hisp. Mona smiled and hugged Maxwell''s neck, thinking she had married the right guy


    This was probably the best decision she had ever made in her life.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s seductive lips and subconsciously kissed her. His kiss was especially soft as if Mona was a fragile doll.


    Maxwell was way too gentle. Every touch made Mona tremble in fear.


    After kissing for a while, Mona pushed Maxwell''s strong chest and said, "Stop. It''s almost time for dinner."


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    After being married for long, Mona understood Maxwell. Looking at the desire in his eyes and feeling the changes in his body, Mona knew what Maxwell wanted to do. However, Maxwell did not give her a chance to refuse. He had carried Mona to the second floor. "Yes, you''re right, honey. I''m hungry now. I want you."


    Mona looked at Maxwell''s happy expression and was shy. They were going to have sex in the day. She bit her lower lip and couldn''t look into Maxwell''s eyes.


    Time passed peacefully. One day, Maxwell had signed a contract with his client. When he returned to his office, he heard his phone ring. It was a call from Richard.


    Maxwell did not want to answer the phone, wondering if there was something else. When Maxwell wanted to cut ties back then, it was also because he did not want to get involved in the Carter family''s matters.


    After Maxwell hung up, his phone rang again. It was still Richard calling.


    Maxwell answered the call expressionlessly. Richard''s tired voice came from the other end. "Maxwell, Gordon''s wedding is scheduled for a weekter. I hope you and Mona cane. My health is declining. I only hope you and Gordon can get along well."


    That was one of the reasons. Also, after Gordon was arrested and brought to the police station, it more or less affected the Carter Group. In Nathontown, there were many small businesses andpetitors from other cities. It was a rat race. And, if Maxwell still hated Richard and the Carter family, what would happen to the Carter Group and the Carter family if Richard passed away?


    "Mr. Carter, have you forgotten what I said that night? I, Maxwell, have nothing to do with Carter Group." Maxwell hung up after saying that.


    Richard listened to the beeping sound. The room was quiet. Richard fell into deep thought. After a long time, he sent a message to Maxwell.


    After that, Richard told Mona about Gordon''s marriage to Molly He wanted Mona to persuade Maxwell to attend Gordon''s wedding.


    Mona hated Gordon and Molly, especially Molly. Mona wished she could send Molly to hell to avenge Sweet Berry, but that was illegal. She understood she could not do that.


    Hearing Richard''s words, Mona knew Maxwell must have rejected Richard''s invitation. Richard had said everything he could, but Mona did not agree.


    Mona said coldly, "Richard, I''ve heard about Mr. Gorden Carter''s wedding. If there''s nothing else, I have to go. I still have something on."


    Before Richard could say anything, Mona had already hung up.


    When he heard the beeping sounding from the phone again, Richard cried out in pain. Then, he began to cough uncontrobly, and his aged face turned red.


    When Mona saw Maxwell return in the evening, she realized he wasn''t in a good mood. His face was frighteningly dark, and his entire body exuded an unapproachable aura.


    Mona guessed Maxwell''s awful mood had something to do with Richard. Although Maxwell said he had severed ties with the


    Carter family that night, Mona knew Maxwell was grateful and sentimental. Otherwise, he would not have remembered Mona''s kindness for a piece of chocte and a few words she said when they were young, and he had remembered it all his life. Maxwell had been in the Carter family for so long. Although the Carter family was not sincere with him, after spending a long time together, Maxwell would more or less care about them.


    Humans were emotional creatures, and Maxwell was no exception.

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    Mona sensed Maxwell''s unhappiness. Before he walked in, Mona smiled and went out to wee him.


    It was alreadyte autumn and the temperature was still a little low. Mona was wearing a sweater that she had designed herself today. It was light yellow and matched with jeans designed by ra. When she was drawing the design today, she felt that her hair was a little in the way, so her hair was tied up into a high bun, making her look yful and cute.


    As soon as Mona came out, Maxwell''s eyes never left her. For a moment, Maxwell saw the Mona from high school. She was sunny, bright, and beautiful. However, these things never appeared in front of him. They did not belong to her. Every time she saw him, she would look afraid. This made Maxwell think that he must look very scary.


    Later on, many girls confessed to him. Only then did he realize that he wasn''t scary-looking. It was just that Mona didn''t like


    him.


    However, it was different now. Mona belonged to him. His heart instantly felt warm.


    Mona held Maxwell''s strong hand and said with a smile, "What are you waiting for? Come in quickly. It looks like it''s going to rain soon."


    Nathontown''ste autumn was like this. There were more rainy days and it was already evening. Dark clouds filled the sky and the wind blew. It was a little gloomy and cold.


    Maxwell nodded. He held Mona''s seemingly boneless hand and walked home.


    After being married to Mona for such a long time, Maxwell finally felt like home. Every time he returned home and saw Mona, his bad mood would naturally turn into a good one.


    These days, Maxwell had a lot of work to do. It was usually already six o''clock when he returned home. Mona had already prepared the ingredients and was just waiting for Maxwell to return home and stir-fry them.


    It was not that Mona waszy and did not want to cook. It was just that Maxwell did not agree with her doing these things. Her slender hands were fair and tender. Maxwell felt that her hands should not be doing these chores. Her hands were used to hold brushes. When cooking, if she was identally sshed by hot oil and she did not feel heartache, Maxwell would.


    Seeing that he was working hard and wanted to help him, Mona cooked the pasta and cut the vegetables in advance, and wait for him toe back to cook. This way, it was just right.


    Maxwell was also afraid that he would interfere too much and Mona would feel ufortable, so he had no rejections when Mona asionally sent him a meal and had a gathering with her friends at home.


    Mona tied the apron strap for Maxwell, and Maxwell skillfully started the fire. After the pot was heated, he added oil, then added onions, ginger, and garlic. After stir-frying each vor, he added the dishes that needed to be stir-fried.


    When Maxwell was cooking, Mona skillfully handed Maxwell what he needed. Then, after the dishes were cooked, she would secretly take a bite. Then, she smiled and narrowed her almond-shaped eyes, praising Maxwell, "It''s so delicious, Maxwell. Your culinary skills have improved again."


    Then, she would feed it to Maxwell to try. After seeing Maxwell nod, she was like a gluttonous little mouse, secretly taking a bite.


    It was not that they could not afford to hire a maid. It was just that Mona and Maxwell were willing to cook for themselves, This was mainly a part of their lives and was beneficial to their rtionship.


    After all, the food he made tasted different. There was satisfaction and pride in it.


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    Hattie cooked when Maxwell had to go out to socialize at night or be on a business trip. Mona did not like to waste food and could not eat much alone, so she would ask Hattie to eat with her. Hattie told her colleagues about the situation in Maxwell''s house. Every day, she had a lot of her own time but her sry was the same as theirs. Her colleagues envied her. Their employers were hard to please and picky about food. There were a few times when they made new food that did not match their employers'' appetites and had to cook again.


    After Mona and Maxwell finished dinner and showered, Maxwell dried Mona''s hair as usual. In the past year and a half, she had cut her hair once. Now, her hair reached her lower back. After showering, it naturally hung down behind her, making her face only the size of a palm. Mona enjoyed the process of Maxwell drying her hair, especially when his fingers massaged her scalp. It was numb and veryfortable.


    "Maxwell, did something make you unhappy again today?" Mona looked up at Maxwell and asked.


    Maxwell met Mona''s almond-shaped eyes from afar. They were especially clear, like theke water. Originally, Maxwell did not intend to tell her that Richard was looking for him. If she knew, she would also be troubled. But now, Maxwell knew that he could not lie to her. He nodded gently. "You are really smart!"


    Mona wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s strong waist and said. "Then tell me. I''m always here."


    At this point, Maxwell did not hide anything from Mona. In the end, he said, "After I hung up the phone, Richard sent me a WhatsApp message. He said that he felt that his health hasn''t been good recently. Even if he went to the hospital for a checkup, the doctor said he was fine. He doesn''t have many years left and still wants me to attend Gordon''s wedding."


    How could Maxwell not understand Richard''s thoughts? ''He asked me to attend Gordon''s wedding mainly to let people in Nathontown know that the Carter family and I are still on good terms after breaking off our rtionship. This will be beneficial to the Carter Group.'' He understood it but was a little frustrated. ''Although the Clem Group''s business has expanded a little under my management, it''s still far from enough to annex the Carter Group. The Clem Group needs to be stronger!


    When Maxwell said that, Mona was listening very carefully. In the end, she advised, "Maxwell, no matter what decision you make, I will support you. If it really doesn''t work out, I will apany you. We won''t eat there. This way, you can visit Richard. Since you won''t stay for lunch, the guests will naturally know that your rtionship with the Carter family isn''t particrly good. Do you think this is okay?"


    Maxwell lowered his head and kissed Mona''s fair face. He praised, "Mrs. Carter, you are so smart. It''s decided. We''ll go take a look ande back."


    In an instant, he felt that the matter that he had been struggling with for a long time had been resolved.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    When Mona saw that Maxwell''s frown hadpletely rxed, she was also happy. After being kissed by Maxwell, she smiled innocently at him.


    Then, Maxwell touched Mona''s half-dried hair and whispered, Don''t seduce me. I still have to dry your hair!"


    Hearing this, Mona''s face instantly turned red. She asked, "Who seduced you?" She just smiled.

 Chapter 274

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    Maxwell looked at his beautiful wife. The more he looked at her the more pleasing he felt. He said in a low voice, "Mona, but you''re smiling at me. Isn''t this seducing me?"


    Mona''s smile was a good medicine for Maxwell. As long as he saw her smile, it seemed that most of his bad emotions would dissipate.


    After Mona heard Maxwell''s words, she subconsciously pursed her lips and did not dare to meet Maxwell''s burning eyes.


    "Alright, I''ll dry your hair first. Don''t catch a coldter," Maxwell said as he turned the hairdryer to second gear. The second gear was a lukewarm breeze, which was perfect for drying hair on this day. Maxwell''s palm touched the top of Mona''s head. The warm wind blew into her hair through his fingers, bringing with it an itch. Coupled with Maxwell''s dirty talk just now, Mona''s body subconsciously tensed up. Maxwell immediately noticed Mona''s abnormality. He pinched Mona''s neck. It was very smooth and he could not bear to let it go. "What''s wrong?"


    "No, it''s fine. Don''t touch me randomly." Mona pouted.


    "Where?" Maxwell asked. His hot palms were touching Mona''s neck, her chubby earlobe, and then her cheek.


    The skin Maxwell touched felt as if numerous ants were crawling on it, causing an intense itching sensation that seemed to travel from her skin deep into her heart, throb by throb. "Stop fooling around!" Mona whispered.


    "Alright. It''s done. Come and let me kiss you." Mona''s hair was half-dried, but Maxwell couldn''t wait any longer. He carried her onto hisp, pinched Mona''s chin, and kissed her.


    Before drying Mona''s hair, Maxwell had wanted to do so. Mona was like a poppy. Maxwell could not quit after tasting her lips for a long time. Of course, he did not want to quit, so he wanted to sink into oblivion with Mona.


    Maxwell''s kissesnded on the corners of Mona''s mouth, cheeks, neck, and all the way down. Mona''s hand grabbed Maxwell''s pajamas tightly. Her neck was forced up, and her face was exceptionally fair under the light, revealing a faintyer of pink. "Maxwell, go, go to bed." While Maxwell was panting, Mona said shyly. Her body was soft from being touched by Maxwell and was about to melt.


    Maxwell looked up to see a blush spreading across Mona''s fair face, even reaching her ears. He wished he could hold her delicately in the palm of his hand.


    He ced his hand on Mona''s pajamas. It did not take long for her round shoulders to be exposed. Her snow-white skin was natural and smoother than ceramic. Maxwell''s breathing quickened. The way he looked at Mona changed Soon, Mona did not even have the chance to speak. She could only whimper softly.


    It had started to rain outside, and the wind was getting stronger. It kept hitting the tightly shut window, and the two of them had already gone to bed.


    It was still a long night.


    The next morning, when Maxwell got up to put on his clothes, he happened to expose his straight back to Mona. She immediately saw the scratches on Maxwell''s back. There were red marks.


    08:


    Thu, Nov


    H


    She quickly buried her head in the nket. She was too embarrassed to look at Maxwell.


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    She couldn''t be med. Maxwell had gone too farst night. It was as if he was on drugs and had endless strength. She couldn''t withstand it and unconsciously scratched him. +5Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    "Why? Are you shy? Didn''t you bite quite hardst night?" Maxwell buttoned thest button of his shirt and became the man who took good care of Mona during the day.


    Mona hid her head under the nket. When she thought ofst night, she was too embarrassed to look at Maxwell. "How dare you say that. It''s all your fault!"


    Maxwell said, "Alright, it''s my fault. Sleep for a while more. I''ll prepare breakfast. After you wake up, microwave it and you can eat. I won''t apany you for lunch. There are more things to do at thepany, so I''ll get Hattie to make you something you like to eat." After that, he saw that Mona''s face was still buried in the nket, revealing a few strands of ck hair. He smiled and pulled the nket down a little, revealing Mona''s rosy cheeks and misty eyes. He touched Mona''s head and smiled. "If you''re still angry, why don''t you bite me a few more times to vent your anger?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Mona propped herself up on her arms, looked up, and bit down on his earlobe, finishing with a lick. "Did you think I''d hesitate to bite?"


    Maxwell had bitten her a few timesst night. She did not even dare to look at her back.


    "Of course, you wouldn''t. Does that make you feel better? Maybe you should bite the other ear too." Maxwell smiled and pointed at his other earlobe.


    Mona did not bite him with much strength. Instead, it brought about a numbing feeling. In an instant, the electric current seemed to spread throughout his entire body.


    How could Mona not see Maxwell''s teasing? She snorted and ignored him. Then she buried her head in the nket and slept, leaving a back view for Maxwell. Mona''s attitude did not anger Maxwell. He even tucked Mona in and left a light kiss on her hair.


    Last night, he did not control his strength well. It was normal for Mona to be angry.


    After Maxwell left, it was already past ten o''clock when Mona opened her eyes again. Her waist did not hurt as much as before, and she was no longer angry.


    When she was washing up, she saw the toothpaste that Maxwell had squeezed for her. When she was eating, she saw the food that he had prepared. ''Alright, I''ll generously forgive Maxwell this time!''


    In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Gordon and Molly''s wedding.


    Because of the dirty deal, the two of them did not even rush to hold the engagement ceremony and directly held the wedding ceremony.


    Early in the morning, Mona was in a daze when she heard Maxwell''s phone ring. After humming, she felt Maxwell wake up.


    Mona turned around and wanted to continue sleeping. The moment she closed her eyes, she remembered that today was Gordon''s wedding day. In that case, the person who called Maxwell was most likely Richard. Instantly, she was no longer sleepy. She lifted the nket, got out of bed, put on her slippers opened the door, and hugged Maxwell''s waist.


    Maxwell''s deep voice sounded. "If you''re sick, go to the hospital, I''m not a doctor. Alright, I understand. I''ll go to the wedding." As he spoke, his hand was already holding Mona''s. He rubbed it gently and yed with it.


    Richard said, "It''s good that you''lle." Then, Maxwell hung up the phone and hugged his lovely wife behind him.


    GT.


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    "Why are you up? Why don''t you sleep more?" Maxwell asked. He knew that the more winter came, the more Mona liked toze in bed.


    "I''ll apany you. I won''t be able to sleep well without you," Mona said with a nasal voice.


    SEN

 Chapter 275

    Maxwell turned around and held Mona in his arms. When he met her blurry eyes, he scratched her delicate nose. "Then I''ll go back and lie down with you." As he spoke, Maxwell had already carried Mona. She was very light. Maxwell carried her without any effort and walked toward the big bed in the room. Richard called really early. It was not even five o''clock yet. It waste autumn and the sky was still dark outside.


    After returning, Maxwell hugged Mona and went back to sleep.


    When the two of them woke up again, the sky was already bright and they had slept enough. They got up and freshened up. It was already past ten o''clock when they finished breakfast. Maxwell''s phone had already rung more than once, but he had muted it. When Mona saw this, he said, "Let''s go and take a look at Richard. The sooner we go, the sooner we''lle back."


    She knew that Maxwell was a person who valued rtionships. No matter what, Richard had taken care of Maxwell. Maxwell was indebted to Richard for raising him. Although Richard had a big motive, if something happened to him because Maxwell did not attend Gordon''s wedding, she knew that Maxwell would feel terrible in the future.


    She didn''t think too much about other people. She just wanted to let Maxwell live a rxed life without any guilt.


    Mona pulled Maxwell. Maxwell was still sitting on the sofa without moving. He held Mona''s hand and pulled her to sit beside him. After hugging Mona, he said, "Go, go. Come back early!"


    Looking at the phone screen showing one call after another, Maxwell answered the call and said, "I''ming."


    Then, he hung up the phone and took Mona out


    The weather inte autumn was clear for a change, though the sky was still covered with dark clouds. The sun hid behind thick clouds, emitting only a faint light, providing little warmth.


    When Maxwell arrived at the hotel where the wedding was held, the hall was filled with guests. Theyout of the wedding wasparable to Mona and Maxwell''s wedding. It was extremely luxurious.


    Regarding the photo at the door, at that time, Mona was smiling happily, a kind of joy that seemed to radiate from deep within her. Maxwell wasn''t looking at the camera but at her. There was a light in his eyes and a slight smile on his lips. Now, the situation with Gordon and Molly was different.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The wedding dress wasplicated and exquisite, and so was the groom''s suit. However, there was no smile on the bride and groom''s faces at all. They were expressionless, especially Molly. Her eyes were filled with hatred, and it was obvious at a nce. Maxwell and Mona did not stay at the guest''s ce. Instead, they went to Richard''s room.


    When the door was opened, Maxwell saw Richard with a walking stick. He was still coughing and had lost a lot of weight.


    There was no light in his eyes. Maxwell could tell at a nce that Richard''s body was not very good.


    Richard said, "Ahem, ahem. You''re here. Come in!"


    Maxwell walked in. Mona was held by him. Haley and Nigel guarded the door.


    "Maxwell, no matter what, you''re a member of the Carter family You and the Carter family can''t be separated. You''re here today to attend your brother''s wedding. You''lle often in the future. After I die, I''ll leave you some assets," Richard said as he coughed.


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    No matter what, his tone sounded like he was giving alms.


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    "If you hadn''t threatened me with your life, do you think I would havee? There''s no need for property," Maxwell said coldly. His tone was distant.


    From the moment Richard decided to hand the Carter Group over to Gordon, the little bit of affection Maxwell had for him was obliterated.


    Now he just treated Richard as an old stranger.


    Richard''s text to Maxwell wasn''t just about how his health wasn''t what it used to be. He made it clear that if Maxwell didn''t show up to the wedding-or worse, if he passed out from sheer anger during the ceremony-everyone would be pointing fingers at Maxwell for being an ungrateful son. Hearing this, Richard''s eyes darkened. ''If Maxwell can do what I say, would I need to threaten him? It was all because he has grown up ispletely out of my control.


    "Alright, since you''re here, go out and attend the wedding!" Richard waved his hand.


    Over the past few days, he felt that his body was getting weaker and weaker. He could not sleep all night. His coughs never stopped, and his lungs hurt. He forced himself to hold on until now.


    From the moment they entered the room until now, Mona''s hand had been held by Maxwell. She had been quietly by his side, apanying him without saying a word.


    At this moment, Mona''s heart ached for Maxwell again. When she got a second chance for life, she felt that she was unlucky. The people living in her house were all bad people, Jeremy, Barbara, and Beatrice.


    However,pared to Maxwell, Mona realized that he was really alone. No one in the Carter family was sincere to him. She was different. At least her grandparents and Albert were sincere to her.


    As she thought about it, Mona tightened her grip on Maxwell''s hand. A lifetime was a long time away. She wanted to make up for Maxwell''sck of love.


    After the two of them left, they did not n to attend Gordon''s wedding. However, they had to go through the hall and walk toward the elevator.


    Coincidentally, when the four of them went over, they saw Wyatt ce Molly''s hand on Gordon''s. His eyes were filled with reluctance.


    As a father, the marriage of his daughter was profoundly significant. If her husband was upright, kind, and responsible, it brought somefort. However, in cases like that of Gordon, he felt like pushing Molly into hell.


    However, something like that had happened to Molly and Gordon. If he casually searched online, there would still be posts. If Molly did not marry him, where would she find such a person with a simr background and which good family would fancy her?


    The moment he ced Molly''s hand on Gordon''s, tears welled up in Wyatt''s eyes.


    Molly looked at Wyatt. Tears ran down her face. She was roaring in her heart. A voice in her heart kept telling her, ''Kill Gordon. As long as Gordon dies, I don''t have to marry Gordon. I can marry Maxwell.


    Her hand was also trembling in Gordon''s hand. Her chest was trembling. When she looked up, she saw Maxwell holding Mona''s hand and disappearing in the direction of the elevator.


    At that moment, thest straw that broke Molly''s sanity emerged. She red at Gordon, wishing she could tear him apart and drink his blood. ''If he hadn''t been constantly obsessed with Mona, would the corrupt deal ever have happened? I wouldn''t have been forced to marry him then.


    0


    4


    GT.


    000, 91%


    .91% +5


    Meanwhile, Molly couldn''t hear a damn thing. It was like a voice was screaming in her head. ''Just kill Gordon. Once he''s gone, you won''t have to marry him.


    And if something happens to Mona? Even better. Then Maxwell would be yours-all yours.

 Chapter 276

    3


    Almost as soon as Mona and Maxwell closed the elevator door, Molly''s hand broke free from Gordon''s grip. Her pair of red eyes stared fixedly at Gordon, like a ferocious wolf looking at its meal on the te, the kind that would be eaten in the next second. Gordon was still in a daze when Molly broke free from his grip. Unexpectedly, Molly grabbed his neck and shouted, "Damn it, you actually want to marry me? Go to hell!"


    Gordon did not react at first, and Molly had used all her strength to strangle him, so Gordon''s hand pped Molly''s hand. He instinctively retreated. His face began to turn red because he could not breathe, and the veins on his forehead were bulging. Molly pressed forward step by step. The strength in her hands kept increasing, and the voice in her ears kept increasing, making her lose her rationality.


    The guests below did not react in time. They thought that the two of them had a good rtionship and were kissing. Due to the distance, no one noticed that Gordon was abnormal.


    It was not until they heard a loud fall and saw the groom being pushed to the floor by the bride in theplicated wedding dress. The bride''s hand was still on the groom''s neck, and everyone finally felt that something was amiss.


    Wyatt had yet to return to his seat. He saw that the guests were all looking up in surprise and saying something. Some of them even rushed onto the stage. Wyatt felt that something was amiss.


    When he turned around, he saw Molly sitting on Gordon''s body Her hands were tightly holding onto his neck, and her eyes were emitting a bewitching light. Gordon was struggling, and his feet were subconsciously trembling, leaving footprints one. after another on the floor.


    When he saw this, he was so frightened that he almost had a heart attack. He hurriedly followed the people who came up to Gordon.


    At this moment, Richard, who was sitting at the head of the table, saw Gordon''s neck being strangled by Molly. With a scare, a mouthful of phlegm was stuck in his throat. For a moment, he could not breathe and fainted from his seat. Donald was the first to see it. He was so frightened that he hurriedly called the ambnce and asked them toe quickly. He did not dare to touch Richard, afraid that Richard would be injured again.


    Under Wyatt''s lead, the crowd finally pulled away from Molly who was riding on Gordon. She kept shouting fiercely, "Kill Gordon. I want to kill Gordon."Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    When she was pulled up by everyone, her hands and feet were shaking. In a panic, she kicked Gordon''s manhood. Gordon,. who was on the floor, had not even taken two breaths of fresh air when he felt a burning pain in his vital parts. For a moment, he really wanted to kill Molly.


    ''If she didn''t agree to get married, I wouldn''t force her. I didn''t even want to marry her. But she actually wanted to kill me. She''s really crazy. He thought about how fierce she had been just now. ''She''s a lunatic. How could such a person be worthy of me?''


    He did not have time to think too much. His attention was attracted by the pain in his lower body and the burning pain around his neck. If they hade a littleter, he felt that he would have been strangled to death by Molly, this crazy woman. ''Damn it! His good friend who caught up to him helped him up. Gordon bent over in pain. He looked at Molly who was still possessed at the side and shouted that she wanted to kill him. If he had the strength now, he would fight her to the death.


    **


    GT Chapter 276


    1


    In the end, the wedding turned into a farce. Richard and Gordon were taken away by the ambnce. Molly was brought home by her parents. She was already unconscious. If she was still like that when she returned home, Wyatt felt that she could be sent to a mental hospital.


    Mona and Maxwell did not know what had happened at the wedding. It was not easy for Maxwell to not go to work today. Mona dragged Maxwell to watch a movie.


    Under the dim light, the two of them sat in a couple''s seat. Mona leaned on Maxwell''s shoulder and their hands were tightly sped. Mona followed the light from the big screen and subconsciously looked up at Maxwell''s perfect facial features. She leaned her head into Maxwell''s arms and chose afortable position.


    She was afraid that Maxwell would let his imagination run wild when he went to thepany, so she directly dragged him to watch a movie. This movie was starring Artemis, and his acting skills were wless. It was a suspense. Mona did not guess that the person who finallymitted the crime was a doctor.


    As the movie ended, Mona still felt somewhat unsatisfied. She turned to Maxwell and asked, "Did you like it?"


    Maxwell nodded. "Yes, every movie is good when I watch with you!"


    Mona snorted softly and called him a bootlicker.


    Maxwell only knew how to praise her, but he was still in the mood to joke with her. He should be in a good mood.


    "Did you check Twitter? At today''s grandest wedding, the bride almost killed the groom. Richard was so shocked that he fainted. I wonder if he''s out of danger now."


    "It''s such a big thing. How can I not see it? I heard from the guests that the bride seems to have gone crazy. She keeps shouting that she wants to kill the groom!" "It''s so melodramatic. Is it really not something that happens in novels?"


    "Let''s go out first. We''ll talk about it when we get out. This movie theater is very dark. I''m still thinking about the doctor yed by Artemis. He''s simply superb!" "Stop talking and leave quickly. It''s scary."


    Mona and Maxwell heard what the people who went out of the cinema said. When Mona heard that Molly seemed to have gone crazy, she felt happy that she had gotten her revenge. If Molly went crazy, it seemed to be even more ufortable than going to prison. After all, after a person went crazy, they would not know anything. Molly had done so many bad things, and she had reaped what she sowed.


    Mona looked at Maxwell and said, "Maxwell, let''s go to the hospital to see Richard!"


    When she saw Richard today, she felt that he was not in good health and was especially tired. Now that he had fainted, it seemed that it would not be long before he would pass away.


    "Mona, I-I don''t know if I should go. To be honest, I''m a little at a loss," Maxwell said.


    There were two people arguing in his mind.


    One told him, ''After all, it was Richard who brought you to the city and gave you a chance to see Mona!''


    The other told him, "Why go? You''ve already severed ties with the Carter family. Richard doesn''t care about you at all. Any debt of gratitude was repaid when you revived the Carter Group a few years ago.


    GT.


    One told him, ''But no matter what, you share the same blood with the Carter family!


    The other said, ''Isn''t it just blood? What''s the use?''


    Mona''s palm smoothed Maxwell''s tightly closed eyebrows and she smiled at him. "Maxwell, go and take a look. Be at ease. I''ll apany you!"


    If Richard was really in danger, Mona knew that Maxwell would regret it in the future. Also, if the outside world knew that Maxwell did not even visit Richard when Richard was seriously ill, others would say that Maxwell was cold-blooded. She did not want Maxwell''s reputation to be damaged.


    0

 Chapter 277

    Maxwell lowered his head and happened to see Mona''s sparkling eyes. Under the dim light, they seemed to glow. Seeing that there was no one around, he lowered his head and kissed Mona on the lips. "Yes, I''ll listen to you." Since he was hesitating, he would let Mona make the decision for him.


    Just like that, after the two of them left the cinema, they did not go home. Instead, they decided to go to the hospital.


    It was unknown when the sky outside had changed, but it suddenly started to drizzle. The autumn wind blew, bringing with it a chill that slid across their checks.


    Fall in Nathontownsted especially long this year. When it wasn''t raining, the air was stuffy and suffocating.


    On the way to the hospital, Mona could feel Maxwell''s low spirits. She just interlocked her fingers with his and apanied him.


    The wheels of the car drove on the smooth road, raising a lot of water stains. There were also swooshing sounds...


    Time passed bit by bit. By the time Mona and Maxwell arrived at the hospital, Richard had already been in the operating theater for several hours. There was still no news.


    Monaforted herself in her heart, ''No news is the best news!


    The rain outside the hospital had begun to pour. The distance from the parking lot to the hospital was enough to make them drenched.


    Fortunately, there was an umbre in the car. Maxwell looked at the rain outside and said to Mona, "Hold the umbre. I''ll carry you over."


    There were only two umbres, one for him and Mona, and one for Haley and Nigel. It was just right. However, it was pouring. If the two of them used an umbre, they would be wet when they went to the hospital.


    In this weather, it was very easy to catch a cold if one was drenched in the rain.


    "Alright!" Mona replied without hesitation.


    After Maxwell carried Mona in his arms, Mona held the umbre with one hand and wrapped her other hand around Maxwell''s neck. Listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the umbre, she was a little worried about the quality of the umbre above their heads. She did not know if it would break.


    Nigel and Haley did not go over like Mona. Instead, the two of them walked to the hospital using an umbre.


    Haley did not think that she was a delicate little girl like Mona, the kind who would fall sick if she was drenched in the rain. In the past, when she was training, she would run in the heavy rain. Her physical fitness was naturally passable. She thought of the chicken drumsticks that Nigel had given herst time and even generously pushed the umbre to him.


    When Nigel saw this, heughed happily. "This youngdy is really generous.


    When the four of them arrived at the entrance of the operating theater, the surgery was still not over.


    There were cries at the door. Not only were there people from the Carter family, but there were also some rtives of them. When they saw this situation at Cordon''s wedding, they naturally followed. Perhaps they could even get some of the Carter family''s assets! Footsteps could be heard. Someone noticed Maxwell and thought, ''Didn''t Maxwell get chased out by the Carter family? Why is he here? He probably knows that Richard is about to die and wants a share of the profitsProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    GT.


    At this moment, Richard''s nephew spoke, "Why are you here?"


    These words were obviously directed at Maxwell. He nced at Mona beside Maxwell who looked very obedient. ''Is Ms. Clem out of her mind? Maxwell has already been chased out by the Carter family, but she did not divorce him. What''s she thinking?''


    In Joe''s opinion, Maxwell was inferior to him. ''If I had known that something like that would happen at Mona and Teddy''s engagement ceremony, I would have also gone to take her away. Perhaps the Clem Group would be mine now. How could this bastard Maxwell have the chance?''


    In his heart, Maxwell was chased out by Richard. ''How could a lost son be worthy of Ms. Clem?''


    "We cane if we want. What does it have to do with you?" Mona saw that Maxwell did not say anything and said directly.


    Her voice was very cold. She did not like to smile in front of unfamiliar people. She just had a straight face and no expression on her face. Just looking at her made people feel that she was not easy to talk to.


    "You..." Joe pointed at Mona. He was a little unhappy. He was talking to Maxwell. Why was Mona interrupting?


    His finger had just pointed at Mona when Maxwell pped it away. He looked over coldly. "If you dare to point at her again, be careful of your hand."


    ''He''s no longer a member of the Carter family, so why is he still being so arrogant? Does he think that he''s the Carter Group''s general manager?'' Joe thought in his heart. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He felt embarrassed. "Maxwell, who do you think you are? Do you think you can cripple my hand? I''ll just point at her!" As he spoke, Joe pointed at Mona again. This time, before he could point, he was stopped by Maxwell.


    Maxwell''s hand twisted Joe''s hand and exerted force in the opposite direction. It was very skillful, and it hurt so much that Joe''s straight back subconsciously bent down.


    However, he said stubbornly, "Maxwell, if you don''t let go, I won''t let you off."


    "Ouch, ouch, it hurts!" Joe couldn''t take it anymore when Maxwell applied a bit more strength.


    "Alright, stop arguing. If you disturb the surgery inside, can you bear the responsibility? Since you''re here, guard this ce well," Stephanie said indifferently.


    She nced at Joe. ''What an ipetent fellow. Maxwell bullied you. Don''t you know how to retaliate? You only know how to talk.''


    Since Lydia was sent to prison, she became much quieter within the Carter family. She had just returned from the church to attend Gordon''s wedding.


    Maxwell thought that this was the entrance of the operating theater after all. It would not look good if he bullied Joe too much. When he let go, he exerted force and Joe almost fell to the floor. Joe red at Maxwell coldly and looked at Stephanie who had already closed her eyes. He became much quieter.


    However, Juliet looked at the closed door and muttered something in his heart.


    Time passed bit by bit. The longer the surgery went on, the worse the situation became.


    By the side, Gordon had alreadye out. His face was gloomy Molly''s kick had almost injured his manhood. There were also loops of gauze wrapped around his neck. It looked very serious. Wasn''t that so? His neck was swollen now, and the finger marks were especially serious. He really wanted to kill Molly now,


    5


    = GT.


    Just as everyone was waiting anxiously, the door of the operating theater opened and the doctor walked out. He bowed to everyone and said regretfully, "I''m sorry, we''ve done our best!" What did that mean? It meant that Richard had died.


    Gordon heard this as soon as he walked over. He couldn''t believe his ears at all. Richard was clearly fine a few days ago, he suddenly caught a cold and hadn''tpletely recovered. Now, Richard was dead. Gordon couldn''t believe it.


    but

 Chapter 278

    Q


    When Maxwell heard the doctor''s words, he subconsciously took two steps back. He vaguely felt that something was amiss.


    Mona looked at Maxwell''s pale face and secretly changed the way she held hands with Maxwell. They interlocked their fingers and tried their best to ovep, leaving no distance between their fingers.


    At this moment, she was very d that she had asked Maxwell toe to the hospital at the cinema just now. Otherwise, with her understanding of Maxwell, Mona knew that he would regret it. Maxwell lowered his head and met Mona''s worried gaze. "Mona, I''m fine."


    He was just thinking, ''I saw Richard at noon. No matter how poor his health was at that time, he was not the type who would die when angered. His death is a little strange.'' "Okay, I''ll apany you," Mona said obediently.


    She knew that when Maxwell was in the Carter family, Richard was the only family who treated him well. Although Richard had a purpose, it did not affect Maxwell''s feelings for Richard. Humans were not nts. How could they be heartless?


    The entrance of the operating theater was already filled with crying. All kinds of cries were mixed together, and a low pressure formed around them.


    Mona looked at the sad people at the door of the operating theater. She did not know how many of them were really sad about Richard''s death. Many of them were because of his assets, but she did not feel good either. At the same time, she felt that human life was really fragile. The person she saw today would never be seen again.


    As she thought about it, she looked up at Maxwell, who was motionless. She wanted to be with Maxwell for decades.


    Gordon wanted to ask if the doctor''s skills were not good enough, but when he saw that this doctor was the Carter family''s attending doctor, he could not say anything.


    Maxwell was no longer associated with the Carter family, so he didn''t need to be involved in any matters concerning Richard''s cemetery or cremation. Donald and Gordon would handle everything perfectly.


    Before leaving the hospital, Maxwell went to see Richard''s attending doctor to understand the situation. After leaving, he asked Nigel to get someone to keep an eye on the Carter family to see who could harm Richard.


    If the Carter Group was still in Maxwell''s hands, Maxwell would suspect that it was Gordon''s doing. However, Gordon was confused when he rushed over today. It was unlikely that he was the culprit.


    As for the others, Maxwell had no clue. However, Richard passed away just like that. It felt strange. If Richard was really seriously ill before, Donald would have brought him to the hospital.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Maxwell had some understanding of Donald, his biological father. Although Donald was a bastard and valued his own interests, Maxwell had to admit that Donald was filial to Richard


    When Mona saw Maxwelling out, she quickly ran over and held his hand. She asked with concern. "Did you get anything out of him?"


    Maxwell shook his head. "The doctor med himself for not being able to save Richard. He said that he was confident during the surgery, but halfway through the surgery, Richard suddenly lost his vital signs for some reason. He couldn''t be resuscitated and passed away in the end."


    It was unclear where Nigel should even begin his investigation, whether with Juliet, Stephanie, Gordon, or the numerous


    GT.


    servants of the Carter family, It was certainly not an easy task.


    I 90%


    Mona listened to Maxwell''s calm tone and knew that he did not feel good either. She said, "Lower your head a little. I have something to tell you."


    Maxwell thought that there was no one around, and he did not know what secret Mona wanted to tell him. As he thought about it, he lowered his head.


    Mona leaned toward Maxwell''s ear and covered her mouth with her hand. She whispered, "Maxwell, I have a way to find out who the bad guys are. Let''s do this... and then..."


    After saying that, Mona turned her head slightly and met Maxwell''s sparkling eyes. "The only bad thing about this method is that there are fewer people probing. Therefore, the most important thing now is to determine the person most likely to be a bad person or narrow down the range." Hearing that, Maxwell could not help but scratch her nose and praise her, "My wife is really smart."


    Mona chuckled and did not say anything. She also wanted to make things clear. If someone was really up to no good, that was murder.


    There was a deathly silence in the Reed family.


    As soon as the three of them returned home, Wyatt was so angry that he pped Molly''s face. He looked at Molly, who was already a little crazy, and wondered how she had be like this.


    She muttered, "Killed Gordon, killed Gordon..." She didn''t seem to feel any pain from the sudden blow. She didn''t react at


    all.


    Nancy was shocked by the sudden p. She hurriedly stood in front of Molly and questioned, "Why did you hit Molly? Can''t you tell that she''s already a little abnormal?"


    Wyatt looked at Nancy and was furious. He said fiercely, "Didn''t you see what she did at the wedding? How do you want me to exin to the Carter family? If anything happens to Richard or Gordon, what will happen to Lydia? What should we do? Sending her to prison? Molly has embarrassed me. And you too. Didn''t the doctor say that she''s recovered? Then what happened today?"


    Nancy said, "Even so, you can''t hit Molly. She''s already abnormal. The most important thing now is to find a doctor for Molly."


    When Molly was brought back by Nancy and Wyatt, she was already abnormal. After seeing the psychiatrist, she was a little better. She kept looking out of the window and did not speak. She also cooperated when they were taking wedding photos. Nancy only thought that Molly was feeling ufortable and would recover in a few days. She did not expect Molly to have a rpse at the wedding.


    "s, let''s just pray that the two of them are fine, especially Richard, When he fainted, he didn''t move at all. It was quite scary," Wyatt said. "Also, from today on, watch Lydia closely. If she suddenly goes crazy and wants to kill Gordon, I won''t care about her anymore." Nancy nodded and said, "I know. Go get the doctor first!"


    Her heart ached when she saw Molly like this. She did not know why a good person like Molly was mentally unstable.


    "s, you two are really making my life hard," Wyattined


    However, he only had one daughter. How could he not care about Molly?


    After seeing Nancy bring Molly into the room, he asked his assistant to contact Nathontown''s most famous psychiatrist,


    hoping to cure Molly. He had to go to the Carter family and ask about the situation.

 Chapter 279

    After Mona and Maxwell left the hospital, the rain outside had stopped. However, because of the weather, it was still windy outside and a little cold.


    However, the wind blew away one''s fatigue.


    Because of Richard''s sudden death, Mona wanted to spend more time with her grandparents. Therefore, after leaving the hospital, she asked Nigel to drive to the Clem family.


    When Bernard and Jane saw them, they were a little surprised. Jane quickly asked, "Why did you suddenlye? Why didn''t you tell your grandfather and me beforeing?" This way, they could prepare more food. Bernard and Jane were very happy to suddenly see Mona. As they spoke, they called Maxwell and Mona inside.


    "Of course it''s because I miss you guys," Mona said with a smile. The few of them walked forward together.


    After entering, Maxwell and Mona tactfully told Bernard and Jane about Richard''s death.


    Upon hearing this, Bernard and Jane looked at Maxwell with concern. After Maxwell and Mona got married, Bernard and Jane treated Maxwell as family. Naturally, they were concerned.


    Regarding their concern, Maxwell smiled. He also liked toe to the Clem family with Mona because Bernard and Jane''s concern for him was real. "Grandpa, Grandma, don''t worry. I''m fine. I''ll digest my negative emotions." Afterforting Maxwell, Bernard and Jane changed the topic.


    Late at night, Mona was in a daze. Her hand subconsciously reached to the side, but she could not touch the person beside her for a long time. Suddenly, she opened her eyes.


    Under the dim light at the head of the bed, Mona saw that there was no one beside her. In a daze, she searched for Maxwell in the room.


    After looking around, Mona''s gazended on the balcony of the room. There was a tall and slender figure.


    She lifted the nket, put on her shoes, and subconsciously walked toward the balcony.


    The balcony door was ajar. Before Mona arrived, she saw a rising smoke ring.


    During the day, Maxwell acted as if nothing had happened. Late at night, he hid on the balcony and smoked alone. Mona knew that Maxwell did not feel good.


    Because she did not like the smell of cigarettes, Maxwell had not smoked for a long time. Now that Maxwell was smoking alone here, it was enough to tell that Maxwell was in a bad mood


    Mona opened the door and looked at Maxwell. He was wearing ck pajamas and had a cigarette between his fingers. The smoke ring was rising into the sky. The cigarette butt emitted a fiery red light that was exceptionally bright. The back view of Maxwell in the night was very lonely.


    Mona''s eyes reddened immediately. She did not know how many nights Maxwell had spent like this before she got a second chance at life. Just looking at it made her heart ache.


    She did not hesitate and hugged Maxwell from behind. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and buried her face in his back. Maxwell was reallycking love.


    Maxwell''s hand covered Mona''s. He took ast puff of the cigarette and extinguished it. He asked in a low voice, "Why are you awake?"


    "I don''t know. Maybe I got up because you weren''t with me. How about you? Feeling better after smoking?" She did not say why, but Maxwell understood that she was talking about Richard''s death.


    Maxwell turned around and hugged her. "I feel much better now, but I just had a dream about when I first arrived at the Carter family. Richard told me that from that day on, I would be living there and be a part of the Carter family. Although heter showed favoritism and had his own motives for treating me well, he did raise me after all. When I woke up, I felt a bit


    stifled in my chest, so I smoked a cigarette. Does the smell linger on me?"


    Mona shook her head. "No, I''m fine smelling it. It''s cold outside. Let''s talk inside."


    The weather was a little cold. Mona was afraid that Maxwell would fall sick if he stayed outside for too long.


    "Alright, let''s go in," said Maxwell. He had already pulled Mona into the room.


    Mona''s hand was tightly wrapped by Maxwell''s hand. Her fingertips were originally a little cold, but they quickly warmed up.


    After entering, Maxwell asked Mona to lie on the bed. After covering her with the nket, he nted a kiss on Mona''s forehead. There was the smell of smoke, but Mona did not find it unpleasant. Perhaps it was because the smell of smoke wasing from Maxwell. "I''ll sleep first. I''m going to take a shower. It''s all smoke." Maxwell touched Mona''s forehead.


    When Maxwell''s hand was about to leave Mona''s forehead, Mona quickly grabbed his hand and whispered, "I''ll wait for you to sleep with me."


    She was mainly afraid that Maxwell would let his imagination run wild again when he was showering alone and would be unhappy. If Maxwell knew that she was waiting outside for him to sleep with her, he would hurry and wouldn''t have time to think much. Maxwell originally wanted to let Mona sleep first, but when he saw Mona''s concerned gaze, he changed his words. "Alright, I''ll be quick. Five minutes will be enough."


    When Mona heard what she wanted to hear, she let go of Maxwell''s hand.


    After Maxwell entered the bathroom, Monay on the bed alone, thinking about what Maxwell had told her in the hospital. ''If Richard''s death was caused by someone, who''s most likely to be the mastermind? ''Richard holds significant authority in the Carter family. All matters, big or small, within the family and even the Carter Group, are decided by him.


    ''Wait, the Carter Group. In the Carter family, the person who wants the Carter Group the most is Gordon. However, the Carter Group is Gordon''s now. When I was in the hospital, I saw Gordon''s sad expression. It did not look fake, so the possibility of Gordon harming Richard is very small. ''Stephanie is Richard''s wife and has been living in the church for the past few days, so the possibility of her harming Richard is very small.


    ''Juliet is Gordon''s mother. The person she cares about the most is Gordon. From the first time I saw Juliet, I could not understand her. She looked like she did not fight for anything, but she seemed to want everything. If it was for Gordon, she, could be a suspect.


    ''It''s also possible that Maxwell''s father wants the Carter Group but never shows it. It''s normal for a son to inherit his father''s


    career.


    ''We''ll just have to wait and see how things unfold three days from now, after the funeral, when thewyer reads out Richard''s will and the distribution of his estate''


    Maxwell really took about five minutes to take a shower. When he came out, he saw Mona''s eyes looking at the ceiling. She was thinking.


    0000Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    GT.


    He lifted the nket andy down. Mona quickly hugged his waist.


    "What were you so engrossed in just now?" Maxwell turned around andy on his side, right in front of Mona.


    "Well, I was thinking about who''s more likely," Mona said honestly as she leaned into Maxwell''s arms.


    "Then who do you think it is?" Maxwell''s hand wrapped around Mona''s thin waist in a gesture of absolute possession.


    "I think it might be Juliet or Donald. I''m just guessing. It might not be urate," Mona said.


    SEND

 Chapter 280

    I? 3 90%=


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, Maxwell nodded. "It''s possible. I also think that Juliet is very likely. Donald has been raised by Richard since he was young. I don''t think it''s very likely."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Mona said, "That''s true. You know them better than I do. Then let''s test her after Richard''s funeral!"


    Maxwell nodded. "Alright, I''ll get Nigel to investigate the Carter family''s people and see if he can find anything."


    "Maxwell, don''t be too sad. You can tell me if you''re unhappy. I''m always here." Mona raised her head and looked into Maxwell''s eyes.


    "I''m not sad anymore. It''s just that I suddenly dreamed of the past and felt a little frustrated. I''m fine now. Go to sleep. I looked at the time just now. It''s already past two o''clock," Maxwell said as he tucked Mona in. It was cold and he was afraid that Mona would fall sick. In fact, Maxwell was still a little sad about Richard''s death, but it was not to the point of being uncontroble. After all, he had spent a long time with Richard. Humans were all emotional!


    Suddenly, he dreamed of Richard. When he opened his eyes, Maxwell felt the emotions that he had suppressed in the Carter family. No one really cared about him, but everyone was especially warm to him on the surface. He hated this kind of hypocritical kinship. "Alright, hubby, good night!" As soon as she finished speaking, Mona raised her head and kissed Maxwell''s chin. Then, she buried her face in Maxwell''s arms and quickly fell asleep.


    With Mona in Maxwell''s arms, he felt very at ease. Thinking about how good Mona was, Maxwell gradually fell asleep.


    The two of them had a peaceful night.


    The result of waking up in the middle of the night was that both of them had dark circles under their eyes in the morning, especially Mona. Her skin was especially fair, and there were dark circles under her eyes.


    Just like that, after the two of them woke up, Mona looked at herself in the mirror, then looked at Maxwell and smiled foolishly at him.


    "Why are you smiling? Doesn''t it feel ufortable to stay upte? After apanying your grandparents for breakfast, go home and take a nap." Maxwell''s hand touched Mona''s smooth hair.


    Mona was still smiling. "How dare you say that? Did you not see the dark circles under your eyes? They''re also very dark, just like mine."


    Seeing Mona''s smiling face early in the morning, Maxwell felt refreshed. He did not feel tired at all from staying upte.


    He touched Mona''s smooth hair and suddenly thought of something. "Thest time I saw you, your bun was quite cute. Why don''t I tie your hair into a bun today?"


    Her hair was silky smooth. Maxwell looked closely and couldn''t spot a single split end. It cascaded down her back, shimmering under the light, captivating himpletely. "Do you


    know how?" Mona asked curiously. She did not know that Maxwell could tie her hair and even bun it up!


    "You''re here, aren''t you? Teach me. I''ll master it as soon as I learn it," Maxwell said confidently.


    He had learned how to button Mona''s underwear with one hand after practicing a few times. Before that, he was very curious.


    "Alright, then help me tie my hair into a high ponytail first. Do you know how to do this?" Mona asked. She believed in


    GT.


    Maxwell''s learning ability.


    4


    1,90%


    "Yes, I''ve seen you do that before." As Maxwell spoke, he had already begun to tie Mona''s hair into a high ponytail. His eyes were fixed on a certain height as hebed Mona''s hair. Her hair felt a little numb andfortable in Maxwell''s hand.


    Afterbing it with a woodenb, Maxwell felt that it was enough and put a rubber band on her hair.


    "How many loops do you usually tie with this hair tie? I feel like two loops are too loose, but three are too tight. Maybe you need a new one," Maxwell suggested.


    "Three, you don''t have to be so careful. I won''t me you if I lose one or two strands of hair." Mona thought about how careful Maxwell was just now and felt that he had been too careful.


    Maxwell nodded like a student listening attentively. However, he was still very gentle with Mona''s hair.


    After finishing thest part, Maxwell looked at the high ponytail he hadbed for Mona and was very satisfied.


    Mona looked at herself in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. "After the high ponytail is done, curl my hair in your hand and circle it. This is not easy to exin. I''ll show you." As she spoke, the ponytail had already nimbly changed its style in her hands. Mona experimented to thest step. She was just short of putting on a rubber band and then letting it go. Her hair became a soft ponytail again.


    "Did you understand?" asked Mona.


    "I''ll try." As he spoke, Maxwell grabbed her ponytail, twirling it around his fingers. Quickly, he fashioned it into a bun atop Mona''s head. Satisfied with the look, he secured it with the hair tie.


    Looking at Mona, he nodded in satisfaction. "It looks good. I tied it up. If you wake up early in the future, I''ll help youb your hair!"


    Maxwell looked at the bun from different angles, growing more pleased with each view. He carefully adjusted the stray hairs around Mona''s forehead, demonstrating a strong aptitude for learning quickly.


    "I can''t tie my hair into a bun every day." Most of the time, Mona liked to wear her hair down so that her scalp would not be


    tense.


    "Then look for me when you want to tie it into a bun. See if my prick looks better than yours. This bun is very round today," Maxwell praised himself.


    Mona looked at herself in the mirror again. She was pretty, and with her hair tied into a bun, she looked especially yful, Although she did not want to admit it, Maxwell did a good job. His learning ability was really good.


    "Alright, you''re amazing. I''ll ask for your help in the future." Mon reached out and fluffed up her hair. That way, it looked even better.


    During breakfast, Bernard didn''t notice that Maxwell had been staring at Mona''s bun, but Jane had sharp eyes and saw it at a nce. "Mona, your hair is in a good bun today. It looks good."


    "Really? Let me see," As soon as Jane said that, Bernard noticed Mona''s hairstyle and nodded. "It''s not bad. You look a few years younger. Jane, why don''t you have one too? Just like Mona


    "Me? Jane waved her hand and said, "This doesn''t suit me. Think about how old I am."


    "Thank you for praising me. Maxwell helped me tie my hair today," Mona said proudly,  =


    Chapter 280.


    D


    She did not mind showing off her love in front of Bernard and Jane, After all, this was something Bernard and Jane often did.


    Mona still remembereding home early from school one day, back when she was in high school. She walked in to see Bernard massaging Jane''s legs. Jane was holding some fruit and watching TV, asionallymenting that Bernard was either using too much or too little force. Bernard would simply nod and adjust his technique ordingly.


    As she quietly walked upstairs, neither of them noticed her.


    At that time, Mona was wondering if Teddy would be willing to massage her legs when she was old. The answer was uncertain.


    However, things were different now. She knew that Maxwell would definitely do it.

 Chapter 281

    When Bernard and Jane heard Mona''s words, Jane nodded repeatedly and praised, "Good. It''s really beautiful."


    Hearing this, Maxwell nced sideways at Mona again. Her ears had turned pink at some point.


    This put him in a good mood early in the morning. He looked at the ss of decaf and drank it in one gulp.


    Time passed quickly like sand in one''s hand. Even if one wanted to grasp time, one would not be able to. In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. It was also the day of Richard''s funeral.


    For a few consecutive days, autumn in Nathontown was exceptionally cold. It rained continuously, making everything wet. Naturally, it affected one''s mood.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona was like this. When it started to rain, she would asionally sit on a chair and look through the window at the autumn rain outside. Her mood was quiet. When she was drawing designs, she would get a lot of inspiration. However, the rain had been falling for a few days. It would stop at times and rain at other times. The ground was damp, making people feel a little unhappy.


    Mona buttoned up thest button of Maxwell''s ck windbreaker. She looked up and met his depressed eyes. She did not feel good either and said, "Maxwell, it''s all ready. Let''s go."


    "Alright, put on a coat. The weather outside is not very good." Maxwell looked at Mona, who was wearing a ck dress. He held her fingers and felt a little cold.


    "I was prepared for that." Saying that, Mona had already gone upstairs to put on a ck coat and walked out with Maxwell.


    Nigel and Haley were already waiting outside. When they saw Maxwell and Monae out, they naturally opened the car door so that the two of them could enter. Richard was buried in a treasured ce in the Maple Cemetery. He had chosen it when he was still alive. Old generations of the Carter family were all buried here.


    The car was driving towards Maple Cemetery. Along the way, no one in the car spoke. There was only the sound of the car running quickly on the road.


    Mona knew that Maxwell did not feel good. She just held his hand and apanied him quietly.


    She knew that Maxwell might not have deep feelings for Richard. Sometimes, Maxwell evenined that Richard was too biased, but Richard had died. Maxwell was ultimately reluctant to part with Richard. Everything Richard had done, good or bad, had vanished. Mona only hoped that Richard would be happy in another world:


    Mona had attended funerals before, but the one that left the deepest impression on her was Emily''s funeral. She had eried so hard that she fainted, overwhelmed with sobbing and heart-wrenching grief. At that moment, Mona felt as if her entire world had copsed around her.


    Now that she thought about it, she felt that that period of time had been exceptionally difficult.


    As she was thinking, the car quickly stopped at the foot of Maple Cemetery. Maxwell held Mona''s shoulder with one hand and held the ck umbre with the other. The two of them walked up and their backs slowly disappeared at the foot of the mountain. When Mona and Maxwell arrived at the funeral, Donald and the others were already there. The air was filled with the sound of crying, so loud that even the heavy rain couldn''t drown it out


    Maxwell walked forward with Mona in his arms. The two of them looked at Richard''s tomb and bowed. They ced the


    GT.


    flowers over.


    I00 3 90%=


    Maxwell''s hand brushed over the photo sleeping here, in this small world.


    on the tomb with reluctance. The old


    man wh


    used to be energetic was now


    Once again, he felt that once a person died, there would be nothing left. ''In my limited life, I want to live a good life with Mona.''


    There were many people who came to attend the funeral. After Maxwell and Mona paid their respects, they stood at the side and estimated that the funeral was proceeding slowly and steadily. People bowed one after

 Chapter 282

    After listening to thewyer, Mona held Maxwell''s hand even tighter. She wanted Maxwell not to be too sad. He still had her by his side, and the Clem Group would belong to him.


    Maxwell only received some money. What he wanted and had some fantasies about were thepany''s shares, but they were all in Gordon''s hands.


    Gordon was nothingpared to Maxwell. He could get the Carter Group because he was the Carter family''s legitimate heir. As for Maxwell, the illegitimate son, he was ultimately not worthy of the Carter Group.


    All the mentioned people signed their names. Gordon looked at Maxwell, who was still in a daze. He smiled and said, "Maxwell, why aren''t you signing your name? Could it be that you don''t like the inheritance Grandpa left for you?"


    He thought, ''If you don''t like it, you should have said so earlier. There are so many people out there who want it! Being able to give you a few vis and money is already a favor from the Carter family. Isn''t it because you''re rted to us by blood? You have to be grateful. Mona felt the veins on Maxwell''s hands tense up. His face was filled with anger.


    Just as Mona was about to speak up for Maxwell, Maxwell had already taken her hand and signed his name in a mboyant manner. "Since Richard gave it to me, of course I want it."


    It would be a waste not to ept such a good thing.


    Everyone was worried that the will today would cause a lot of arguments or even awsuit. However, they did not expect Maxwell to leave with Mona after signing his name.


    The foggy sky had already cleared up. Mona followed behind Maxwell, feeling especially sad.


    She really did not want toe to the Carter family again for the rest of her life.


    "Maxwell, go to Grandpa and Grandma''s house," Mona said as she looked at Maxwell''s obvious jawline.


    "Alright." Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked out of the Carter family.


    In the future, the Carter family would not have anyone or anything worth remembering.


    Maxwell donated Richard''s inheritance without hesitation. He gave it all to charity in Sweet Berry''s name to help the children in the mountains who did not have money to go to school. Mona agreed it with all her heart.


    When Gordon found out about this, his heart ached. Maxwell donated such arge sum of money just like that. ''If I knew that Maxwell would do this, I would have rather asked Maxwell to refuse to inherit the inheritance. This money is enough to live happily for a while.


    In the blink of an eye, Richard had passed away for a few days. One day, it was not raining, but the wind was exceptionally strong. The wind pped the treetops violently, like the cries of a child. It was very simister.


    It was normal weather in Nathontown, but people who had a guilty conscience were suspicious of everything.


    Early in the morning, after Juliet woke up, she felt a strange wind hitting her window. Coupled with the fact that she dreamed of Richardst night, her face was exceptionally pale as if she had been sick for a long time.


    Ever since Richard was buried, Juliet could dream of his appearance before he left every night.


    In her dream, she could not see Richard clearly. She only knew that his feet were not touching the ground, as if he was


    Hearing thewyer''s words, Juliet''s heart finally stopped beating violently. Her tightly clenched hands also loosened a little, and there was a smile on her lips. ''In the future, I can finally stand firm in the Carter family. If Richard left thepany''s shares to Maxwell, everything I''ve done would be for nothing. Fortunately, Richard is not an old fool.''


    After Richard''swyer finished reading the will, he said, "All the mentioned people in the will,e and sign it!"


    0Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

 Chapter 283

    Donald did not give Juliet much time to think before he kicked her to the ground. He was still not appeased. If not for the fact that Juliet could barely hold herself up anymore, he would Have kicked her a few more times without hesitation.


    He hid in the dark and listened to what Juliet said to Richard, feeling that he had never known Juliet. She slept beside him and was docile and temperamental to him every day, but it was just an illusion to confuse him.


    For a moment, Donald wanted to kill her.


    Juliet was caught off guard and fell to the side. Her palm was rubbed against the marble and a burning pain instantly drilled into her heart.


    However, the pain in her body was far inferior to the pain in her heart. She was afraid of Donald.


    "Donald, I..." Juliet wanted to exin but did not know how to start. Donald should have heard everything she said just now. "Vicious woman, what else do you have to say?" Donald pointed at Juliet''s head and scolded fiercely. He only wanted Richard to enjoy his old age and fulfill his duty as a son. He did not expect his wife to actually kill his father.


    "Donald, I was doing that for our son. You don''t want thepany to end up in the hands of that bastard, right? But, Dad still wanted him to return to the Carter family.


    "I was flustered and afraid. I spent every day standing in worry. After doing it, I regretted it. I couldn''t sleep well every night and kept having nightmares. I often felt a pair of eyes staring at me in the dark. You, can you forgive me? I really know my mistake."


    Juliet did not care about the pain in her hand and leg. She hugged Donald''s leg and started crying. She was afraid that Donald would send her to the police station.


    She had yet to see Gordon get married and have children. She had yet to experience the feeling of being respected enough. A beautiful and happy life was waving at her. She could not spend the rest of her life in prison.


    "Juliet, this is not a reason for you to kill my father. Tell me. Are you going to surrender yourself, or should I send you to surrender yourself?" Donald said angrily.


    "No, you can''t do this to me. I''m doing this for our son!" Juliet cried. Her pale face was covered in tears, looking so pitiful.


    Donald had had many women in his life. He had seen many women shed tears. Some were charming, some were pure, some were stubborn...


    and


    He had long been indifferent to these things. Therefore, no matter how miserably and pitifully Juliet cried, Donald did not feel sorry for her. Instead, he felt annoyed. o without


    He pulled her up without any pity. Juliet was careless and almost fell again.


    Looking at Donald, Juliet understood the cruelty his former lover had spoken of. All men were heartless. Donald was even more ruthless than most men. When they reached the living Richard''s photo.


    Juliet looked up and met Richard''s eyes that seemed to be able to see through people''s hearts. She immediately lowered her head in panic.


    Donald sat on the sofa and asked the servants to call everyone


    downstairs.


    Holding a cigarette, his thoughts drifted back to when he had just married Juliet. At that time, she stood by his side, holding


    D


    her breath in fear. ''I can''t understand what has changed her, to the point where she dared to kill.


    The choking smoke was sucked in and exhaled, allowing his body to feel a short period of rxation.


    Maxwell, who was at the door, watched for a while before pulling Mona out.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    What happened next had nothing to do with him. As a descendant, Maxwell felt that he had done enough and was being filial.


    5


    He was the one who called Donald over, which was why Donald saw that. In fact, he and Mona had prepared a follow-up, but before it could happen, the truth had already been revealed. The two of them had just left the Carter family when Haley jumped in front of them.


    Even Mona, who had seen Haley like this before, was shocked when Haley suddenly appeared without a word. She pulled Maxwell''s sleeve and subconsciously pushed him back.


    "Oh, Mona, are you frightened by me?" Haley said in embarrassment.


    Then, she looked down at the clothes on her body. It was the same as the one Richard was wearing when he died. The makeup on her face was thick white powder and blood. Her original appearance could no longer be seen. In order to reach Richard''s height, she wore a pair of high heels and looked half a head taller than Mona.


    In order to have this outfit, she and Mona had been busy all afternoon.


    When she came, she had experimented. In the dark night, there was only a little light. She looked quite like Richard.


    Juliet was gued by nightmares every night, and her mental state had long been fragile. Today, Haley''s appearance in the darkness before Juliet was enough to blur the lines between reality and illusion.


    Everything was fine, but Haley did not have the chance to appear. She felt a little regretful.


    Mona patted her chest and said fearfully, "I was frightened by you for a moment just now, but it''s fine now. Let''s go quickly. It''s not appropriate to stay here any longer."


    The ce they were at now was very dark. There were only some weak streetmps in the distance. If the surrounding people saw them, they would really think that they had seen Richard! That would cause rumors.


    As they talked, the three of them got into a car far away. Nigel was already waiting inside. Once they got into the car and sat down, he put on the gear and drove out.


    Every time Nigel caught a glimpse of Haley out of the corner of his eye, he felt a pang of difort. This lovely young girl had her makeup done so chaotically that it was truly an eyesore.


    Haley, who was sitting in the passenger seat, did not notice Nigel''s gaze at all. She was still holding a small mirror in her hand and looking at herself in the mirror. ''Not bad. In the future, if I encounter someone I can''t defeat, I will pretend to be a ghost to scare him. When I scare him half to death, he''ll naturally be no match for me."


    At this moment, Mona''s phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Albert. He said that he had already taken a taxi to Mona''s house.


    When Mona heard that, she said that they would be home in a while and told Albert to be careful on the road.


    Since Mona''s miscarriage, this was Albert''s first timeing back from the army. Mona could feel that since Sweet Berry passed away, Albert''s grief was no less than her own. This profound sadness was the reason he hadn''t returned for such a long time. However, time was the best medicine to heal all pain. It was slowly healing this wound. Not only Albert, but also hers.


    Richard had passed away for a few days. The possibility of Gord saw thements on Twitter saying that Molly had gone crazy


    I


    Mona thought, ''Sweet Berry, I''ve avenged you. Molly will spend better is that than being in prison?''


    The mental hospital was Molly''s final destination!

 Chapter 284

    FD


    9%


    The night was getting darker, and the wind seemed to be getting stronger. It brought the branches outside to dance in all directions, giving people a sinister feeling.


    At this moment, in the Carter Mansion, Juliet was still kneeling. Her legs were numb. The people sitting on the sofa were all from the Carter family.


    After a long while, Stephanie said, "It''s not appropriate to air the shame in public. Don''t go out in the future."


    What she meant was that Juliet was under house arrest in the Carter family. No matter what happened in the future, it was impossible for her to leave.


    After Richard left, Stephanie''s words had absolute authority in the Carter family. When, she said this, Gordon and Donald did not object.


    They all knew that when Richard was still alive, what he cared about the most was the Carter family''s reputation. If word got out that the daughter-inw had killed the father-inw to make her son get the inheritance, the Carter family would no longer have a foothold in Nathontown. It would be enough for others to gossip about them.


    Juliet naturally couldn''t stay in such a nice ce anymore. She moved to the neighboring floor overnight without any servants left to assist her. Someone would bring her meals during meal times. What difference did this punishment have from being in jail? It was merely a change of location.


    When Juliet was being carried out, she looked at Gordon reluctantly, thinking that one day, her son would be able to bring her out.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    However, Gordon did not notice Juliet''s gaze at all.


    After they left, the three of them went to talk about Gordon''s marriage. Donald expressed his thoughts on the spot, "You can''t get married!"


    Even if it had some impact on thepany, the two of them could not get married. Perhaps Molly''s illness would re up when she was sleeping and she would strangle Gordon to death in his sleep!


    "Dad, I agree with you. I can''t marry Molly," Gordon said. Now that he knew that Molly was sick, why would he marry a sick person?


    "No matter what, the Reed family and the Carter family are old friends. When the engagement is broken off, we''ll discuss the details when theye tomorrow. Alright, that''s all for today! I''ll go back and rest first." After saying that, Stephanie got


    up


    and went upstairs to her room.


    After Nigel and Mona sent Maxwell and Mona home, they got permission to drive back to their homes.


    When Haley found out that Albert was already current appearance, mainly to scare him!


    "ing at home, she quickly walked home. She wanted to let him see her


    Mona looked at the cheeky Haley from behind andughed out loud. She pulled Maxwell back at a much faster pace.


    Seeing how happy Mona was, Maxwell wanted to watch the show.


    When they reached the door, Hattie was the first to be frightened. Haley quickly covered Hattie''s mouth and gestured for her to keep quiet.


    Hattie immediately nodded. She had seen Haley like this before so she didn''t cry out. When she saw Mona and the others behind Haley, she quickly regained her usual expression.


    20:22 Sat, No


    Haley quickly let go of Hattic. At the same time, she gestured for Mona and Maxwell to keep quiet. Mona nodded.


    Maxwell had a calm expression, and Haley was already used to it Maxwell only had expressions when facing Mona. Haley did not care. Anyway, Mona had already agreed, so Maxwell had agreed. He would not ruin it. Haley slowed down and walked in. The first thing she did after entering was to turn off the lights. Then, with a whoosh, the entire room darkened. The only light was the brightness emitted by Albert''s phone screen.


    Haley suppressed herughter and walked toward Albert. Mona and Maxwell stopped where they were and did not move anymore. From here, was enough to see the scene.


    The three of them heard the sound of Albert getting up. He should being out to see what was going on. ''Why is there a ckout all of a sudden?''


    Albert looked at his phone as he walked out. Haley went inside. The distance between the two of them was getting closer and closer.


    Mona stood beside Maxwell, suppressing herughter. She held Maxwell''s hand tightly.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s mischievous face and could tell that she was naughty when she was young.


    The distance between Albert and Haley was getting closer and closer. Just as they were about to collide, Haley shouted, "Hey!"


    In the quiet vi, a voice suddenly sounded in his ear. Albert felt his heart skip a beat. He was so frightened that he subconsciously retreated. Then, he shone the light of his phone screen in front of his eyes to see what had made the sound just now. He happened to see a pale face with blood all over it.


    At that moment, Albert thought that he had arrived in hell. Without thinking, he kicked Haley and used all his strength.


    Haley was still waiting for the scene where Albert was so frightened by her that he ran backward. In a moment of carelessness, she did not notice that Albert had attacked her.


    By the time she reacted, it was already toote for her to dodge. Haley subconsciously used her arm to block Albert''s leg.


    It was said that an arm could not win against a thigh. This was true. Haley clearly felt that Albert''s strength had increased a lot. Her arm blocked his thigh and she took a few steps back. "Who are you? You''re ying tricks here. I''ll call the police and say that you''re disturbing me!" Albert said coldly.


    He was sitting at his sister''s house, but he didn''t expect someone to suddenlye out and scare him. ''What if the who gets scared is Mona? She would definitely be frightened.'' person


    After Sweet Berry miscarried

 Chapter 285

    "Haley, what''s wrong? Why aren''t you saying anything?" Albert stared at Haley. Under the light, her face was exceptionally pale, but her big eyes were filled with tears.


    At this moment, Mona and Maxwell walked over. When Mona saw Haley, she knew that Haley was unhappy.


    She said, "Albert, why do you have so many questions? Can''t you see that Haley is unhappy? Come and sit. Haley, go back to your room to wash your face and change your clothes." As soon as she finished speaking, Mona pulled Haley into Haley''s


    room.


    Maxwell let Albert sit in the living room. Mona returned very quickly. As Albert''s brother-inw, he was very considerate and poured Albert a ss of water.


    Albert thought about what Mona had just said. "That was awkward.


    After Mona sent Haley back to her room, sheforted Haley. Seeing that Haley was smiling again, Mona walked toward Maxwell.


    Mona appreciated Haley''s personality - her genuine expressions of joy and sorrow that showed clearly on her face, unlike some people who masked their true feelings with a different outward expression. Thus, whenever Haley encountered something upsetting, Mona was always willing tofort her and offer support.


    For example, when she asked if her appearance was scary, Mona would tell her that it wasn''t that her appearance wasn''t scary, but that Albert didn''t have a guilty conscience, so he naturally wasn''t afraid.


    Before Mona could say much, Haleyforted herself and quickly resolved the negative emotions in her heart.


    After Mona went to the living room, Albert was talking to Maxwell about the army. Maxwell listened the entire time and asionally said a few words.


    When she came down, she heard Albert say, "Maxwell, you don''t know, but I''m very powerful now. Did you see the kick I gave Haley just now? I think I already have your strength and speed, don''t you think so?"


    As soon as Albert finished speaking, he saw that Maxwell, who was originally looking at him, had already looked toward the staircase. Then, he waved at Mona with a smile on his face.


    Albert couldn''t stay calm. ''Why is there such a huge difference between people? I''ve talked for a long time here, but Maxwell just offered perfunctory replies.''Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Even if Maxwell spoke than ten words, Albert would immediately start to reflect on what he just said that genuinely interested Maxwell, let alone smile. Now, when Mona appeared, Maxwell''s expression was extremely happy.


    Albert thought, ''Look, he took Mona''s hand and sat down. He even handed her decaf and reminded her to be careful. Maxwell really has double standards!" Mona took a sip of the decaf and said, "Albert, it seems that you''re doing well in the army."


    Upon hearing Mona''s words, Albert shook his head andined, "Mona, which eye of yours saw that I''m doing well? Look at my skin color. It''s more tanned. I''ve also lost weight. I can''t eat well every day." "Alright, alright. It''ll be over in a year. By then, you''ll definitely have plenty to eat. Also, you''re a hot-blooded young man, not a youngdy. Why do you need such fair skin?" Mona said as she drank her decaf. Albert replied, "Alright, Mona, what you said makes sense. It''s almost half over anyway."


    @ BB


    The siblings chatted for a while more before Albert remembered to ask Haley what had happened just now.


    Mona smiled and said, "She wanted to scare you but didn''t expect you to be so bold as to anger herself."


    When Albert heard this, heughed and pped his thigh. He asked in confusion, "If I knew that she was dressed like this to scare me, I would have shown some respect and cooperated with her." "You''re thinking too much. She was just scaring you along the way," said Mona.


    Then, she told Albert what had happened.


    Actually, Mona and Maxwell did not expect Juliet to be so afraid She just heard what the priests said and read scripture for Richard, telling Richard everything.


    Mona and Maxwell had overestimated her intelligence.


    Haley had already sneaked into Juliet''s room. She was just waiting for Juliet to wake up when Juliet was in a daze and pretend to be Richard to scare Juliet. Haley had even prepared a voice changer, but she did not expect it to end before it even started. After receiving Maxwell''s message, she reluctantly came down.


    When Albert heard what Mona said, he felt especially excited. If he was there, he would also want to participate.


    "Fortunately, I didn''t go. Otherwise, Haley would definitely make a fool of herself. There are no ghosts in this world," Albert said disapprovingly.


    "You can''t say it for sure. Believe it, and it exists; doubt it, and it does not." Mona thought about her second chance at life. Isn''t this a mysterious thing?''


    Therefore,pared to absolutes, she believed that there were all kinds of strange things in the world.


    "Alright, you''re right. Mona, I came here today to remind you of something. Barbara is representing the country to participate in the Design Competition in Welintern. It''s on the eve of Christmas. Don''t forget to go with us. Also, Maxwell, Grandpa, and Grandma, our family will go together." As Albert spoke, his eyes were very bright. He really hoped that the family would go to Welintern together. When Mona heard Albert''s words, her eyes were a little evasive. She did not dare to meet Albert''s sparkling eyes. To be honest, she did not want to go to Welintern to watch Barbara''spetition. She was also very selfish and did not want her family to go. However, her rtionship with Barbara was still in a mess. Albert liked Barbara, and Barbara was indebted to her grandfather. Barbara had lived in her family for so many years. It was not so easy to cut ties with Barbara.


    After she got a second chance at life, the trajectory of her life waspletely different from before. It was the same for Barbara. If Barbara wanted to do anything bad again, Mona would not let her off.


    Maxwell could see the unwillingness in Mona''s eyes. He did not want to watch anypetition either. If he had the time, he might as well be alone with Mona and asionally have some intimate moments.


    "Albert, the period leading up to Christmas is particrly busy at work, and Mona''s Star is also at its busiest then. So, it''s highly likely that we won''t be able to make it," Maxwell exined.


    After interacting with Albert for a long time, Maxwell understood him. Albert did not have any bad intentions and treated everyone very well. This kind of personality was not bad in a happy family, but if he entered society, the first person to be deceived would be him. He was innocent and, in unpleasant words, stupid.


    Albert was Mona''s rtive. Maxwell naturally treated him as a younger brother and was sincere to him.


    When Albert heard Maxwell''s words, the corners of his lips immediately curled downwards. He looked at Mona aggrievedly. It seemed that if Mona did not agree, he would immediately cry  RBB.

 Chapter 286

    Mona looked up and met Albert''s aggrieved gaze. She wanted to agree with Maxwell but did not know what to say.


    At this moment, Albertined, "Mona, can you and Maxwell really not take a few days off? One week is enough. Moreover, didn''t you agree previously? How can you go back on your word?"


    Mona had told him to forgive Barbara, but after Mona''s miscarriage, Maxwell was unwilling to let Barbara enter the ward to see Mona. Mona did not say a word for Barbara. He knew that Mona still hadints about Barbara. This trip abroad was an opportunity for Mona and Barbara to reconcile. He did not want to miss it.


    When Mona heard Albert''s question, her thoughts subconsciously drifted to the moment he was born. Emily held her hand and ced Albert''s tender little hand in hers, saying to her lovingly, "Mona, this is your little brother. You are both my darlings."


    When she thought about how Albert had died tragically in the rehabilitation center, Mona did not reject him in the end. "Isn''t it still early to Christmas? Let''s talk about it when the timees. Maxwell and I will try our best to make time. Alright, it''s already sote. Go wash up and sleep. I''ll go home with you tomorrow."


    Albert knew that Mona still had Barbara in her heart. However, there was "They will definitely reconcile on this trip to Welintern.''


    a


    thorn in her heart that she could not pull out.


    "Mona, I''ll remember. You''ve promised me by saying this. Oh my, I''m so tired that I can''t even open my eyes. I''m going back to my room to sleep," Albert said as he sat up from the sofa. After saying that, he ran upstairs.


    Even if Mona refuted him, he would not be able to hear it. Anyway, in his heart, Mona had already promised him. No matter what, he would make Mona and Maxwell get on the ne to Welintern.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    After Albert left, Mona looked at Maxwell and sighed. "Maxwell, I should have been more ruthless just now. I can only go now."


    Maxwell rubbed Mona''s head. "It''s fine. Let''s go. Anyway, the two of us have never been to Welintern. We can go on a vacation then. I heard that the snow mountains in Welintern are very beautiful. It will definitely look good when we take photos." Maxwell would always support Mona''s decision unconditionally


    Mona nodded and finished thest two mouthfuls of decaf in the cup. Maxwell took it consciously. After washing it, he returned to his room to rest with Mona.


    Time passed slowly just like that. Mona and Maxwell no longer cared about the Carter family''s matters.


    A weekter, they saw in the newspaper that Gordon and Molly had broken off their engagement. Molly was sent to Nathontown Psychiatric Hospital by the Carter family. A few dayster, she was transferred to Yosneosnd''s Psychiatrie Hospital,


    When Mona found out, she was very calm. Molly had done something bad, so she had to be punished. Molly had reaped what she sowed. It was just that her poor Sweet Berry did not have the chance to see this world. ''Sweet Berry, you must be happy in that world.'' Before they went to Welintern, something big happened in Star Within a few days of the release of Star''s winter equipment, sales plummeted. This was very abnormal.


    After having breakfast with Maxwell at home, Mona asked Haley to apany her to Star''s headquarters.


    When she arrived, Ava was already there. There were also a few employees beside her. After Mona entered, Ava invited her


    to sit down.


    "Ava, have you investigated? Why did the sales of the winter equipment drop sharply? Could it be that our designs this time are not pleasing?" Mona asked.


    Ever since she received Ava''s call in the morning, Mona had been worried that her winter outfit design was not good enough and did not conform to the public''s aesthetic standards. That was why sales had been falling. After listening to Mona''s words, ra immediately said, "How could that be? Mona, our winter outfit design this time is especially beautiful. I even bought a few pieces myself."


    "Mona, ra is right. Our new products were all finalized through fittings, choosing fabrics, and so on. Moreover, they were modified in the style of the autumn outfit. There''s no reason that most customers don''t like it. Don''t be anxious. Let''s hear what the investigation team has to sayter," Ava said.


    Just as Ava finished speaking, two people entered the conference room with freshly printed documents in their hands. "Ms. Swanson, Mona, we''ve investigated thoroughly. It''s not that there''s a problem with our designs at all, but that our designs have been pirated. There are many shops online that are the same as our winter clothes, and the price is at least twice as low as ours. In that case, customers will naturally buy them from other shops, and our sales will naturally decrease."


    Mona took the information and opened it. The new winter clothes in the shop were all designed by her. They were exactly the same. Not to mention the style, even the color was the same. Moreover, there was more than one shop. They even disyed Star''s new products.


    After being used of giarism by Molly, she was especially disgusted with giarism. It could be said that she had zero tolerance for it.


    These shops were using Star''s name to earn money. If customers bought them and wore them a few times and found that the quality was not up to standard, it would damage Star''s name,


    In the future, when Star was mentioned, everyone would subconsciously think that the quality was not good and they could not buy it.


    "Buy a few down jackets from these shops. Then, get the legal department to contact the people in charge of each shop and


    any branches ask them to apologize to Star online andpensate us. They also have to take down the clothes. If they are unwilling, send awyer''s letter over and ask the marketers to rify this matter on Twitter. Tell them that Star doesn''t have online and only has one main shop," Ava ordered.


    After saying that, she couldn''t help but think that these people were too bold. They were clearly using Star''s name to earn money.


    Speaking of which, it was all thanks to Mona''s cautiousness. As soon as the costume was designed, they applied for a patent. Otherwise, they would not be able to exin this matter.


    After Ava said this to Mona, Mona smiled. However, after experiencing being framed for giarism, she had to be more careful.


    After giving out the instructions, Ava and Mon shop.


    went to the shop to take a look. The first shop they went to was the main


    Perhaps because it was almost Christmas, there seemed to be more customers in Pleasantview za. After the two of them entered, they took the elevator to Star.


    Before they entered, Mona heard the conversation between the two girls at the entrance of the shop.


    "Let''s go to Star. I want to buy a down jacket. The clothes here are quite beautiful."


    Don''t. If you like the clothes in this shop, you can buy them at a branch online. It''s much cheaper, but I feel that the quality of that shop isn''t very good. I''ve only worn the he down jacket I bought once or twice. I feel that the

 Chapter 287

    style isn''t right." Chapter


    287


    Mona saw that the two of them were about to leave Star. She strade over and stood in front of them.


    She said gently, "Hello, I''m Mona, the designer of Star. I apologize for overhearing your conversation just now about the online branches. We''ve already contacted them to take down those listings. Those so-called branches are not known to our internal team at Star. Since you''re already here at the doorstep of Star, why note in and take a look? The quality is


    discount!"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    guaranteed, and we of sales


    service. If you find something you like, mention my name, and I''ll give you a 20%


    Mona made it clear that the online shops were selling counterfe products, which was why issues such as poor fit and quality arose after just one or two wears. In contrasi, the garments sold in her store were guaranteed in terms of quality, which justified their slightly higher prices.


    "Yes, we''ve only recently discovered that there are many stores online falsely using Star''s name. We''ve already taken steps to address this. Why don''t youe in and take a look with us?" Ava smiled. It turned out that pirated shops had already greatly affected Star''s reputation.


    "Then, why don''t we go in and take a look?" One of the girls suggested.


    Her friend said, "Let''s go in and see me. I''ll also take a look at the difference between the down jacket I bought online and the shop."


    They understood what Mona and Ava had said. They meant that the youngdy who had just spoken had bought a fake.


    Mona and Ava nodded at the two of them and invited them in.


    a


    salesperson smiled and called them in. When the salesperson saw that Ava and As soon as the customers entered the shop, Mona had personallye to the shop, the service was even better. They all hoped to show their best side. They spoke sweetly, making the two girls smile.


    Mona and Ava did not disturb the salesperson''s work. They sat at a leisure ce and watched the shop.


    This time, it was indeed different from the previous few times. The shop was filled with people, and not a single shop assistant stood at the side to rest. This time, there was a shop assistant beside each of them. Mona took a sip of water from the salesperson and asked, "How long has the situation in the shop been going on?"


    "Mrs. Carter, it''s been almost a week. When the winter clothes were just released, the sales were especially good. I remember that there was a queue at the door that day. Compared to then, there are much fewer customers now," the salesperson said honestly. She remembered that on the day of the new wint "


    instation, the bonus she received was half her monthly sry. However, this good situation did notst long, and the number of customers gradually decreased. "Alright, I understand. Work hard, and the shop''s business will get better and better," Mona said. Mona and Ava sat for a while until the two girls paid. Then, Mona invited them to sit down.


    One of the girls was furious, eximing, "I''m so angry! The feel of the down jacket waspletely off, forcing me to buy another one. When I get back, I''m going to expose that store. I''m definitely not the only one they''ve scammed. We can''t let them continue to rip off customers." She had spent quite a bit of money at that store.


    When Mona heard this, she felt very warm in her heart. "Thank you for your support of Star. We''re also dealing with the is not suitable or the workmanship is not exquisite, as long as the tags piracy online. If you feel that the size of the


    to the shop to exchange or refund them."


    are not removed within a week, you can take


    As Mona spoke, she ced the cake that the salesperson handed over in front of the two youngdies. "Try this cake. It''s


    RBB


    chocte-vored. I think it''s not bad."


    The girls said, "Thank you! Then we won''t stand on ceremony."


    3


    When Mona saw them eating the cupcake, she also ate a few mouthfuls with Ava. Later on, Mona chatted with them about what kind of clothes they liked, and whether they liked to wear more pants or skirts in spring. The few of them chatted happily. When they left, Mona even added a youngdy who said she wanted to expose that shop on WhatsApp.


    After sending them away, Mona looked at the new contact name Lily, a beauty and fashion blogger noted for her outfit and makeup sharing. All her posts were about fashion and beauty tips.


    "Mona, those two youngdies just now were still students, right I didn''t expect them to be so rich. They bought more than one set of clothes in one go," Ava said. It seemed that they were also youngdies from some big family. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be so generous. "Not necessarily. Didn''t I add Lily''s WhatsApp just now? She''s a blogger. She should be able to earn money herself. She''s better than us at university." As she spoke, Mona thought of her unprofessional self in university.


    She did not know what she was thinking during that period of time and actually put aside her design and did not do it. It was as if she was possessed and followed behind Teddy every day. Her university time was really wasted.


    "They are better than us, but we''re not too shabby either. Let''s go check out the branch store. The main store isn''t very busy, so the branch will definitely have even fewer customers," Ava said as she linked arms with Mona and headed toward the door.


    "I hope there would at least be one customer when we arrive," Mona prayed.


    "Of course not. After all, Artemis''s reputation is there. There will be two," Ava said half-jokingly.


    As they spoke, the two of them had already gotten into the car and went to the branch. When they reached the entrance, Ava looked at Mona with an aggrieved expression. ''It''s just some counterfeits online, but look at the impact! Not a single customer today. We''re not just talking about covering the staff''s sries; the rent isn''t cheap either. It''s a huge loss.


    Ava asked, "Mona, do you think we''re going to lose money this winter?"


    Mona looked at her shop and shook her head. "It''s not that bad. There''s still a long way to go in winter. The second batch of winter equipment wille. We might not make much money, but we definitely won''t lose money.".


    Finally, seeing that the store was empty except for a salesperson who was still standing attentively, they lost the nerve to even enter. After circling around, they took Haley to the fourth floor of the mall and each bought a warm milkshake, perfect for countering the chilly air outside.


    "Mona, let''s go eat barbecue food at noon. It''s so rare toe out," Ava said. Regardless of whether they earned money or not, she could not dy her meal.


    When Haley heard that they would be eating barbecue foodter, she subconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva. She missed the taste.


    "Let''s go. I remember that there''s barbecue food upstairs that''s very delicious. Why don''t we go to this ce?" Mona suggested.


    At the same time, she took out her phone and sent Maxwell a message on WhatsApp to report her whereabouts, afraid that Maxwell would be worried.


    At first, Mona was not used to telling Maxwell everything, butter on, she got used to it. Sometimes, she would even send Maxwell a picture of whatever she ate to tempt him.

 Chapter 288

    Maxwell saw Mona''s message on WhatsApp in the office and quickly replied. [After eating barbecue food, you should eat. some fruit. This is good for your health.]


    Mona looked at Maxwell''s WhatsApp message and could imagine his expression when he sent it. He must be sitting upright and serious.


    Mona: [Got it. I''ll take a photo when I do that. Don''t get so caught up at work that you skip lunch. Don''t forget to send me a photo of what you eat for lunch.] Maxwell: [Yes, honey!]


    Mona looked at the word "honey" Maxwell sent and smiled unconsciously.


    "Mona, stop staring into your phone when you''re walking. We''re almost at the barbecue food restaurant. Let''s go in," Ava said.


    As soon as she reached the door, she smelled the intense fragrance of barbecue food. Her stomach was already protesting. "Got it. Let''s hurry up and eat. I just ate a little in the morning. I''m hungry." As Mona spoke, she subconsciously quickened her pace. Under the waiter''s guidance, the three girls found a seat by the window and sat down. After ordering, Haley stared at the waitersing and going, waiting for her food to be served. She felt that she was about to drool.


    Mona was still thinking about the online shop. She clicked on the shopping app and searched for Star. The first shop that appeared was not an official shop, but it sold fake Star goods. Even the posters of the models were simr to those of Mona''s shop. Mona clicked on it. It was clearly the same down jacket, but the price was only half of Star''s. Mona supposed anyone who didn''t know Star well naturally wouldn''t be willing to buy a down jacket in Star''s brick-and-mortar stores or its gship shop online. Instead, they would be willing to buy it from the store that sold fake goods.


    Mona clicked on thements. Thetestment was from a user named Lily. Mona had already guessed who it was. It was the customer, Lily Wood.


    Lily said that she had bought a down jacket from this shop and a down jacket from Star''s shop. The two looked almost identical, but the texture was different. The quality of the one from this store was not good either. She said that the clothes in this shop were fake goods and the quality was not passable. She hoped that the customers who liked the brand Star would buy its clothes from Star''s brick-and-mortar stores or its official gship shop online.


    Aparison of the details of the two down jackets was attached.


    However, Mona saw that the customer service of this shop personnel imed that their shop was a branch of Star and that this customer''s evaluation was a false usation.


    The more Mona read, the angrier she became. She immediately retorted, [If you''re a branch of Star, why didn''t I know? Do you have a patent for the clothes? I''m sure Star''s legal department has already contacted you. If you know what''s good for you, quickly take down the clothes and apologize to Star.]


    After sending it, she seemed to be still angry. She ced her phone on the table angrily and did not want to look at it


    anymore.


    At this moment, Ava looked at the couple who came in and nudged Mona''s arm, indicating for her to look at the door. and saw Teddy. The main point was that there was a girl beside him holding his arm. Mona followed Ava''s gaze Chapter 288 £¤:67%0


    Mona looked at this girl''s face and subconsciously touched her own face. The face of that girl was at least 70% simr to Mona''s, especially her eyes. They both hadrge eyes. However, Mona found that the girl''s eyes did not look confident and looked a little submissive.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    When she looked at the girl, the girl was also looking at Mona with shock in her eyes. Soon, Teddy followed the girl''s gaze, and Mona looked away.


    Ever since Teddy stopped in front of Mona when she was about to be stabbed, and Mona went to the hospital to see him, she had no contact with him anymore.


    Mona had already gotten over what had happened in her past life and in this life. In her heart, she had alreadypletely treated Teddy as a stranger.


    Teddy did not expect to meet Mona in the barbecue food restaurant. He looked at the girl beside him and then at Mona. He said to the girl beside him, "Go and order first. I''lle to you in a while."


    The girl beside Teddy looked at Mona. Thinking about herself in the mirror, she knew what was going on. She nodded obediently at Teddy and was led to a table at the side by the waiter. Before she left, she nced at Mona.


    After Teddy saw the girl leave, he hesitated for a moment and walked toward Mona.


    "Mona, it''s been a while. I didn''t expect you toe here for some barbecue food too. Order whatever you want. Just put it on my tab when you''re finished." Teddy looked at Mona and smiled.


    He knew that it was impossible for him and Mona to be lovers anymore, but he still wanted to be friends with Mona. They were together during their four years in university, three years in high school, and three years in junior high. Mona had already apanied him through many years of his life. Teddy did not want to be strangers with her for the rest of his life.


    "That''s not necessary. We''ll just pay for our bills respectively. Your girlfriend is still waiting for you. Hurry up and go over!" Mona urged. She did not want to interact too much with Teddy.


    "Mona, she..." Before Teddy could finish, Mona interrupted him. He wanted to exin, but he did not know where to start. Teddy''s girlfriend looked 70% like her. Mona didn''t want to know what that meant.


    Mona said, "You don''t have to tell me that. Our dishes have been served. We''ll eat first."


    After the waiter ced the dishes on the table, Mona looked at the baking tray and ced themb chops on it.


    Teddy looked at Mona. He felt like saying something, but in the end, he did not say it out loud and left the table. After he left, Ava lowered her voice and said, "Did you see that just now? The girl beside Teddy looks like you." Mona nodded and said, "I see her. Don''t mind him. Let''s eat barbecue food. Didn''t you say that you were already hungry?" As she spoke, Mona picked up grilledmb chops for Ava and Haley.


    "Alright, we''ll leave him alone. However, I still want to say that he didn''t cherish you when you treated him well in the past. Now that you''re married, he''s got a girlfriend who looks so much like you. Why is he pretending to be affectionate? That''s disgusting," Avained as she ate.


    When Mona and Teddy ere in unive she was incredibly nice to him, but in the end, Teddy got together with Barbara


    and broke Mona''s heart.


    Mona said, "Alright now, don''t mind him. Just let him pretend to be affectionate. Anyway, it has nothing to do with us. I just want to stay great together with Maxwell. Let''s eat barbecue food!" 15.54


    Ava snorted softly before starting to enjoy the barbecue food.


    Teddy''s appearance did not disturb Mona''s appetite. In the end, she felt that her belly was bulging.


    3


    11


    When Mona went to pay the bill, she happened to meet Teddy''s girlfriend. It was unknown if it was fate or if that girl did it on purpose.


    Mona ignored her. After paying, she was about to go back when she heard someone call out to her from behind and say, "Mrs. Carter, I need to tell you something."


    "I''m sorry, I don''t think the two of us are familiar with each other. We don''t have anything to talk about," Mona rejected. She had nothing to say to the girl in front of her. When Mona wanted to leave, Elene grabbed her arm and

 Chapter 289

    "I''m sorry, I don''t think the two of us are familiar with each other. We don''t have anything to talk about," Mona rejected. She had nothing to say to the girl in front of her.


    When Mona wanted to leave, Elene grabbed her arm and begged, "Mrs. Carter, please."


    It was as if as long as Mona refused, she would immediately kneel.


    Mona met herrge eyes and hesitated for a moment. She looked at the people around her and nodded.


    Mona thought that the girl came to her to know about her rtionship with Teddy or to warn her to stay away from Teddy.


    However, Mona no longer cared about Teddy. Naturally, she could tell the girl what she had on her mind.


    Just like that, Mona briefly told Ava and Haley about it before going to the cafe next door with Elene.


    When Mona arrived, Elene, Teddy''s girlfriend, was already there. She kindly invited Mona to take a seat. The two of them looked very simr and were very beautiful, especially their eyes, which were bright and clear.


    Even the waiter who served the coffee could not help but say, "You two sisters look so alike, and you''re both very beautiful." Mona felt that it was not important to be misunderstood by irrelevant people. She only nodded indifferently at the waiter. After the waiter left, Mona looked at the girl in front of him who looked 70% like her and said gloomily, "What do you want to say? Speak!"


    Elene said, "I... I know I''m your substitute, but you''re already married. Can you stop contacting Teddy in the future? I''m begging you. Please."


    Mona looked at Elene with tears in her eyes. She did not know how Teddy got his girlfriend. Mona felt that not only did the girl look like her, but their voices were also alike. Especially when Elene mentioned Teddy, Mona felt that Elene''s voice was extremely simr to hers previously.


    However, Mona did not know that Elene had practiced how to sound like Mona for a long time.


    Mona said, "I''ve never wanted anything to do with Teddy. His business has nothing to do with me.""


    Mona thought that she had already made things clear to Elene. She picked up her bag and wanted to walk out.


    Before she could take two steps, her arm was grabbed by Elene, who looked like her. She said in an aggrieved manner, "Mrs. Carter, even if you give me money, I won''t leave Teddy."


    After saying that, she fell backward and happened to fall on the table. The coffee fell on her wrist and she looked a little disheveled.


    For a moment, Mona did not know what kind of show she was putting on and wondered if it was a scam. It was only when she turned around and saw Teddy rushing over that she understood that Elene was putting on a show to disy her affection toward Teddy. After Teddy came over, he looked at Mona lovingly before helping Elene up. "Elene, what happened?"


    When Teddy finally arrived, Elene looked at him with aggrieved eyes and said, "It''s all my fault. I made Mrs. Carter sad."


    Mona did not want to put on a boring show with these two people. She did not even say anything and walked toward the


    door.


    When Teddy saw that Mona was leaving, he ignored Elene and chased Mona to the outside of the cafe. "Mona, it was Elene''s


    fault just now. I apologize to you on her behalf."


    3


    b/%


    "Alright." After Mona finished speaking, she walked toward Ava and Haley. She did not take this matter to heart at all because she did not care. However, Teddy''s reaction broke Elene''s heart.


    At night, Mona sat on the sofa and watched television. Maxwell ced Mona''s legs on hisp and began to massage them.


    Mona''s legs were slender. The skin on her legs looked tender under the light.


    Maxwell massaged them skillfully. Every movement was neither heavy nor light. He did it just right that it relieved Mona''s fatigue and made her feelfortable. Mona brought a washed strawberry to Maxwell''s mouth.


    Maxwell skillfully opened his mouth and ate the strawberry. He even kissed Mona''s finger. It was a little itchy. She quickly retracted her finger and gave Maxwell a warning look.


    The television drama in front of them was still ying. The couple''s life was simple and warm.


    At this moment, Mona''s phone rang. Mona patted Maxwell''s shoulder, indicating for Maxwell to pass her the phone.


    After Maxwell handed the phone to Mona, his eyes never left the phone screen.


    Mona was already used to it. She ignored him and unlocked the phone in front of him. Then, she clicked open WhatsApp.


    It showed a livestream ount that Lily had sent her.


    Lily: [Mona, I''m live-streaming tonight. You''re wee to check out my live stream!]


    Mona replied without hesitation: [Okay!]


    "Who is Lily?" Maxwell asked. He did not know that Mona knew a streamer.


    Mona said, "She was a customer who came to my shop today. She bought Star''s fake goods online and gave that shop a negative review. After I friended her on WhatsApp, I found out that she was a streamer." While Mona exined to Maxwell, she had already clicked on the link.


    There were actually more than 10,000 viewers. Mona looked at Lily who was putting on eyeliner on the screen and felt that she was really multi-talented.


    "Maxwell, university students nowadays are all so amazing. They can earn quite a lot while going to school," Mona sighed. Unlike back then, she always asked her family for money.


    After saying that, she removed her legs from Maxwell''sp and sat cross-legged beside him. She leaned her head on Maxwell''s shoulder and changed her posture. This made it easier for Maxwell to watch Lily''s livestream. Maxwell said, "Technology is developing very quickly now. Opportunities are everywhere. When we were in university, the world wasn''t so developed as good as it is now, so studying hard is the right way."


    Although he said that to Mona, Maxwell had started his own business when he was in university. If he hadn''t promised Richard to return to Carter Group after graduation, hispany would still be able to make it in Nathontown. "Alright, you''ve sessfullyforted me." As Mona spoke, her eyes were still focused on Lily''s livestream.


    Lily was especially angry when she talked about the down jacket with her followers. She was so angry that she threw away the eyeliner in her hand. Then, she said, "Speaking of the down jacket, I''m so angry. Do you know that Star is endorsed byContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    my idol Artemis Rain?"


    Many people replied to her in thements. They knew about Star and had bought its clothes before. The quality was alright, and the clothes were a bit expensive. The clothes sold online were much cheaper.


    At this point, Mona knew why Lily sent her this livestream link. Lily wanted to expose the shop online which sold fake goods.


    Lily said, "Wait a minute. I saw someone saying that they were much cheaper online. Back then, I tried to be penny-wise and bought a down jacket online, but what happened? Guys, wait for me. I''ll go get it for you to see."


    "This customer of yours really knows how to arouse people''s interest. If she directly exposed the online shop for selling fake goods, theizens would probably not care about it. Now that she''s sharing her own experience, that kind of anger is very memorable," Maxwell said as he pinched Mona''s earlobe.

 Chapter 290

    Mona nodded. "Her livestream is quite interesting."


    Soon, Lily returned with two simr down jackets in her hands. They were ck and had Star''s logo on the shoulders. The purple logo Star could attract attention at a nce.


    On the screen, Lily hung up the two down jackets and adjusted the camera.


    Then, she said, "Of these two down jackets, one was bought at a Star physical store. The other was bought online because I tried to be penny-smart. Guys, at first nce, do you think the two are exactly the same? Well, take a closer look." As Lily spoke, Mona saw her bring the camera closer.


    Mona looked at the two down jackets on the screen. She could see very clearly that the fake good was not very good. It was obvious that the threads at the joint could be seen.


    The two down jackets looked identical if they were notpared together. However, now that the original version was presented as a foil, the fake good''s style and color were obviously different from those of the original.


    Since Mona could tell, the audience watching the livestream could naturally tell as well. They were allmenting below.


    Netizen A: [I can tell that the two down jackets are different. The one on the left has a better style. Lily probably bought it from Star''s shop.]


    Netizen B: [I agree. The cor on the right one shows a thread... The workmanship is too inconspicuous.]


    Netizen C: [Oh dear. I also ced an order online. Fortunately, I saw Lily''s review and immediately asked for a refund. I''ll buy it at the shop tomorrow. It doesn''t matter if it costs more. The quality of the down jacket is the most important.] Netizen D: [No wonder it''s so much cheaper online than in the shop. It turns out that it''s fake. Fortunately, I didn''t buy it.]


    *****


    Lily said, "Hahaha, guys, you really have sharp eyes. Now that I have the original, I''m already nning to throw away the one on the right. After I wore it twice, the down is starting toe out. I''ll tell you about the quality of Star''s down jacket during my livestream in a few days. However, I can feel that the original''s texture is way better. Moreover, the service of this shop is especially good. When I went there, I even got little cakes. The salesperson was very enthusiastic!"Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Netizen A: [I''ve been to this shop before. The service is indeed good, and the clothes are very nice. However, they are a little expensive, but the quality is good. I''ll ept it even if it''s expensive.]


    Netizen B: [The quality is excellent, I''ll give you that. I bought a dress some time ago and washed it a few times. It looks just as new now.]


    Netizen C: [Let''s boycott the online shops with fake goods!]


    Netizen D: [They should hurry up and take it off the shelves!]


    ***


    Later on, manyizens said that previously, they had bought Star''s winter clothes and that the quality was not good, but only now did they know that the clothes they had bought were fake. They all went to give that shop a negative review. Mona watched and tipped Lily to support her livestreaming career and thank her for speaking up for Star.


    "Honey, design a down jacket for me too. Make it the same as yours," Maxwell suggested.


    45


    15.52


    Naturally, Star didn''t make-pen''s clothes since it specialized in high-end women''s clothing. What he wanted was a unique design from Mona for him.


    Mona looked up at Maxwell and said, "Alright, then I''ll design down jackets for the two of us alone. It will be matching outfits, okay?"


    "Alright, that''s what I want." After receiving Mona''s promise, Maxwell lowered his head and nted a light kiss on Mona''s forehead.


    Seeing that it was gettingte, he told Mona to turn off the television and led her back to their room.


    The next morning, Mona was woken up by Maxwell. When she opened her eyes in a daze, she saw the WhatsApp message that Lily had sent her and the money she had returned.


    Lily: [Mona, I just wanted you to watch my livestream and see me clear Star''s name. I don''t need your tip.] A pouting little girl emoji was attached.


    Mona looked at the transfer. Instead of epting the money, she rejected the transfer.


    Mona: [You''re my favorite streamer, and I''m giving a tip to you. What''s wrong about that? Just take the money.]


    After sending the message, Mona was dragged out of bed by Maxwell. Then, she washed up, ate breakfast, and went to work with Maxwell.


    As soon as she arrived at the entrance of Star, she saw Ava waiting at the door angrily. When Ava saw Monaing over, she pulled her into the meeting room.


    "What''s wrong?" Mona asked.


    "Mona, this is infuriating. I''ve never seen such a thick-skinned person. Our people failed to negotiate with the merchants who sell the replicas, and they''re unwilling to take the clothes off the shelves. We filed aint to the tform, but nothing happened. They said that they needed to investigate. By the time they''re done, winter will be over. What about the winter clothes we''re storing in the warehouse? What''s more, they''re using Star''s reputation. If the people who bought their shop''s clothes felt that the quality of the goods was not good, would they stille to Star to buy clothes again? Most importantly, they even scolded our people. I''ve never encountered such an infuriating thing," Avained.


    "Since they don''t take the clothes off the shelves, let''s just take it to court. We have enough evidence anyway," Mona said. Ava said, "I''ve already gotten the guys to prepare the materials. However, I''m just angry at such shameless people. This is outrageous. They''re giarizing and yet they''re so self-righteous. I''ve really never seen such thick-skinned human beings." Mona saw that Ava was really angry, so she quickly got her a ss of warm water.


    "Alright, have this to calm down. Don''t be angry lest it hurt your health." At the same time, Mona got herself some warm


    water too.


    The weather was getting colder. As Mona walked over from the entrance of Star, her hands were still cold from the cold wind.


    "Ugh, they won''t take the clothes off the shelves, right? I''ll give them negative reviews every day, saying that their clothes aren''t from Star at all. I''ll see if anyone will still buy their stuff." Ava angrily drank the warm water and felt that it was a bit too


    hot.


    She thought, ''It''s just that when it rains, it pours!''


    "Ava, you''ll probably be banned if you do this." Mona took a sip of her water. The temperature of the warm water passed through the ss and was very warm.


    Ava said, "So we just won''t do anything while we''re waiting? This shop is robbing our customers. I... I really want to destroy


    this shop."


    000


    Mona said, "Ava, do you remember the university student I met in the shop yesterday? I remember telling you that she''s a


    streamer."


    Ava nodded and blinked her big eyes. She did not understand why the topic of the fake goods was suddenly rted to the university student from yesterday. However, she still answered honestly, "I remember."


    Mona said, "She started a livestreamst night. There were more than 10,000 people in her livestream. During the livestream, she said that she had evenpared the counterfeit to the original online. The viewers could tell at a nce that the two down jackets were different. Many people even said that they would ask for a refund today. Therefore, I think we can contact some bloggers and get them to tell the truth like Lily. This way, many people will know that the shop online is selling fake goods."


    When Ava heard Mona''s words, she felt that it made a lot of sense. She hurriedly said, "Mona, what you said makes sense. You''ll focus on the designs. I''ll contact the fashion bloggers."

 Chapter 291

    Chapter


    291


    Mona looked at Ava who had already left. She as she walked toward the Design Department.


    Around nine o''clock, Mona received another WhatsApp message from Lily. [Mona, in that case, I''ll ept the tip. When are you free, I''ll treat you to a meal!]


    Mona did not refuse when she saw this. She also had something to tell Lily.


    Mona: [Alright, then I won''t refuse. Why don''t we cat together at noon today?]


    Lily: [Okay. Coincidentally, I don''t have ss this afternoon.]


    Mona: [Are you studying at Nathontown University? I''m avable now. Should I pick you up?]


    Lily replied very quickly, [Alright. When you reach Nathontown University, just tell me about it, Mona.]


    After Mona replied to Lily, she brought Haley to Nathontown University. On the way, she told Maxwell that she would have lunch with Lily today. Maxwell quickly replied with an "okay".Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The car stopped at Nathontown University''s gate. As Mona looked at the studentsing and going, for a moment, she felt that she had returned to the time when she was a student. Even her mood became younger.


    After sending the message to Lily, Mona got out of the car. Up close, the words "Nathontown University" were exceptionally familiar. She recalled the time when she entered and left the school.


    "Mona, how does it feel to study in university?" Haley asked. She had never gone to school since she was young.


    "It''s alright. It''s quite easy. Haley, do you want to go to school? At your age, you can go to university. If you''re willing, I''ll talk to Maxwellter and get you a course at Nathontown University, Mona asked.


    To Mona, Haley was not a bodyguard. Instead, Mona treated her as her sister. She wanted Haley to be happy.


    Haley frowned and shook her head. "I don''t want to go to school. Mona, don''t tell Mr. Carter that I''m not interested in going to school at all. I still want to be by your side, protect you, and manage my bodyguard team."


    n Haley''s heart, sitting in the ssroom and listening to ss for an hour or two would be killing her. When she recalled how ufortable it was to be seated all day when she had a fracture, she thought that it was better to stay by Mona''s side. Most importantly, she got delicious food every day and money.

 Chapter 292

    Barbara could not maintain her smile for a moment. Then, she quickly revealed a pitiful expression. "Mona, what is she doing?"


    Mona saw that they were at the entrance of the university and there were peopleing and going. It was not appropriate for her to quarrel with Barbara, so she reached out and pulled Haley back to her side. "It''s fine. Since you''re entering the university, I won''t disturb you, Barbara."


    After saying that, she wanted to pull Haley into the car, but Barbara was a step ahead of her and stood in front of the car. Barbara said hopefully, "Mona, I''m representing the country to participate in thepetition in Welintern during Christmas. I heard from Albert that you and Maxwell will go, right?" "I''ll see by then," Mona said in an unfriendly tone.


    Ever since she was reborn, she did not have any sisterly rtionship with Barbara. It was the same for Barbara. The two of them hated each other and wished they could skin each other alive. However, Barbara had been acting sisterly with her in front of others, making Mona especially helpless.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    However, the people Barbara cared about all cared about Mona.


    When Barbara heard Mona''s tone, tears welled up in her eyes and seemed to fall in the next second.


    "Mona, I... I understand. You muste by then. I want to share my honor with you," Barbara said while suppressing the unhappiness in her heart. She wanted Mona and Maxwell to witness her honor with their own eyes when she represented the honor of the country. She wanted Mona to see that she was leagues ahead of her in design. In her mind, Mona didn''t even belong in the same league, let alonepare to her. She hoped Maxwell would realize she was the one he should be with, not Mona, and that he''d regret ever considering otherwise.


    She wanted everyone to know that Mona didn''t stand a chance against her. After all, she was Bernard''s star granddaughter and the top designer in Nathontown. In her eyes, she was the best designer in the whole damn country.


    "I''ve already said that I''ll see. Move aside. I''m going back," Mona said gloomily.


    Every time she rejected Barbara, Barbara would look at her with this aggrieved expression and act like Mona was the bad woman who bullied her.


    Barbara looked at the bodyguard beside Mona. Haley even waved her fist at her. Since they were in public, Barbara was a bit timid and moved to the side. She watched as Mona and her bodyguard drove away.


    Barbara thought, ''Even if I''m busy with the design, I won''t let Mona''s shop run well. Mona, you can just take your time to resolve the giarism!*


    It was really unexpected that she met Mona at Nathontown University today. Since Barbara had met Mona, she naturally had to talk about her trip to Welintern.


    Barbara''s main purpose ining there was to buy Teddy a milkshake from the university. She wanted Teddy to remember how much he liked her in university.


    Previously, Barbara did not pester Teddy to make up with him because after he took Jeremy''s attack for Mona, he was in a dispirited state during his recuperation period. After he was scolded by Matthew, he was focused on his work. At that time, Barbara was busy dealing with Molly and the others and could not find the time to go to Teddy. However, things were different now. Barbara did not know how Teddy met a woman who looked 70% like Mona. He kept that


    woman in his vi, and Barbara was flustered.


    Q


    45%


    5


    Back then, Teddy wanted to break up with herpletely because Mona. Barbara knew that after Teddy and Mona broke up, he regretted it.


    But so what if he regretted it? The two of them had been together since high school. Barbara would not let Teddy escape from her.


    Now that Powers Group had been handed over to Teddy, and Matthew almost did not care about anything about the group, for Barbara, Teddy was also a good choice.


    After Barbara bought a milkshake at Nathontown University, she carried it to Powers Group.


    When she was at the reception desk, Barbara was stopped by the receptionist. Her face was red with


    anger.


    "I''m here to deliver a milkshake to Teddy. It''s his favorite. Miss, please let me in!" Barbara said coquettishly. Her eyes were the best weapon.


    Not only would men''s hearts soften when they saw her look, but women were no exception.


    "Well, Miss Burton, this is really against the rules. Our president said that no one can enter without an appointment." The receptionist couldn''t bear to reject Barbara, but she had to abide by their president''s orders.


    Barbara frowned and showed the receptionist the photo of her and Teddy. In the photo, Teddy was kissing her cheek, looking exceptionally loving.


    "I get to be an exception. I''m really familiar with Teddy, but he''s been angry with me recently. I''m here to appease him." Barbara made a particrly good reason for herself.


    The receptionist looked at the photo Barbara was holding. As she recalled Teddy''s darkened face this morning, she secretly guessed that his girlfriend had angered him.


    She thought, ''If thisdy can appease the president, he might even give me a bonus!"


    After thinking for a while, she said, "Then go in from the side. I''ll pretend that I didn''t see anything."


    Barbara said, "Thank you, miss. You''re so nice."


    After Barbara left with the milkshake, the receptionist was fantasizing about the president giving her a raiseter.


    Barbara knew where Teddy''s office was, so she took the elevator up.


    It was office hours. Barbara arrived at Teddy''s office very smoothly. No one stopped her and she walked straight to the door. The door was not closed tightly. Barbara wanted to go in and give Teddy a surprise. Without any hesitation, she pushed open the door and shouted excitedly, "Teddy!"


    As soon as she entered and saw the scene inside, her expression immediately changed. Tears welled up in her eyes before they could not help but stream down her cheeks. Barbara was stunned.


    Inside the office, Teddy was pressing a woman onto the sofa and kissing her. Her clothes were already in a mess, revealing her fair neck. Everything seemed to be filled with passion.


    When Elene heard Barbara''s voice, she hurriedly pushed Teddy, who was on top of her, and quickly tidied her clothes.


    Teddy looked at Barbara with dissatisfaction. Then, he sat up from Elene and asked Barbara, "Why are you


    here?"


    His tone was a little impatient. Thinking that it was all because of her that he could not sessfully get engaged to Mona, he was angry. Now, no matter what, Mona was no longer his. He only had Mona''s substitute with him every day. 18:15 Mon, Nov 25


    45%


    Upon hearing Teddy''s words, Barbara raised her hand to wipe the tears on her face. She raised the milkshake in her hand at Teddy and said with a sobbing tone, "I bought you a milkshake. I thought you liked it, so I brought it over to you."


    Teddy looked at the milkshake in Barbara''s hand and fell into his memories. He never enjoyed milkshakes, but Mona did. Every time she had it, she would bring one for him. At the beginning, he said that it tasted bad and was too sweet for him. Later on, he could get used to the sweetness of the milkshake.

 Chapter 293

    However, Teddy had not had a milkshake since Mona and Maxwell were engaged.


    Now that he saw Barbara''s milkshakes, it only reminded Teddy of how he worked with Barbara in his dream to push Mona down from the top floor of the hotel and kill her. He felt guilty and regretful.


    This plot had been repeating in his dreams. He only stopped dreaming about it every day when Mona saw him in the ward.


    Teddy strode to Barbara, took the two milkshakes from her, and threw them into the trash can with a bang.


    When Barbara saw Teddy''s action, she was so shocked that her eyes widened. Teddy had changed. He had bepletely unfamiliar to her.


    "Teddy, what... what are you doing?" Barbara said in an aggrieved manner. Teddy had been giving in to her since she was young and giving her whatever she wanted. She did not understand why had things changed. She just knew that all of this was because of Mona. Elene watched the two of them quietly. She just acted like an obedient doll and did not say anything.


    She only knew that Teddy was in love with someone, who looked very simr to her. That was why she got to stay with Teddy.


    In the beginning, she stayed by Teddy''s side only because of money. However, after spending some time together, she gradually fell in love with Teddy. She became greedy and wanted to marry him. That was why she wanted Mona to stop thinking about Teddy even in the slightest.


    However, today, Elene found out that Teddy had someone else beside him, who waspletely different from Mona.


    However, judging from Teddy''s attitude toward Barbara, Elene knew that she did not matter much to Teddy. In fact, Barbara was even inferior to her. With this realization, Elene was no longer worried.


    Teddy did not answer Barbara''s question. Instead, he said to Elene, "Elene, go back first!"


    Elene nodded and said obediently, "Okay."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She knew that Teddy liked her obedient appearance.


    Then, she took the coat that was scattered on the floor and went out. She even considerately closed the door for Teddy and Barbara.


    After Elene left, there were only Teddy and Barbara in the office.


    Teddy sat on the sofa and closed his eyes to rest. He did not look at Barbara beside him. He was serious about breaking up with Barbara. After breaking up with her, he did not want to have any more contact with her. Barbara noticed that Teddy did not answer her question. Instead, he closed his eyes. Clearly, he did not want to talk to her


    too much.


    Barbara stopped caring about the milkshakes and sa

 Chapter 294

    When she reached the door, she said, "Teddy, I still like you, and I still keep you in my heart. I hope that one day, you will see how great I am."


    0


    After leaving Powers Group, Barbara walked to her car in a daze After getting into the car, she did not start the car for a long time.


    She wondered, ''Why is Mona so lucky? So many things happened, but why hasn''t she disappeared from this world yet? All my miseries are caused by Mona. She''s a mistake and the source of my pain. Barbara''s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. Veins bulged on the back of her hands. Her entire face looked so mad that it was terrifying. She looked like a demon who had just walked out of hell. Mona had no idea that Barbara''s love confession was rejected by Teddy. If she knew, she would not sympathize with Barbara but feel happy instead.


    Lily acted very quickly. When Mona returned to Star, Lily had already told those streamers to subconsciously mention that they had bought fake goods during their livestream at night. Mona asked the finance department to put down the bank ounts of these streamers and transfer the money to them after it was done.


    Then, she began to draw designs in the Design Department. She designed her and Maxwell''s down jackets, They were ck and white. Mona already had some ideas in her mind. She just needed to present them on the design draft.


    Due to the livestream, Ava and Mona decided to go home after watching it at Star at night.


    After Mona told Maxwell about this, she received an aggrieved emoji from him.


    She did not know where Maxwell had gotten this emoji from. The emoji looked cute and extremely aggrieved. Upon closer inspection, it actually looked a little simr to Maxwell, especially that pair of eyes.


    What Mona did not know was that this set of emojis was specially designed by Maxwell. It was a cute version of him and


    Mona.


    Mona couldn''t bear to leave him alone. She and Maxwell were usually very busy with work, and the only time they could get along together was at night. However, she had something on that day, so she could only let Maxwell stay home alone. Mona: [Alright now, Maxwell. Be nice. I''ll go back after the livestream ends. When you''re home tonight, warm up the bed and wait for me!]


    Maxwell sat in his office and sighed softly. He was a little unhappy. He always felt that work was more important than him in Mona''s heart, but he could do nothing about it. He had to protect his beloved.


    Maxwell: [I don''t want to warm the bed alone. I want to warm it with you. I''ll go to Star to apany you after work and treat your colleagues to supper.]


    When Mona saw Maxwell''s WhatsApp message, she smiled. Just as she was about to reply that he coulde if he wanted to, Maxwell sent another WhatsApp message. [It''s settled then. I''ll go home first.]


    Mona thought that it was fine. She looked at the typed words in the input box and silently deleted them. However, the smile on her face remained.


    At 6 p.m. in Nathontown, the sky waspletely covered by darkness. A few stars were at the end of the night, emitting light. Some streamers'' livestreams had already begun, Mona and Ava were sitting in their chairs. A big screen in front of them was disying the livestream.


    Mona wasn''t focused on the livestream. She did not know when Maxwell would return home. She kept looking down at her phone.


    At six o''clock, Maxwell sent Mona a WhatsApp message. [Mona, I''m sorry, I can''t go to Star to apany you. I suddenly have a wine party to attend tonight, and I can''t refuse. However, he supper I ordered for you will be delivered on time.] Almost as soon as her phone rang, Mona saw it. She understood hat Maxwell had something on, and work was more important.


    Mona: [Got it. Don''t drink too much. Tell me the location of the wine party.]


    Actually, Mona did not like Maxwell participating in such a drinking party. There were all kinds of people in it, and many of them were married. However, those married men would still hug other women in their arms and chat happily. Although Mona knew that Maxwell would not do that, she felt ufortable when she thought of the many young beauties in the private room.


    Mona thought that this was due to her possessiveness toward Maxwell.


    She thought that she should go and take a look when the livestream was halfway through. She didn''t want Maxwell to get drunk and have a pretty girl in his arms.


    Maxwell quickly sent the location of the wine party and wrote, [If you want toe and check up on me, feel free to do it anytime, honey.]


    Mona hesitated for a moment before writing, [Alright. If you''re not done when I''m almost done here, I''ll go see you.]


    Maxwell: [Anytime.]


    The livestream had just started on the Inte, and there were quite a lot of viewers online. After the spread of the livestream that night, the news of Stars'' official website became a trending topic on Twitter. Mona felt that it was about time. Now, many people knew that the shop online was selling fake goods. She raised her wrist to check the time. It was already past nine o''clock. She looked up and saw her colleagues with supper in their hands. Mona tugged at Ava beside her and said, "Ava, I think it''s about time. I''ll leave now."


    Ava ate thest bite of the taco in her hand and hurriedly swallowed it. She said, "Go ahead. The supper your husband bought is quite delicious. Don''t forget to thank him for all of us."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Mona pushed her and said, "Hurry up and eat. Even eating can''t stop you from talking."


    Then, she carried her bag and walked out. Before Haley left, she even took a chicken drumstick. She would eat it before going to bed.


    On the way to the private room, Mona realized that it was snowing. It was a little cold. Mona wanted to pick up Maxwell as soon as possible and go home to sleep.


    Haley held an umbre for Mona. Mona tightened her down jacket and hid her hands in her sleeves to keep herself warm. She went to the private room Maxwell mentioned with Haley.


    When they arrived, Mona sent Maxwell a message. Soon, the door of the private room opened and Maxwell''s face appeared in front of Mona. He reached out to hold her hand and said, "Come in quickly. Why is your hand so cold?"


    Maxwell''s hand was very warm,pletely different from Mona''s. The warmth spread from his fingers to Mona''s entire body. Mona nodded.


    After entering, Mona realized that it was different from what she had imagined. There was not a single woman inside. There were only a few middle-aged men with big bellies and Bud in the private room. They were still smiling when they saw Mona. Mona''s face immediately turned red. She knew that she had overthought it. She felt embarrassed to stay or retreat now, so she looked at Maxwell with some me.


    Maxwell pretended not to see it. He held Mona''s hand and walked in, letting her sit beside him.


    44%


    The people around him called out to Mona kindly. Someone even poured a ss of wine for Mona. Unexpectedly, just as he ced it in front of Mona, it was taken away by Maxwell.


    Mona smiled awkwardly and said, "Gentlemen, I''m not good at drinking. Sorry to let you down. Let me toast you with the coffee instead of wine."

 Chapter 295

    A Mans spoke, she nodded at them and had some coffee


    The business partners of Maxwell waved their hands and said that it was fine. They each drank a ss of wine:


    Zar, can we really not agree to this price for the factory? Maxell said nonchntly as he stretched two fingers to Zar Swift in front of him


    Zas was silem. Maxwell said again. "Zat, we still have many opportunities to work together in the future. Please do me a favor. It will benefit both of m*


    Someone said. "That''s right, Zac. Just say yes. Maxwell''s wife is already here. Hurry up and agree so that we can all go home."


    Another one said, "In the future, this mall will belong to the young people. I hope you can take care of us old people, Maxwell!"N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Maxwell smiled faintly and said, "I dare not say that I can take care of you. In the future, we are going to make a lot of money together. Gentlemen, I still need your care."


    After Maxwell finished speaking, Zac mmed the table and said excitedly, "Alright. Since you''ve said that we''ll be making money together, I agree to your price, Maxwell. We''ll sign the contract tomorrow."


    "Alright, that''s great. Zac, I''ll give you a toast. Gentlemen, join me," said Maxwell as he raised the wine ss in his hand.


    Mona saw that Maxwell''s face was slightly red and knew that he had drunk a lot. Her heart ached a little, but when she thought that they were at the wine table now, she only looked at Maxwell and did not say anything. She raised her cup with coffee in it. After the wine party, Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked with light steps. His hand was as warm as ever, warming Mona''s heart.


    When they walked out of the door, it was still snowing. Maxwell helped Mona put on her hat properly. He also held her hands and put them in his pocket. Mona, who was beside him, still had no intention of talking to him.


    "Are you still angry?" Maxwell looked at Mona''s face. Her nose was a little red from the wind, making her look even more petite and cute.


    He was amazed at her beautiful face.


    "No," said Mona as she looked up, but there was no emotion in her eyes.


    "Really?" When Maxwell heard Mona''s tone, he knew that she was lying. It was too obvious.


    "I''m lying, Maxwell. Why didn''t you tell me that all the people at the wine party were men?" If Mona had known in advance, she definitely wouldn''t havee.


    When she left, the gentlemen at the wine table even exined to her that there was definitely no other woman before she came and told her not to me Maxwell wrongly.


    Maxwell nodded seriously at the side with a look of agreement.


    What could she do? She could only say alright. Before they left, Mona saw clearly that there was sympathy in their eyes when they looked at Maxwell.


    She thought, ''I''m sure that the word that Maxwell is henpecked will definitely spread more widely in Nathontown. What will others think about me now? My husband went out for a party full of men, but I was still worried. It makes me look like I get jealous easily and I''m paranoid.


    Chapurer us


    Maxwell raised his head and ranched her wese that was red from the cold wind He askert. Honey you didn''t ask u


    Mana tared at Maxity sparkling eyes. When the looked careply, the found that he was smiling. She felt even angrier ''1 think you did it on purpee.


    "Alright, I did it on purpose.


    what you it is honey. Welk afwir it at home. Otherwise, it won''t be good if others Look, the car is here. Let''s go home first. When we get home, you can punisht me at will, honey. You can do whatever you want to me. Maxwell said as he held Mona''s hand and walked out It was too cold outside. He thought that it was better to go home and exin with Mona in his arms


    Mona looked at the peopleing and going. After nodding, she got into the car with Maxwell.


    On the way home from the restaurant, the snow outside never stopped. In fact, it was even heavier. However, Nigel drove steadily, so Mona was not worried.


    She sat in the seat and stayed away from Maxwell, thinking that her husband was up to no good.


    Maxwell looked at the distance between the two of them, where could fit one person in the middle. He subconsciously sat closer to Mona and reached out his little finger to tentatively hook Mona''s.


    As soon as he reached it, Mona quickly retracted her fingers and ced them on herp, away from Maxwell. She was still angry and could not lose her momentum.


    Maxwell looked at his lonely hand in the seat. His wife was right beside him, but he could not get close to her. It did not feel good to not be able to hold her hand.


    "Mona!" Maxwell cried out in grievance.


    Mona snorted gloomily and ignored him.


    The two of them did not speak on the way. Maxwell looked at Nigel, who was driving, and signaled him to drive faster. He wished he could get home now.


    After Nigel received Maxwell''s order, he hit the gas and the car sped on the road.


    During this period, Maxwell secretly held Mona''s hand twice, but she hit his hand and forced him back. Maxwell felt very aggrieved. He thought that there was nothing wrong about him asking Mona to pick him up. After the car reached the vi, Nigel did not stop and drove away. Haley also left. After saying good night to Mona, she returned to her room.


    Mona got out of the car first and walked forward without waiting for Maxwell.


    However, Maxwell was fast. He caught up to her in a few steps. He tugged at Mona''s hand again and exined, "I just wanted


    that." you to pick me up. I didn''t expect them to say


    "You''re feeling aggrieved? Shouldn''t I be the one feeling aggrieved?" Mona tried to shake off Maxwell''s hand, but she failed. It was as if his hand was stuck to hers, and she could only let him hold her hand. Maxwell chuckled and tightened his grip on Mona''s hand. "I wouldn''t dare to let you feel aggrieved. It''s all my fault that you feel wronged, honey."


    Maxwell continued when he saw that Mona was silent, "I just learned a shoulder massage technique a few days ago. I''ll massage your shoulderster. Honey, don''t be angry. It''s not worth it to get angry at me."


    "Then I''ll give you a chance to show your massage skills. In the future, even if I go to such a wine party, you have to remind me. Oh, no, I can''t pick you up from a wine party anymore." Mona looked at the shadows of the two of them reflected in the snow. They were exceptionally intimate. She felt that the anger in her heart had dissipated a lot.


    19:05 Tue, Nov 26 R GU


    45


    "Please go. If you don''t go, the guys will tell me to drink a lot. You will have to pick me up, honey," said Maxwell. He was still very happy that Mona had picked him up. He wanted everyone around him to know that he was Mona''s husband. Mona thought about how Maxwell had drunk a lot today and could not bear to refuse him. She said, "We''ll see then.


    you and me." Tomorrow is the weekend. Let''s build two snowmen in the courtyard. We''ll make them look like


    Maxwell said, "Alright. You snowman and my snowman will definitely be especiallypatible."


    After the two of them went in, the snow was still falling like catkins. Mona estimated that it would snow for half the night. When they woke up the next morning, the vi would be covered with thick white snow that was perfect for building


    snowmen.

 Chapter 296

    Chapter


    296


    After the two of them returned to their room, Mona felt cold all over. She told Maxwell that she was going to the bathroom with her pajamas.


    She couldn''t believe that while she was still unhappy, the shameless Maxwell actually wanted to follow her in. Mona quickly locked the bathroom door when he went to get his clothes. While taking afortable hot bath, she was wrapped in warm water. Beside her was a pile of foam. It was especially exquisite around her. Mona did not even want to leave the bathtub.


    When Maxwell came back with his pajamas, he saw the closed bathroom. His face darkened. "Honey, how could you close the door? That''s not nice."


    Mona, who was lying in the bathtub, pursed her lips when she heard Maxwell''s words. "Maxwell, what did you say? I can''t hear you clearly. I''ll continue bathing."


    "Keep bathing in the warm water. We''ll talk about it when you get out," said Maxwell. He turned around and went to the bathroom in the guest room next door.


    Somehow, Mona felt that Maxwell was up to no good when he said this. However, she decided to let it go. If she followed his instructions in every aspect, she would not be able to make the decision in this family. Besides, she was still angry.


    After thinking about it, Mona continued to enjoy thefort of the bath. When the water was turning cold, Mona reluctantly got up, rinsed off the foam on her, and put on the body lotion before putting on her pajamas and going out.


    Maxwell had already taken a shower and was sitting on the sofa. He was holding the book that Mona usually flipped through When he heard the door open, he looked up at Mona. Then, he naturally waved at Mona and began to wipe her hair with a towel. §â§Ö§ä


    "Are youfortable now?" Maxwell asked. He felt Mona''s wrist. It was indeed much warmer.


    Mona nodded and said, "I feel cozy and warm all over now. I felt cold along the way. It''s much warmer now."


    As Mona spoke, she patted her face with skincare lotion. Her skin was good. Apart from her good foundation, it was also thanks to these skincare products.


    Maxwell looked down at Mona''s incredibly tender face. He pinched it when Mona was not paying attention. It felt so good.


    "Maxwell, let go!" Mona ordered. She could let him pinch it once, but he actually pinched her again and again after that, which made her feel like a doll.


    "Alright, alright. Don''t be angry. I feel that you''ve been a little grumpy these past two days. Is your perioding soon?" Maxwell retracted his hand and began to blow dry Mona''s hair seriously.


    "Maybe. My period has never been very punctual." Moreover, she had only been on her period once after she miscarried Sweet Berry, and menstrual amount was especially little.


    Maxwell said, "Looks like it. We have to hurry."


    Mona felt that Maxwell was halfway through his sentence. She didn''t know what he meant by "hurry". Just as she was about to ask, she heard Maxwell say, "I''ll give you a shoulder massage after drying your hair." Mona nodded and stopped thinking about what Maxwell had just said.


    Maxwell often blew Mona''s hair. He was already very skilled at it. After a short while, he finished drying Mona''s hair.


    Mona sat on the sofa with her back to Maxwell. Maxwell''s warm palms pinched her shoulders. Her shoulders were very


    19:05 Tue, Nov 26 @ GU.


    smooth and her beautiful shoulder des were below. That was Maxwell''s favorite part of her.


    Maxwell massaged Mona''s shoulders again and again.


    30%


    It was veryfortable for her to let Maxwell massage her shoulders. After a while, Mona''s beautiful eyshes blinked and slowly closed as she enjoyed Maxwell''s service.


    She did not even know when Maxwell''s hands went down until she felt a chill on her body. Only then did Mona realize that Maxwell had already taken off most of her pajamas. His hands were roaming on her. "W-What are you doing?" Mona asked after she regained her senses.


    Maxwell was not embarrassed at all. Instead, he lowered his head and nted a kiss on Mona''s smooth back.


    "I''m doing what a married couple should do. I''ve already massaged your shoulders. It''s your turn to serve me now." As he spoke, Maxwell picked up the disheveled Mona and walked toward the bed. Halfway through, Maxwell even lowered his head and kissed Mona on the lips. Mona touched Maxwell''s Adam''s apple and said with a faint smile, "You massaged my shoulders to apologize to me. Why are you asking for a reward now?"


    Mona had gradually gotten used to Maxwell''s desires, which men usually had at his age. She told herself that this was a manifestation of Maxwell''s love for her. It was just that every time they had sex, her waist would hurt the next day.


    "I just need a small reward. I''ve been waiting for you for half a day." As Maxwell spoke, he had already ced Mona on the bed and leaned over.


    Maxwell first bit Mona''s earlobe. He clearly felt her tremble slightly.


    Mona looked up and saw the smile on Maxwell''s face. She did not admit defeat and bit him too.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s sparkling eyes and said, "You''ve grown bolder?"


    Mona said, "It''s all because of you."


    "Alright, I''m the reason. I''ll admit it. Take another bite at the side." Maxwell took the initiative to lean closer to Mona.


    Mona pushed him. "I''m not going to bite anymore. I''m not a dog. I won''t have a biting game with you."


    "That makes sense. Kiss me then." After saying that, Maxwell lowered his head and kissed Mona''s lips. This time, it was not a gentle kiss, but a long and passionate kiss. Mona felt that she would definitely wake upte the next day.


    The night was exceptionally long.


    As expected, when Mona opened her eyes, Maxwell was already gone. She raised her hand to look at her phone and found it hard to believe that it was almost eleven o''clock.


    She turned around. Her waist hurt so much that she did not have the energy to build a snowman.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She thought, ''Maxwell is such a bastard. He gently dotes on me to the core during the day, but at night, he''s like apletely different person.*


    Seeing that it was gettingte, Mona did not linger on the bed after waking up. She tidied herself up and went downstairs. It was almost Christmas, and Maxwell was much busier than usual. Mona did not see him and knew that he had gone


    to the


    19:05 Tue, Nov 26 R GU


    The moment she went down, she bumped into Haley, who had just returned from her exercise. Haley said, "Mona, there are two snowmen in the courtyard. Mr. Carter piled them up in the morning. He told me to tell you when you woke up." When Mona heard that Maxwell had actually built two snowmen, she immediately went out.


    Just as Haley had said, there were two snowmen in the courtyard. They were just a little ugly, but they could be distinguished which one was the man and which one was the woman because Maxwell had actually put lipstick on one of the snowmen. Mona looked at the two snowmen and wanted tough. However, afterughing, she was touched. Maxwell had built the snowmen for her early in the morning. Even the aggrieved feeling she felt after waking up in the morning had dissipated. SEND GIF

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297 0436%


    Mona took out her phone and turned on her camera. She took a few photos of the two chubby snowmen, selected two of her favorite photos, and then posted them on Twitter.


    The caption was: [The Mrs. Carter in Mr. Carter''s eyes!]


    Soon, she received likes and blessings fromizens, who were all shippers of her and Maxwell.


    Ever since she and Maxwell had a lot of shippers online, she often recorded her life with Maxwell on Twitter. She thought that when she grew old, this would be her and Maxwell''s memories. When Mona was having brunch, she saw the WhatsApp message that Ava had sent her.


    The livestreamst night was very sessful. This morning, many customers came to Star. It was just like the time when the brand was first established. The salespeople were so busy that they did not have time to rest, but all of them had smiles on their faces. Mona was very happy that the livestream had such an effect. At this rate, there would not be many winter clothes stored in the warehouse. Mona told Ava that things would get better and better.


    It was just as Mona had said. A weekter, they won thewsuit and upheld their patent rights. All the fake goods were taken off the shelves online, and those merchants had to apologize to Star and pay arge sum ofpensation.


    Thispensation could make up for most of the losses that Star had suffered previously. Just as Mona had said, Star was getting better and better.


    Moreover, thiswsuit caused quite a stir in Nathontown. It also indirectly promoted Star. Those who often watched the news knew about Star.


    Mona was very satisfied with this result. In the next few days, she focused her energy on the down jacket she had prepared for Maxwell.


    After Mona waited for a few days, the factory finished making the down jacket that she had customized. After Mona received the news, she went to the factory with Haley on the same day. She wanted to give Maxwell a little surprise when he returned tonight. Nathontown''s sky was foggy. The sun was hidden behind the thick clouds, and sunlight could no longer be seen.


    Haley was very careful when driving. Because of the fog, her vision was not very clear.


    "Haley, just take your time to drive. There''s no hurry." Mona looked at the misty sky in the distance.


    "Mona, don''t worry. I know what to do." Haley gripped the steering wheel tightly.


    The two of them finally arrived at the entrance of the factory safely. Before Mona could enter, she heard her phone ring.


    As soon as she picked up the call, Ava''s anxious voice came from the receiver. "Mona, where are you? Something bad has happened. The person in charge of the fake goods is about to jump off the building. He''s already on the top floor of Star. No one is allowed to approach him. He''s moring to see you."


    When Mona heard Ava''s words, she became more nervous. "Don''t panic. I''ll be right there."


    After saying that, Mona and Haley hurriedly rushed to Star. She had arrived at the entrance, but she did not even have time to get the down jacket.


    Along the way, Mona was quite worried. If this person''s death was rted to Star, then Star would have to bear the crime. This would not be a simple problem.


    19:06 Tue, Nov 26 R G


    "Mona, don''t panic. Since Ava said that he wants to see you, nothing will happen to him before he sees you,forted Haley as she drove.


    Mona understood what Haley said, but she was just worried and afraid since this was about a living human life.


    36%


    In her previous life, Mona had fallen to her death from the top floor of the hotel. She knew the feeling of being torn apart and her body shattered. In her opinion, life was the most precious. Without life, there was nothing. "Yes, I know. Drive slowly." Mona clenched her fists tightly.


    The journey was smooth. Haley brought Mona to the bottom of Star''s building safely.


    There were already many people standing downstairs. When they looked up, they could see the person holding the railing and swaying. He looked like someone who had fallen into the sea and could only hold the swaying boat. Someone said, "Why is he jumping off a building all of a sudden?"


    Another one said, "He said that thepensation awarded by the court was too much. He can''t afford it."


    Someone said, "If he can''t afford it now, he should pay for it little by little until he pays off. Why can''t he cherish his life?"


    Someone else said, "He''s quite pitiful. The two children in his family are still in school. The tuition fees cost a lot. I think there''s really nothing he can do."


    Someone said, "I hope the police can save himter. After all, it''s a human life. If he dies, what will happen to his family?"


    As soon as Mona arrived, she heard their conversation.


    Ava was already waiting downstairs. As soon as she saw Mona, she pulled her in.


    Ava said, "Mona, the police have already gone up, but he won''t let the police get close to him. He said that he wants to see you. If he''s so persistent, we won''t take thepensation. Talk to him nicely. Don''t let him really jump." "Ava, don''t worry. I''ll go up and hear what he has to say." Monaforted Ava, but she did not agree with Ava.


    She knew very well that if Star set a precedent by letting this man off, the other people who owed Star money would imitate this person and stand on the top floor. They would im that they''d jump from the top floor if they had topensate. Mona couldn''t just allow them not to pay. If she did, Star would lose its business and might as well close down.


    However, Mona didn''t tell Ava what she thought. She said that she wanted to see him first.


    Apanied by Haley and the police, Mona went up to the top floor of Star and saw the person standing at the side. It seemed that if someone gently pushed him, he would fall from the top of the building. The rooftop was more than 70 floors high. If he fell from there, he would die if nothing unexpected happened.


    Mona saw clearly that there was fear in this man''s eyes.


    The man, whose name was Fred Wilson, held the iron railing tightly with one hand and pointed at the person beside Mona with the other, saying, "You, all of you, step back. I''ll talk to Mona Clem."


    Mona could tell that his voice was trembling.


    "Okay. Fred, don''t be agitated. Don''t move. We''ll retreat now," the police officer said as he pulled Haley back.


    Haley looked at Mona worriedly. She really wanted to go over and pull Fred down. However, she was quite far away from him. By the time she went over, Fred would have already jumped off the roof. LUO Tue, NoV ZD


    On the way up, the police had already told Mona that no matter what Fred said, Mona would do her best to agree to it. They would deal with the rest after they saved Fred. Mona agreed.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    The police and Haley had already retreated ording to Fred''s request. Now, Mona was the closest to him, but there was still a distance of about five feet between them.


    The fog in the sky had not dissipated yet. Mona looked at Fred in front of her who was holding onto the iron railing. She felt as if she was looking at herself in her previous life when she was pressed against the wall by Barbara and felt like she was about to fall. However, at that time, she had a strong desire to survive, but Fred in front of her had a small desire to live.

 Chapter 298

    After a moment of silence, Mona dug her nails into her palms to calm herself down.


    She knew that it only happened in her previous life. In this life, she was fine. She was not pressed against the wall and would not fall.


    Mona calmed herself down and said, "I am Mona Clem. Do you have anything to say to me?"


    After listening to Mona, Fred stared at Mona. His eyes were filled with the vicissitudes of life, and his voice was filled with extreme pain. "You''re Mona Clem. I didn''t expect you to be so young. Do you know how ruthless you are? It''s all because of you that I still have a lot of winter clothes in my factory warehouse that I can''t sell.


    "I borrowed money to buy all of them. They''re all piled up in the factory. My partners are asking me for money. My employees are asking me for money. And I have topensate you. You even want so much money. I really can''t afford topensate that much. Even if I sell my organs, I won''t be able to get that much. I might as well end my life."


    As Fred spoke, he became more and more excited. His body seemed to be swaying with the wind.


    Mona finally understood. His life had been unlucky. He had copied Star''s designs by making clothes. In the end, he med all his misfortune on her. He wanted to end everything with his death, but he was unwilling to end his life like this.


    That was why Fred hade to the top floor of Star tomit suicide. Fred wanted Mona to drop thepensation under the pressure of public opinion and the persuasion of the police.


    "Did you go through so much trouble to see me just toin to me?" Mona asked. The wind on the roof made her face hurt a little. She rubbed her hands and put them in the pockets of her coat. She stood about five feet away from Fred and looked at him.


    Fred did not expect that Mona did not persuade him toe down. Instead, she asked him in such an indifferent tone. He did not speak. He crossed his legs to the other side of the iron bars and looked at Mona.


    Now, as soon as he let go of the railing, he would fall from there


    Seeing him like this, the police officer hurriedly said, "Fred,e down. Everything will work out. Think about your family." Then, he said to Mona, "Ms. Clem, please persuade him."


    "Officer, I have nothing to do with him. If you need to persuade him, I remember that he has a wife and children, and they should be the ones doing it, not me. The wind is making me feel a little ufortable. If there''s nothing else that requires my cooperation, I''ll go down first," Mona said.


    She wasn''t a savior. She couldn''t save everyone. Everyone had their own choices. Although life was precious, she believed that people shouldn''t threaten others with their own life.


    The police officer looked at Mona and knew that what she said was the truth. However, Fred did not allow him to inform his family, so he only wanted to see the person in charge of Star, Mona.


    Mona''s voice was not soft when she spoke. Fred could hear her. At that moment, he felt that Mona was the cruelest person he had ever met.


    "I know you want to see me about thepensation. Come down here and we can talk while I have time, or I''ll go back." After Mona finished speaking, she started to turn around.


    "Mona Clem, don''t go. If you leave, I''ll jump immediately. If I do, you won''t be at ease. You won''t be at ease for the rest of your life. Public opinion won''t let you off. Let''s talk here." Fred''s tone was already very agitated. He was about to loosen his grip on the railing. His pair of weathered eyes stared fixedly at Mona.


    "Let''s talk then," Mona said.


    3


    #


    54%


    She had acted so cruelly just now to let Fred and some onlookers know that she was cruel and domineering. Her request was that if those people did notpensate her, they could pay her less, but they had topensate her. Otherwise, Star would not be able to gain a foothold in Nathontown.


    At this moment, Maxwell rushed over. When he saw Mona standing in the wind, he hugged Mona and said, "Mona, it''s dangerous here. Go down first. I''ll talk to him."


    "Maxwell, why are you here?" Mona asked. Up until now, she had not informed Maxwell.


    Maxwell held Mona''s shoulder and casually nced at Fred, who was on the verge of falling.


    Maxwell said, "This matter is all over the Inte. Nigel told me. Alright now, listen to me. It''s dangerous here. Go down with Haley first. I understand what you mean."


    When Mona wanted to say that she would stay with him, she saw Maxwell nod at her, so she didn''t say anything.


    Mona kept looking back at Maxwell when she left. Maxwell nodded at her and she left with Haley.


    She had never encountered such a situation before and had never dealt with it before. However, Maxwell was different. He had been in charge of thepany for so long. Even if he had not encountered the exact same situation, there were simr


    ones.


    When Fred saw Mona disappear from his sight step by step, he hurriedly shouted, "Mona Clem,e back. If you don''te back, I''ll jump from here."


    In the distance, Mona heard Fred''s voice. She was afraid that Fred would jump, but she believed that Maxwell could handle it.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Hearing Fred''s scream, she acted as if she did not hear him and walked out step by step, away from there.


    Maxwell was not as good-tempered as Mona. When he heard Fred''s words, he said nonchntly, "Jump. Just jump if you can. Let your wife and your children pay the money you owe. What does it have to do with me and Mona? Over time, everything will be forgotten, and public opinion will slowly disappear. In the future, Star will still be the same. It won''t be affected in Nathontown. You''re just trying to welsh by jumping off the building in public."


    With every word Maxwell said, Fred''s hands gripped the railing tightly, afraid that a gust of wind would blow him down. What Maxwell said was true. Fred just wanted to renege on his debt to Star. His son had yet to grow up and had yet to get married and have children. His daughter had yet to get married, and Fred would never bear to die.


    This idea was given to him by aizen, who said that if he went to the rooftop and scared Mona, he wouldn''t have topensate.


    When the police saw that Maxwell actually asked Fred to jump in public, they wanted to stop him, but Fred''s hands gripped the railing tightly.


    Fred did not say anything. Maxwell continued, "Come down now. I''ll give you a chance. Thepensation can be postponed. We can discuss the exact time. Your wife and children will arrive soon. What will they think when they see you like this?"


    When Fred heard that his wife and children wereing, he immediately panicked. "Can... can you decide this for Mona Clem? Will she agree to what you say?"


    Maxwell nodded. "I''m her husband. I''ll take care of this. It''s up to you if you will get down. If you really can''t, just jump. When I came here just now, I saw that the safety measures below have beenpleted. You won''t die if you jump. I just don''t know if you''ll break your limbs. It''ll be even more troublesome then."

 Chapter 299

    hapter 299


    J


    A


    The more Maxwell spoke, the more nervous Fred became. He had the intention to step over the railing. He did not want to fall and be crippled. Or rather, he did not want to die today. He only wanted to scare Mona.


    Fred''s wife said, "Fred, what are you doing? Didn''t we already agree on this? After selling the house, we''re just short ofpensating Star. We''ll slowly return the money. What are you doing?"


    Fred''s son said, "Dad, I''m graduating this year. I can earn money too. We''ll pay it back together."


    Fred''s daughter said, "Dad,e down now. I''ll behave well. I don''t want beautiful dresses anymore. I want you to be with us, Dad."


    Fred''s family rushed over and spoke to Fred one by one.


    11


    Fred looked at his family with tears in his eyes before he turned to Maxwell. "Do you mean what you said just now?"


    Maxwell nodded. "Of course."


    After saying that, he left. The matter had been resolved.


    After Maxwell left, Fred was dragged down by his family. He was trembling all over. His wife was so angry that she punched his chest andined, "What are you doing? If anything happens to you, what will happen to us?" After getting down, Fred still felt that his legs were a little weak. He patted his wife''s back andforted her. "I''m fine. I''m fime."


    His wife said, "You can''t do this kind of stupid thing anymore."


    Fred said, "Alright, I''ll listen to you."


    This farce ended in a good oue. No one was harmed.


    The police and onlookers were happy to see such an oue. At the same time, they had a better impression of Star. When Barbara saw the news on the television, she grabbed the remote control in her hand so hard that She thought, "The matter has been resolved so easily? What a bunch of losers! It''s so frustrating!''


    After Maxwell and Mona finished talking about what had just happened, they heard someone knock on the door and say that Fred had arrived.


    "Go ahead. I''ll wait for you here. Let''s have lunch together." Maxwell pinched the soft flesh on Mona''s waist.


    Mona looked at Maxwell shyly before leaving the office.


    I was about to break.


    In the conference room, Mona and Fred signed a new contract. Fred signed his name on the paper with tears in his eyes. Mona thought of his children at the door and said, "Don''t giarize again. Your wife and children need you." "No, I won''t do this kind of thing again. I''ll do things honestly. I''ll definitely pay you back," Fred said firmly. After what had just happened, he decided that he couldn''t leave this debt to his wife and children.


    Mona said, "I believe you. I heard that your son majored in sales. After graduation, if he wants, he cane to Star." After listening to Maxwell, Mona felt that Fred''s son was a responsible person. Such a person could be given a chance. 1/3 16:24 Wed, Nov 27 BB


    54%


    "Alright. Thank you so much." Fred looked at Mona excitedly. At first, he thought that she was a heartless woman. He was


    wrong.


    She had a soft heart.


    After Fred and the others left Star, Mona finally rxedpletely. She sat in the office with Maxwell, who massaged her shoulders from time to time.


    "Will you be busy with thepany affairs this afternoon?" Mona asked.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Not really. What''s wrong?" Maxwell asked.


    "I was just asking. Come home early in the afternoon. I''ve prepared a little surprise for you!" Mona said with a smile.


    Maxwell pinched Mona''s earlobe and looked at the watch on his wrist. He asked curiously, "What little surprise? Why don''t we go home and take a look now?"


    Mona said, "It''s not home yet. I''m not ready yet. Stop massaging me. It''s about time. Let''s go eat."


    She hadn''t taken the down jacket back yet, so she couldn''t go home now.


    "Then tell me, what have you prepared?" Maxwell asked.


    She was halfway through her sentence, saying that she would give him a surprise, but she did not say what it was, which left him hanging. Maxwell was tempted and curious about the surprise Mona had prepared. Mona smiled at Maxwell and whispered into his ear, "It''s a secret!"


    Maxwell looked at Mona, very curious about her secret.


    In the afternoon, Mona, apanied by Haley, finally went to the warehouse to take her down jacket and Maxwell''s home.


    The workers had got the down jackets down. Mona could just take it home and wear it.


    After Mona returned home, she hung up the down jackets. One was ck and the other was white. The white one was hers, and the ck one was Maxwell. They looked verypatible.


    Mona already had the image of Maxwell wearing the down jacket in her mind.


    Before it was exactly five, Mona heard the sound of the car parked outside. That meant that Maxwell had already returned before five o''clock today.


    Mona had already put on the down jacket. It was very warm. Most of her face was wrapped in the cor of the down jacket, making her look like a young student. She was full of vitality.


    As soon as Maxwell entered, he saw Mona standing by the door. She was smiling at him. With just a nce, Maxwell''s heart was pounding. Of course, he also saw Mona change into a new outfit.


    He immediately strode over and hugged her in his arms, his fingers pinching her earlobes.


    Mona''s earlobes were soft and felt good to the touch. Maxwell liked to caress them. At the same time, Mona''s earlobes were especially sensitive. Maxwell felt like a child who had received a gift he liked and could not bear to part with it. "Why are you wearing such a thick down jacket at home today?" Maxwell held Mona''s hand. He was d that it was not cold. Mona did not answer Maxwell. Instead, she asked, "Does it look good?"


    Maxwell nodded. Even if Mona wore a sack and asked Maxwell if it looked good, Maxwell would nod without hesitation and say that it looked good, let alone such a fitting down jacket.


    "I''m d it looks good. You have one too." Mona held Maxwell''s hand and walked into the room. 16.24


    "I have one too?" Maxwell said. He already knew what the surprise Mona had prepared for him was.


    <3


    Mona squeezed Maxwell''s hand. She looked at him shyly and asked, "Didn''t you suggest we have matching outfits?"


    54%


    Maxwell met Mona''s sparkling eyes and felt touched. "Yes, I suggested it. I didn''t expect you to finish it so quickly. I thought you had just finished drawing the design draft!"


    Mona had drawn this design behind Maxwell''s back. She wanted to give him a surprise after the down jackets were made, so Maxwell didn''t even know when Mona had finished drawing it. "Alright, then I forgive you. Come in

 Chapter 300

    Maxwell reached out and felt the down jacket. It felt very warm. He immediately kissed Mona''s face and hugged her. The faint fragrance on Mona made him feel at ease. "Honey, you''re the best."


    Thinking about it, Maxwell felt that he was lucky. Although he did not gain any good kinship, he had obtained a good marriage and Mona''s love for him. In the future, he and Mona would have children and form a very happy family. That way, his children would definitely not have such a miserable childhood like he did and would live a very happy life.


    He had Bud as his buddy, so he felt that he enjoyed his life.


    Mona hugged Maxwell back. She leaned her head against Maxwell''s chest and patted his waist. "Alright, stop being so mushy. Put it on and let me see if it looks good."


    Maxwell looked at the down jacket again and nodded at Mona. "Okay. I''ll give it a try now."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Maxwell put on the same down jacket as Mona''s. It was very warm. He felt warm not only physically but also mentally.


    "Honey, do I look good?" Maxwell walked around Mona and looked at the down jacket Mona was wearing. Then, he looked at his.


    Maxwell was waiting for Mona''s praise, just like how children who wore new clothes waited for their parents to praise them. Mona nodded. She picked up her phone and recorded her and Maxwell''s happy life. Then, she posted it on Twitter to show it to the shippers of her and Maxwell. After delivering the post, Mona set Twitter aside and focused on Maxwell in front of her.


    In front of the wide French windows, the light from outside shone in, giving his perfect features and his broad back a hazy glow. His fine hair seemed to be a little too long, almost blocking his eyes.


    Maxwell waved at Mona, who had put down her phone, indicating for her to go over. Mona smiled and walked over. She raised her hands and hugged Maxwell''s neck.


    Maxwell wrapped her in his arms and said in an absolutely domineering manner, "Are you done?"


    Actually, Maxwell really liked how Mona often recorded her and his daily life. This made Maxwell feel safe. These were all beautiful memories between him and Mona. Mona nodded. "I''ve posted it. You''re very handsome in the photos. I like them very much."


    "Yes, I like that too, but I prefer the real you in front of me." Then, Maxwell whispered into Mona''s ear, "Because I can hug you and kiss you."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Maxwell kissed Mona''s lips. It was very gentle. He reached Mona''s tongue bit by bit and slowly immersed her in this kiss.


    To be honest, Maxwell felt that he especially liked kissing Mona. This would make all his blood race and his body roar. He felt like a dead tree meeting raindrops when he met Mona.


    Mona did not expect that the few photos she casually posted would cause quite a stir. Manyizens took a fancy to the same matching outfits as Maxwell''s and hers and even found out that the down jackets were produced by Star. However, after shopping in Star''s stores, they did not see the same matching outfits. In the end, manyizens leftments on Mona''s Twitter page.


    When Mona opened Twitter again, it was already the afternoon of the next day. When she saw many people asking her for the link to the matching outfits, Mona replied, [I''m very sorry. I designed this for me and my husband alone. It''s not for sale. 16:24 Wed, Nov 27 BB.


    Star has many beautiful clothes to choose from, which I hope will be to your liking.]


    3


    This was not a simple design. The embroidery on the cor hid a mystery. The abbreviation of Maxwell''s name was embroidered on Mona''s down jacket. The abbreviation of Mona''s name was embroidered on Maxwell''s down jacket. It was their unique matching outfits. When theizens saw Mona''s reply, they only felt that it was a pity. At the same time, they witnessed Maxwell and Mona''s love and gave their blessings.


    Mona looked at theizens'' replies and was very happy.


    Time passed day by day. Mona felt great during these days. In the blink of an eye, it was time for Barbara to represent Zetron to participate in the Design Competition held in Welintern.


    A week ago, Albert had returned from the army. He looked forward to this trip to Welintern and wanted to restore Mona and Barbara''s rtionship to the past.


    Over the past few days, Albert often stayed in Mona and Maxwell''s house. He would ask Mona from time to time to hand over the work at hand. Albert had already thought of a way out if she still had not finished dealing with it by the day they boarded the ne. He would ask Ava for help. Three nights before they were going to Welintern, Bernard called and asked Mona and Maxwell to go over.


    Of course, Mona knew why her grandfather called her over. Albert kept persuading her. In the end, Mona hesitated for a moment and decided to agree.


    If Mona had known in advance what would happen if she went to Welintern, she would have rejected Albert without hesitation no matter how much he nagged at her and begged her.


    When Mona got out of the car at night, she adjusted her clothes. Maxwell quickly held her hand and walked toward the Clem family''s ce. When his hand wrapped around her, she felt very warm. Mona could not help but lean toward Maxwell.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Albert stood at the door and saw the two of them walking over slowly. He quickly smiled at them and said, "Mona, Maxwell,e in now. We''ve been waiting for you."


    After Mona and Maxwell entered, they saw Barbara sitting on the sofa. The heater was turned on in the room, and she was only wearing a white dress. Her slightly curly hair covered most of her face, making her look extremely obedient. Barbara looked up and saw Maxwell and Mona slowly walking over. Mona was wearing a bloated down jacket, but it could not hide her slender figure at all. Barbara showed a polite smile and obediently called out to Mona and Maxwell. Under Albert''s focused gaze, Mona nodded and sat opposite Barbara with Maxwell.


    "They''re all here. Polly, it''s time for dinner," Jane said to Polly beside her.


    Polly nodded and went into the kitchen to prepare for the banquet.


    The meal was sumptuous. There were fish, prawns, and other kinds of meat. It looked very appetizing.


    Halfway through dinner, they naturally talked about going to Welintern. Bernard wanted Maxwell and Mona to go together as a way to rx abroad.


    While they were talking, Barbara obediently kept quiet and ate the food in front of her.


    "Mona, just treat it as you and Maxwell hanging out with the two of us. It will be almost Christmas when wee back. We can prepare gifts for Christmas then," Bernard advised.

 Chapter 301

    "That''s right, Mona, Maxwell. You''ve already promised me a long time ago. You can''t go back on your word." Albert used the serving fork to pick up a chicken wing for Mona and ced it of her te. His eyes were filled with warning.


    Mona and Maxwell looked at each other. Seeing him nod, she also nodded. "Okay, Grandpa, Grandma, I''ll go with you." But she just wanted to apany them on a trip, not to watch the designpetition.


    The matter was settled just like that. The dinner afterward was pecially harmonious. Mona could see very clearly that the wrinkles at the corners of Bernard''s eyes were especially obvious when he smiled.


    Jane and Bernard were happy, and so was she. She thought that would be good to apany her family overseas. She felt that this trip would be even better if Barbara wasn''t there.


    However, Mona only thought about it. Bernard and Jane were going to Welintern for a holiday at such an old age. Their main goal was to watch Barbara''spetition. Thispetition represented the country. If Barbara could win the award, the honor would belong to the Clem family, and they would be proud.


    In the next two days, Mona handed over her work. Maxwell arranged the work for the next ten days. Bud looked at the work arrangements in his hands and his eyes looked at Maxwell. He felt desperate how much work there was.


    He thought, ''Maxwell really treats me as his buddy. This is outrageous.


    Maxwell could see the dissatisfaction in Bud''s eyes. He also knew that what he was doing was not nice. He went on a trip and handed all his work to Bud. He touched his nose and said apologetically, "When I return, I''ll let you take an annual leave."


    Clem Group was currently in the expansion stage. Maxwell trusted Bud the most in thepany. Only by handing thepany to him would he be at ease.


    Meeting Maxwell''s trusting gaze, Bud patted his shoulder hard. "Alright, go home quickly. When you''re not around, I''ll take care of thepany for you."


    Anyway, there was no one pestering him now. Bud felt that it was good to work to pass the time.


    Maxwell patted Bud''s shoulder and left the office. Mona was still waiting for him at home.


    When he went out, the sky had darkened. Only the streetlights in the distance were lit. Warm orange light illuminated the area, which reminded people that it was time to go home.


    Maxwell satzily in the back seat. His well-defined fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. The light outside shone in through the car window, making his facial features look hazy and handsome.


    People could not bear to look away after taking a look at him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Nigel drove seriously in front. He would also go to Welintern with Maxwell tomorrow. Maxwell''s safety was his main mission.


    The car drove steadily on the road. In a daze, Maxwell subconsciously looked out and saw a man at the intersection. His eyes widened, and their gazes met through the window. As the car drove forward, their gazes missed each other. "Stop the car!" Maxwell ordered.


    Nigel parked the car by the roadside as instructed and turned on the lights. Then, he saw Maxwell open the window and look out. There was nothing at the intersection just now.


    For a moment, Maxwell felt that he was seeing things because he was too tired from working overtime for the past two days. He couldn''t believe that he saw someone who looked exactly like him just now.


    Maxwell said, Let''s go


    Nigel nodded and slowly started the car, driving toward the vi


    069%


    After the car started, Maxwell closed his eyes to rest. He thought about the person he saw at the intersection just now. He supposed he had worked too hard these few days and was actually hallucinatinge


    After returning home at night, Maxwell did not take the person who looked exactly like him to heart at all. He only thought that he was too tired today.


    He walked into the bedroom and looked at Mona who was tidying up. The fatigue in him seemed to have disappeared automatically. He hugged Mona''s waist from behind and rested his head on the top of her head when he smelled the faint fragrance on Mona. This smell was unique to Mona. It was not the smell of perfume but more like her body fragrance, a fragrance that Maxwell was addicted to.


    Maxwell''s hands suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind. Mona could smell his familiar scent. Mona put down her clothes, turned around in Maxwell''s arms, and kissed his lips.


    "Are you done with your work?" she asked with a smile.


    Maxwell nodded. When he met Mona''s big eyes, he found them beautiful no matter how he looked at them. "I''ve already instructed Bud. With him taking care of thepany, I can rest assured."


    "That''s good. I see that you''ve been staying upte for the past two days and there are dark circles under your eyes. I''ve already asked Hattie to prepare dinner. Sit and rest for a while. After I''ve packed my luggage, we will have dinner." Mona pulled Maxwell to the front and let him sit on the sofa.


    Regarding Mona''s good intentions, Maxwell did not refuse and epted it calmly. He held Mona''s hand and squeezed it in his palm for a while before letting go of her hand.


    The next morning, the sun shone brightly on the ground. It was a rare good weather. After Mona and Maxwell packed up, they went to the Clem family''s ce. They went to the airport with Bernard, Jane, and Albert.


    Because Barbara was participating in thepetition, she had to get some work done in the early stages. She had already gone to Welintern in advance.


    The ne streaked a white line across the blue sky as it took off from Nathontown to Welintern.


    In the first-ss cabin, Mona felt veryforted when she saw that Albert was taking good care of Bernard and Jane. Once again, she felt that letting Albert go to the army was the right choice. Not only was his life different from how it was in her previous life, but he also knew how to take care of others.


    Maxwell covered him and Mona with a nket. Both of them had a headphone. Mona leaned on Maxwell''s shoulder and found afortable position. The movie was ying in front of him.


    Mona was watching the movie. Maxwell asionally nced at it. Most of his gaze was on Mona''s face.


    Her fair cheeks, thick eyebrows, and small eyshes attracted him. She had big watery eyes and plump lips. As the plot of the movie changed, she smiled unconsciously, making Maxwell smile.


    After a few hours of flying, it was already evening when they arrived in Welintern. The nended safely at the airport in Welintern. The hotel had already been booked in advance, and Nigel had already prepared a car.


    Barbara still had things to do in the early stages of thepetition. She asked her subordinates to pick up Bernard and the others. They immediately got into the car and went to the hotel.


    After flying for a few hours, they were very tired, especially Bernard and Jane. Even their curiosity about foreign countries


    17.03 Thu, Nov 28 BD.


    V


    Chapter 301-


    69%


    was suppressed. Now, they only wanted to lie in bed and rest.


    After going to the hotel room, they asked the waiter to serve dinner. After they ate something. Bernard urged Mona and the others to return to their rooms.

 Chapter 302

    Mona could tell that Jane and Bernard were tired, so he did not disturb them too much and left their room with Maxwell.


    Because they were in a foreign country, Maxwell was worried about their safety After all, he had offended many people in his business over the years. The first time he went overseas with Mona, he was almost harmed. This time, Maxwell was fully prepared. The hotel was filled with many of his people.


    When they just got off the ne, Mona also felt tired. Now that she had eaten, she felt full of energy again. Even walking in the hotel corridor, she felt intrigued.


    Maxwell looked at Mona who was looking around and asked, "Do you want to go out for a walk?"


    Mona nodded without hesitation. "I want to go out for a walk. Are you tired? If you are, we''ll go tomorrow."


    Maxwell said, "I''m not tired. Go back to the room and put on your clothes first. There''s a snow mountain not far from the hotel. It''s cold outside."


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and walked into their room. Because they often held hands, Maxwell could feel the thickness and texture of Mona''s fingers.


    It was the same for Mona. Every time the two of them held hands, Mona felt that their hands were exceptionallypatible as if they were born to be together. Maxwell''s hand was just big enough to wrap around hers.


    After the two of them returned to their room, Maxwell took out cashmere gloves, scarves, and hats from the suitcase. After putting them on for Mona, he held her hand and walked out of the hotel.


    Haley and Nigel followed them from afar to prevent any idents.


    After leaving the hotel, Mona could see the snowy mountain in the distance. Under the moonlight, it looked especially cold. Around it were tenacious trees with red and green lights hanging. It seemed to be a little lively. This made Mona feel a little different. "Mona, it''s dark. Let''s take a walk outside. We''ll go to the ces we want to have fun in two days." Maxwell wiped the pockets of his coat with both hands and looked into Mona''s eyes.


    Mona nodded. "Let''s take a walk on the road. We''ll go back to our room in a while. It''s too cold out here. When Ie out, I feel that my feet are cold."


    The temperature in Welintern was really too low. Mona was already wearing snow boots with thick padding. The moment she came out, she felt that her feet were especially cold. The cold seemed to have seeped into her hands, and she felt so cold that her nose was about to run.


    The two of them walked forward. Mona handed one of his gloves to Maxwell and gestured for him to put it on.


    "Mona, keep it. I don''t feel cold," Maxwell refused. He could already feel the cold in this weather, let alone Mona.


    Mona did not care if Maxwell refused or not. She stuffed the glove in his hand into Maxwell''s hand and smiled. "I just want you to hold my hand."


    Maxwell''s fingers gently touched the tip of Mona''s nose as he said, "Do you want me to hold your hand that much?"


    As he spoke, he put Mona''s glove on his left hand. It was light yellow, and it was a bit too small for him. However, Maxwell did not dislike it at all. Instead, he liked it very much because he was wearing the same glove as Mona did.


    After Maxwell put on the glove, he held Mona''s hand and wrapped his handpletely around hers. He took two deep breaths and ced their hands in the pocket of his coat.


    17:03 Thu, Nov 28BB.


    Their cold hands seemed to be slowly warming up when they were ced together.


    69% +5


    "Yes, I just want you to hold my hand because I like the feeling of holding your hand. It''s very safe." Mona did not shy away from expressing her liking for Maxwell. Maxwell said, "It''s an honor for me!"


    The two of them continued to walk forward. There was actually a roasted beef kebab stall in front of them. A nice smell


    a foreign country. wafted over. Mona was craving it. She did not expect to see this


    She pointed at the stall and said to Maxwell, "I want to have roasted beef kebabs."


    How could Maxwell reject Mona''s small wish? He said generously, "Let''s go and buy it."


    The person selling roasted sweet potatoes was an olddy. As soon as Mona and Maxwell went over, they asked in Norentish how many they wanted to buy.


    Mona thought that there were still Haley and Nigel behind her. She had already eaten dinner in the hotel just now. Then, she replied to the olddy in Norentish that she needed three and asked for an extra bag. She would share it with Maxwellter.


    After Maxwell paid, the olddy handed the delicious roasted beef kebabs to Mona. After Mona gave one respectively to Haley and Nigel, she still had one in her hand.


    After Maxwell paid, Mona handed him a bag and one end of the roasted beef kebab. The two of them worked together and divided the roasted beef kebab.


    There was a small park beside them. Mona and the others sat on the bench and ate the roasted beef kebabs. There was a band singing beside them. It was a Norentish song that sounded quite ancient.


    By the time Mona finished the tasty roasted beef kebabs, the performance in front was almost over. Apuse and praise spread throughout the square for a long time.


    Someone tipped the band. Mona followed suit and tipped some money.


    On the way back to the hotel, Mona was still discussing with Maxwell the song they had just heard in the square. Then, she said that she had not heard Maxwell sing for a long time.


    Maxwell looked at Mona dotingly and said, "I''ll sing you to your heart''s content when we get back to the hotel." After returning to the hotel, Maxwell kept his promise and sang the songs that Mona usually liked to listen to.


    However, as he sang, they started to do different things.


    The snow mountain in the distance flickered in the darkness. Maxwell and Mona in the room stuck to each other and gradually let out low voices.


    In the darkness, in the unfamiliar environment, sensation seemed to be magnified. Mona felt that she was sitting in a small boat, drifting around in the sea with the wind. The only person she could rely on was Maxwell, who was in front of her, and her hands were tightly wrapped around his waist.


    The sky gradually brightened. Mona slowly opened her eyes. Maxwell was no longer by her side. She subconsciously felt the temperature beside her. It was still warm. It seemed that he had just woken up.


    Mona rubbed her waist and felt like it was about to fall apart. Sheined in her heart that Maxwell did not know how to control himself.


    After Mona washed up and went out, she saw the note Maxwell had left for her. Breakfast was ready, and he went out for a


    run.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

 Chapter 303

    Shemented that her stamina was really different from his. During the night, Maxwell did most of the work when they had However, they felt different afterward Maxwell was full of energy, but she felt worn out


    Afterining in her heart. Mona began to enjoy her breakfast.


    The Design Competition would be held tonight. Mona nned to walk around with Maxwell for most of the day to enjoy life.


    0


    COMMENT


    69%


    Half a day passed quickly. Mona took many photos of the scenery of Welintern, as well as photos of her family and Maxwell.


    She chose two photos of Maxwell at the foot of the snow mountain and posted them on Twitter. Every small matter between her and Maxwell was worth remembering.


    The sunlight shone through the refraction of the snow andnded on the faces of Mona and Maxwell. Their smiles were especially dazzling. Almost as soon as the photos were posted,izens liked andmented on them. They wished Mona and Maxwell well. Through the photos posted by Mona these days, theizens discovered a pattern. Whenever Mona was around, Maxwell would never look at the camera. Every time, he would look at Mona with a smile. His eyes were filled with doting love for Mona.


    The Design Competition was held in the multipurpose hall of Welintern''s exhibition center. It was about half an hour away from the hotel where Mona and the others were staying. It was a t road. They had to be careful when they passed by the sea bridge because the slope was very steep.


    Mona and the others were Barbara''s family members. When they received the admission tickets, they found that their seats were rtively close to the front.


    Due to therge number of people, Barbara''s family drove two cars. Without a doubt, Mona and Maxwell were sitting in the


    same car.


    Late at night, the starry sky in Welintern was exceptionally bright. Looking up, one could see countless stars leaning against the moon. Mona was wearing a long white dress and a light-colored down jacket. Together with Maxwell, she slowly walked into the exhibition center.


    The exhibition was filled with people from all over the world. The difference in skin color andnguage was the biggest difference.


    Mona and Maxwell didn''t walk back and forth inside. They just sat down ording to the seats on the tickets.


    The heater was turned on. Not long after, Mona felt the heat and took off her down jacket. Not long after, a host came on stage and exined the Design Competition with a smile.


    Since Mona was here, she watched carefully to see what good inspiration the designs of various countries could give her.


    As the lights shone on the stage, designers from one country after another went on stage. Mona watched intently. They presented all kinds of bold designs, ingenious designs,ce, and openings. The more she looked at them, the more she felt that her mind was filled with inspiration. She wished she could use a paintbrush to record these ingenious designs now.


    When the host called out to Zetron, three representatives showed their works one after another. Mona felt that among these designs, Barbara''s design did not have any special surprises. Instead, she felt that Zetron''s third representative''s design was very amazing. If Mona was the referee, she would give this work a high score. However, the key was that she was not the referee, and thispetition was not up to her to decide. She did not know if her decision was fair, so she did not think too much about it. Soon, Zetron''s showcase waspleted. Albert sat beside Mona and shouted, "Mona, Barbara''s dress is really beautiful."


    Mona nodded perfunctorily and did not continue the topic with Albert.


    Unknowingly, the Design Competition was graduallying to an end. Mona''s mind was now filled with inspiration. She wanted to take out a pen and record it.


    At the award ceremony, the judges had the same aesthetic taste as Mona. The third designer from Zetron won third ce in


    3


    17:04 Thu, Nov 28 @ B


    the first prize, while Barbare won third ce in the third prize.


    69%


    Although their works were not the best, it was already very good that two of the three participants from Zetron could win an award. Bernard looked proud. When Barbara walked down from the stage, Albert immediately handed the flowers in his hand over and hugged her. He congratted her with a smile.


    Bernard and Jane had tears of satisfaction.


    The award of Barbara belonged to the Clem family.


    Facing everyone''s gazes, Barbara felt proud. She looked at Mona arrogantly before looking back. She was as arrogant as a


    white swan.


    Mona noticed Barbara''s gaze and did not take it to heart. She just maintained her normal expression.


    Maxwell did not even look at Barbara.


    "Mona, if it weren''t for the giarism incident, you would definitely have won the first prize," Barbara said regretfully.


    Although Barbara said that, she still felt that she was better at designing than Mona. No matter what, she was the one who finally went on stage, not Mona.


    "Barbara, you''re thinking too much. I''m tired from sitting for so long. Grandpa, Grandma, let''s go back to the hotel!" Mona said. She wanted to hurry back and record her inspiration.


    Bernard watched as the people left one after another. She nodded and held Jane''s hand as they walked out.


    When they were going back to the hotel, Albert wanted to let Barbara and Mona take a car so that their rtionship would be better.


    This time, before Mona could refuse, Barbara quickly said no.


    "Albert, no, no. I haven''t talked to my grandparents in a long time. Let''s squeeze together," Barbara said with a smile. Then, she said to Mona and Maxwell, "Mona, Maxwell, lead the way. We''ll follow behind you."


    It didn''t have a problem with Mona. She did not want to be with Barbara. She nodded and bent down to get into the car.


    After Nigel saw Mona enter and got permission, he stepped on the elerator and started the car.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Barbara, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, saw the car in front start slowly. The light shone through the car window. A smile appeared on her fair face, making her look a little sinister.


    "Albert, drive slower. For the sake of safety, let''s maintain a certain distance from the car in front," Barbara said sweetly.


    Then, she said to Bernard and Jane behind her, "Grandpa, Grandma, I just feel that there are more cars now. It''s better for us to drive slower."


    "Alright. Albert, Barbara is right. Tell Mona to drive slower too. There are more cars leaving this ce at this time," said Bernard.


    Now that society had been developing, there were more and more cars on the road. Safety mattered the most.


    Albert nodded and sent Mona a message on WhatsApp.


    After receiving it, Mona told Nigel and then replied an "okay" to Albert.


    The car drove at a constant speed on the road. Mona leaned her head on Maxwell''s shoulder and closed her eyes to rest. Maxwell held Mona''s shoulder.


    Nigel listened to Mona and drove slowly, afraid that something


    However, what he was afraid of came true. When the car drove. rushed straight to the edge of the bridge. It was very likely that


    Nigel frowned and held the steering wheel tightly, trying to stab


    a


    69%


    5


    Nigel listened to Mona and drove slowly, afraid that something would happen.


    However, what he was afraid of came true. When the car drove on the bridge, for some reason, the tires slipped and the car rushed straight to the edge of the bridge. It was very likely that would rush down. Nigel frowned and held the steering wheel tightly, trying to stabilize the car.

 Chapter 304

    However, the car ran forward uncontrobly. Nigel quickly stepped on the brakes. The car seemed to have lost control and rushed toward the railing.


    When danger approached, Maxwell held Mona tightly in his arms. Without any hesitation, he used his chest to protect her.


    He said to Nigel, "Step on the brakes tightly and stabilize the steering wheel. Don''t panic!"


    "Yes." Nigel did as he was told. He took two deep breaths and gradually calmed himself down. He held the steering wheel tightly and stepped on the brakes, trying to get the car to stop.


    Sensing danger, Mona hugged Maxwell''s waist tightly. Her heart was about to jump out of her throat. She prayed that they must be fine.


    When the car ident happened this time, she did not know if it was because she was with Maxwell, but the fear in her heart was not as intense as in her previous life. She only chanted in her heart that they had to be safe and sound. Haley, who was sitting in the passenger seat, looked at the scene outside through the window. She held her seatbelt tightly and prayed in her heart that everything would be fine.


    With everyone''s prayers and efforts, the car finally turned around on the road and crashed into the opposite railing uncontrobly.


    For a moment, the car and the railing collided violently. The surrounding cars stopped in an orderly manner. Some kind owners immediately got out and called the police and ambnce.


    The moment the car collided, Mona felt something flowing down her face. Her hand subconsciously touched it. It was blood.


    She raised her hand and felt Maxwell''s cheek in fear. When she felt it, her hand was still sticky with blood. At that moment, Mona could hear the violent heartbeat in her chest. Fear overwhelmed her.


    Feeling the fear of Mona in his arms, Maxwell forced himself to focus. He said in a weak voice, "Mona, I''m fine."


    Then, Mona clearly felt Maxwell''s grip on her waist loosen. With a violent rebound, Mona lost consciousness.


    When Bernard and Jane saw that Mona''s car had an ident, Jane trembled violently. Her body was no longer under her control.


    "Albert, get out now and see what''s going on," Bernard stuttered


    From afar, they could see that the front of the car had already been knocked off. It was emitting ck and white smoke. In the dark night, it looked especially miserable.


    Albert hurriedly opened the car door. Through the crowded cars and onlookers, he finally walked to the car and saw the unconscious Haley sitting in the front passenger seat. Albert knocked on the door forcefully,


    "Haley, Mona, Maxwell, Nigel!" Albert shouted loudly, hoping that the people inside would reply to him when they heard him.


    ....The bone-chilling wind blew on his hand, and the cold temperature of the car door spread from his hand to his entire body. However, this was not as scary as the fear in his heart.


    The car doors were locked from the inside, and now the door he was pounding on was tightly closed. Albert tried hard to break it open, but it did not feel like it was loosening at all.


    The bodyguards hired by Maxwell also rushed over. Everyone worked together and finally pried open the car door. By the


    16:21 Fri, Nov 29 B BO


    0070%


    time the police and ambnce arrived, they had already helped everyone in the car down, who were all unconscious.


    When Mona was carried down, she opened her eyes in a daze and happened to see Maxwell being helped down by Albert. He was unconscious and his eyes were tightly closed. His forehead was covered in blood and his face and lips were pale. Mona was supported by someone. She moved with difficulty and forced herself to walk toward Maxwell. With every step, Mona felt dizzy. She felt like her feet were stepping on driftwood. She swayed. With the help of kind people, Mona finally arrived in front of Maxwell. +5


    Her tears flowed down from the corner of her eyes. Her hand trembled as she pulled Maxwell''s hand and held it tightly. She muttered, "Maxwell, Maxwell, you must be fine. You can''t leave me alone."


    Jane walked to Mona with Barbara''s help. When she saw that Mona had woken up and seemed to be fine, she rxed a little. When she saw that Maxwell was unconscious beside Mona, she unconsciously became nervous again.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Mona, don''t be afraid. The ambnce is here. Maxwell will definitely be fine," Janeforted Mona. She knew that Mona loved Maxwell deeply. She didn''t know what would happen to Mona if anything bad happened to Maxwell. Mona cried and nodded. Tears flowed down her pale face to Maxwell''s palm. Mona clearly felt his finger move slightly. She said to Jane in surprise, "Grandma, Grandma, Maxwell''s finger just moved. He will definitely be fine." After saying that, Mona lost consciousness and fainted again.


    Jane nodded and prayed in her heart that God would protect them.


    Barbara looked at the unconscious Maxwell and could not help but smile.


    She thought, ''Great, something good is about to happen.''


    At this moment, the medical staff rushed over. The doctors examined Mona and Maxwell slightly before carrying them on a stretcher in an orderly manner. They were sent to the ambnce, and Albert followed them. Jane and the others drove behind the ambnce and safely arrived at the hospital in Welintern.


    Albert and the others quietly stood guard outside and stared at the door of the operating theater without moving.


    It had started snowing outside. The hospital''s night was exceptionally cold and bone-chilling.


    Standing outside the ward, Bernard resented himself. Mona clearly didn''t want toe to Welintern to watch thepetition. He thought that if he hadn''t persuaded her back then, this tragic car ident wouldn''t have happened.


    As he thought about it, there were gradually tears in his turbid eyes. He couldn''t let anything happen to his granddaughter, Mona, the granddaughter he had raised since she was young. Also, he couldn''t let anything happen to Maxwell


    ***


    The sky was slightly bright and sunny. The snow had stopped and a ray of sunlight shone into the ward. On the hospital bed, Mona opened her eyes in a daze.


    What she saw was an unfamiliar environment with white walls and the smell of disinfectant.


    Recalling what happened before she fainted, Mona struggled to get out of bed. For a moment, she felt light-headed.


    As soon as Jane opened the door and entered, she saw Mona, who had already sat up. Jane quickly went over to help her.


    Jane said, "Mona, lie down now. The doctor said you have a concussion. It''s best if you don''t move."


    Mona grabbed Jane''s hand and asked, "Grandma, how is Maxwell How is he doing? What about Haley and Nigel?"


    F


    16:21 Fri, Nov 29 B BO


    Jane held Mona''s hand and said, "They''re fine. Their lives are not in danger, but they''re still unconscious.


    04, 70%


    D


    Hearing this, Mona heaved a sigh of relief and said, "I''m so relieved that they are fine. Grandma, I saw Maxwell fall in front of me yesterday. I felt that I couldn''t even breathe. Fortunately, he''s fine."

 Chapter 305

    §à


    J


    Mona could not imagine how she would spend the rest of her life if something happened to Maxwell.


    Jane held Mona in her arms andforted her, "Mona, they''re all fine. The doctor said that none of them were in danger. It''s just that they haven''t woken up yet."


    Jane couldn''t stand the pain of seeing her grandchild die before her. Fortunately, Mona


    baas fine


    Mona looked into Jane''s eyes and said firmly, "It''s good that everyone is fine. Grandma, I


    She couldn''t be rxed until she saw him.


    want to


    at to see Maxwell now."


    "Mona, I''ll get the caregiver to get a wheelchair and wheel you over." Jane stood up and left the ward.


    She knew that if Mona didn''t see with her own eyes that Maxwell was safe, she wouldn''t feel relieved. Mona nodded and looked at the door expectantly. Now that she thought about the car ident yesterday, she felt a lingering fear and would tremble uncontrobly. Thinking about how Maxwell was protecting her at the critical moment, she felt touched and decided to treat Maxwell well in the future.


    Soon, the caregiver wheeled the wheelchair over. With the help of Jane, Mona sat in the wheelchair and was wheeled by the caregiver toward Maxwell''s ward.


    When they arrived, Jane and the caregiver tactfully retreated, leaving the ward to Mona and Maxwell so that the couple could express their longing.


    The door of the ward was closed, and the weak sunlight shone through the window. There was a bare tree outside window, swaying with the wind. It was a little bleak. Mona looked at Maxwell on the bed. His head was wrapped in gauze, but it could not hide his handsome facial features.


    Mona wheeled the wheelchair to Maxwell''s bedside. Her hand subconsciously grabbed Maxwell''s hand and held it to her cheek.


    Holding hands, Mona could feel the warmthing from his palm. However, for some reason, she did not feel as safe as before. Perhaps it was because Maxwell was unconscious.


    Mona didn''t think too much about it. She just stared at Maxwell, wanting him to recover as soon as possible.


    "Maxwell, I''m waiting for you to wake up." Mona stared at the sleeping Maxwell.


    The fear during the car ident, the worry when she woke up, and the many words she wanted to say all turned into one sentence the moment she saw Maxwell.


    After Mona stayed in Maxwell''s ward for a while, a doctor knocked on the door and came in to check on him.


    During the doctor''s examination, Mona was watching from the side and praying silently in her heart that there must be nothing wrong with Maxwell. She had been in the ward for so long. Haley and Nigel had already woken up. Nigel''s left arm was broken. Haley was fine, but there were some minor scratches on her cheek.


    After the doctor finished examining Maxwell, Mona heard him say in not-so-fluent Horietish, "The patient''s head is injured, and the structure of the head is veryplicated, so we don''t know when the patient will wake up. It can be a few days or a few months. You have to be mentally prepared."


    After listening to the doctor''s words, Mona could not help but frown. "Doctor, is it possible that he will never wake up?"


    This was what Mona was worried about.


    16:21 Fri, Nov 29 B BO


    The doctor shook his head. "That''s unlikely. The patient has a strong will to live."


    3


    70%


    Mona looked at the unconscious Maxwell again and thought that he would wake up sooner. If he really fainted for decades, Mona did not know what to do. It seemed that the only thing she could do was to apany him and talk to him. After the doctor left, Bernard and the others surrounded Maxwell''s ward.


    Albert was the first tofort Mona, "Mona, don''t worry. The doctor just said that Maxwell''s will to live is very strong. He will wake up soon."


    Barbara echoed, "That''s right, Mona. Maxwell will definitely wake up."


    When Jane saw that Mona''s gaze was on Maxwell, she thought that it was better for Mona to talk to Maxwell alone.


    She said to the people around her, "Stop talking. Let''s go out first"


    After everyone left, only Mona and Maxwell were left in the ward. Mona was still holding Maxwell''s hand on her cheek. A tear flowed down from the corner of her eye.


    Mona said, "Maxwell, you have to try to wake up as soon as possible. I will always be by your side and never leave you!" Time passed day by day. Maxwell woke up much earlier than Mona had expected.


    On the third day of Maxwell''sa, the wind blew in through the windowte at night. Mona quickly put down the pen and design draft in her hands and closed the window.


    The moment she stood up, she subconsciously nced at Maxwell. Her eyes were filled with anticipation. When she closed the window and wanted to sit down, she subconsciously nced at Maxwell.


    That nce shocked her for a long time. Maxwell''s eyshes fluttered slightly, and his fingers moved unconsciously. Then, he slowly opened his eyes.


    Mona''s eyes met Maxwell''s. Mona subconsciously jogged to Maxwell''s bed and held his hands. She was so excited that she did not know what to say.


    She thought that she would have to stay with Maxwell for a long time, probably years or decades. She never expected that Maxwell would wake up in just three days.


    However, Mona felt a little unfamiliar as she stared at Maxwell''s eyes. There seemed to be something missing in his Mona didn''t take it to heart because Maxwell had awakened.


    eyes,Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    but


    Maxwell looked at Mona in front of him in confusion. She was very beautiful, especially herrge eyes. Even without makeup, he felt that they were exceptionally pleasing to the eye. However, when he saw the two of them holding hands tightly, he slowly retracted his hand.


    Maxwell said in a low voice, "Miss, who are you?"


    As he retracted his hand, Mona looked at Maxwell in a daze. A piece of bad news appeared in her mind. Maxwell had lost his memory.


    She subconsciously asked, "Maxwell, no way. You don''t remember who I am?"


    "Maxwell, is that my name? Should I remember who you are?" Maxwell asked.


    The light above his head shone down and embeddedyers of light around Maxwell. Even if he was sitting now, his tall and straight figure could be clearly seen. When Maxwell said those words, at that moment, Mona felt that the man in front of her was unfamiliar. He was no longer the Maxwell she knew.


    "Yes, you''re Maxwell. I''m your wife. My name is Mona," Mona replied.


    §à


    ??? 3, 70%@


    For a moment, Mona did not even know how to react. Maxwell was awake, but he did not remember her anymore. He did not remember what had happened between them.


    Maxwell looked at the beautiful girl in front of him and frowned as he thought about something. "You''re my wife. I''m sorry, I don''t remember."


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona knew that it was just as she had thought. He had lost his memory. "Stay here and don''t move. I''ll call the doctor over."


    Maxwell showed a smile as he watched the graceful figure disappear from his sight. He felt a little unfathomable.


    0

 Chapter 306

    When Mona returned, she brought a doctor with her. The smile on Maxwell''s face was gone, and he still had the same confused expression.


    With the arrival of the doctor, the news of Maxwell waking up spread. At this time, Albert and the others all congratted


    Mona.


    Mona forced a smile on her face, but her heart could not help but ache. Maxwell had woken up, but he did not remember her. He did not remember everything between the two of them. Now, to Maxwell, Mona was a stranger.


    The doctor asked Maxwell many questions and finally concluded that Maxwell had lost his memory. There was a blood clot in his brain that suppressed his nerves, causing him to lose his memory.


    The doctor did not know when Maxwell would regain his memory. It might take days, months, or years, just like when he woke up. It was also possible that he would never regain his memory in this lifetime.


    "Maxwell, you really don''t remember Mona? Look at her again," Jane asked Maxwell in disbelief as she pointed at Mona.


    Over the past year, she had witnessed the love between Maxwell and Mona. They had gone through so many things together. She found it unbelievable that Maxwell just forgot about them. Maxwell nced at Mona who was sitting beside him and shook his head. "I don''t remember. All of you are strangers to me."


    "No way. Did Maxwell really lose his memory?" Albert did


    not believe it either.


    Maxwell, who doted on Mona so much, had forgotten everything in the past just like that. Albert had never thought that such a strange thing would happen to the people around him.


    "Let''s stop talking. It''s gettingte. Grandpa, Grandma, Albert, you guys go back and rest first. I''ll talk to Maxwell," Mona said


    "Alright then. Mona, talk to Maxwell. Don''t worry. Since Maxwell can fall in love with you once, he can fall in love with you a second time," Bernard advised.


    Memories could be lost, but human feelings were different. It was obvious that when Maxwell wanted to marry Mona, he had already fallen for Mona. Bernard thought that since Maxwell had done it once, he would fall for her a second time.


    Hearing Bernard''s words, Mona nodded. Maxwell only lost his memory. For some reason, when Mona looked at him on the hospital bed, she felt that he was very strange as if she had never known him.


    After everyone left, Mona sat in the chair in front of the hospital bed. She wanted to subconsciously shake Maxwell''s hand, but when she thought about how Maxwell had lost his memory, she retracted her hand and clenched it tightly before cing it on herp.


    Mona said, "Your name is Maxwell Carter. You''re from Nathontown. You''re Donald Carter''s son. You have a half-brother, Gordon Carter. You don''t have a good rtionship with the Carter family. You''ve already cut ties with Donald. The two of us studied in the same high school..."


    Mona summarized Maxwell''s twenty-odd years of life in one go. Then, she looked at the time and said, "It''s gettingte. You should rest first. If there''s anything you need, you can ask me tomorrow morning."


    "Alright, Mona. Where are you sleeping?" Maxwell asked.


    When Maxwell was unconscious, Mona knew that her sleeping posture was not good, so she did not sleep with Maxwell. Instead, she slept on the sofa beside the hospital bed.


    The sofa was very big, and she was slender, so sleeping on the sofa was not ufortable for her.


    16:21 Fri, Nov 29 B BO


    "Don''t worry, I''ll sleep on the sofa next to you," Mona said.


    Maxwell had lost his memory, and even his love for her had disappeared. Now that the two of them were in the same room, they felt like strangers.


    The lights were turned off and Mona was sleeping on her side. She was facing the outside of the sofa and could see Maxwell. Under the dim light, she watched Maxwell toss and turn. After looking at him for a while, she slowly closed her eyes. Just as Bernard had said, even if Maxwell could not remember the past, he would quickly fall in love with her.


    The next morning, after they had breakfast, the doctor came to give Maxwell aprehensive checkup. There was no longer anything problem with his health.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    However, Maxwell had just woken up and lost his memory. He might think too much. The doctor asked Mona and the others to apany Maxwell more.


    That afternoon, Albert discharged Mona and the others. They took a ne back to Nathontown from Welintern at night. On the ne, Maxwell seemed to deliberately avoid Mona. He actually sat beside Nigel one step ahead of Albert.


    At that moment, Mona stood in the corridor of the ne. She did not know whether to stand or sit. In the end, Albert pulled her and let Mona sit beside him.


    As the ne took off, Mona felt more and more frustrated.


    "Mona, take it slow. Maybe Maxwell will recover his memory soon," Albertforted her.


    He thought to himself that if Maxwell remembered what he had done today after regaining his memory, he would definitely regret it.


    Mona nodded. "I hope so."


    The nended safely at Nathontown''s airport. It was already seven or eight o''clock in the evening. Mona did not return to the Clem family''s ce. Instead, she brought Maxwell back to the vi.


    The doctor said that the familiar living environment might stimte Maxwell''s brain and awaken his memories.


    When Hattie saw that Mona and Maxwell had returned, she hurriedly went over to wee them. "Mr. and Mrs. Carter, you''re back. Dinner is ready."


    "Sorry for the trouble, Hattie. You can go back and rest first!" After Mona said that, she bent down and helped Maxwell take out his slippers. Mona said, "Maxwell, change your shoes first. After dinner, you can take a look around and see if there''s anything familiar about this ce." Maxwell agreed, "Okay."


    Hattie prepared a sumptuous meal for dinner. Perhaps because Mona had just gotten off the ne, her appetite was not very good. He only ate a bowl of soup before putting down her cutlery. Looking at Maxwell eating opposite her, the more she looked, the more she frowned. Maxwell had lost his memory. Even his manners when eating were wrong.


    In the past, Maxwell ate very steadily. Now, Maxwell wolfed down his food as if he had not eaten for many years. He even made noises when he ate.


    After watching for a while, Mona looked away.


    After a long time, Maxwell put down his cutlery and burped. "Our family is quite rich. We actually live in such a big vi."


    16:21 Fri, Nov 29 B BO


    "It''s not bad. Maxwell, are you done eating? I''ll show you around Mona suggested.


    Maxwell didn''t want to move after eating, but he still nodded.


    @70%


    Mona said, "This is the living room. Usually, the two of us like to sit here and watch television dramas. Look at this pillow. You asked your guys to customize it. The photo of the two of us is on it."


    5


    As they walked, Mona said to Maxwell, "This is the bedroom. The two of us sleep here. Do you see that couch? It''s where you usually blow dry my hair for me. And there''s a small desk here. Sometimes I use it for drawing drafts. Sometimes you handle official business here."


    0


    COMMENT

 Chapter 307

    After listening to Mona, Maxwell said expressionlessly, "I didn''t expect me to treat you so well before I lost my memory." He slowly rubbed his fingers.


    Mona smiled. He used to treat her particrly well. Just as she was about to bring Maxwell to the study, she heard Maxwell say, "Well, I''ve been on the ne for half a day. I''m quite tired. This is the bedroom, right? Help me get a change of clothes. I''m going to take a


    shower."


    With that. Maxwell walked toward the bathroom.


    Mona came back to her senses and went to the side to help Maxwell get a change of clothes. She handed it to Maxwell and told him which bath towel was his.


    She could hear the sound in the bathroom. Mona sat on the sofa and felt that nothing was right with Maxwell after he lost his memory. As She thought so, Maxwell finished his shower quickly.


    When Mona came out in his loose pajamas, Mona thoughtfully helped him get a towel to wipe off the water. She wanted Maxwell to sit down as she wiped the water off him. However, Maxwell had already taken the towel from her hand and walked back in. Mona looked at Maxwell''s back and did note back to her senses for a long time.


    Soon, she heard the sound of the hairdryer. Mona sighed and silently sat down again.


    "Mona, how are we going to sleep today?" Maxwell looked at Mona who was sitting on the sofa in a daze. In fact, he did not really care about sleeping together. After all, he wouldn''t lose out if they did.


    When she heard Maxwell''s voice, Mona looked up and said, "I''m sure you''re not used to sleeping next to me now. I''ll take the guest room next door. Rest early. I''ll apany you to the hospital for another checkup tomorrow."


    For some reason, after she finished speaking, Mona actually felt rxed. Perhaps she subconsciously did not want to sleep with the amnesiac Maxwell.


    "Alright," Maxwell said indifferently.


    After Mona went to the guest room, she took out her phone and saw Ava and the others chatting in the group chat.


    Ava: [Mona, how is your husband? Is he feeling better after returning to Nathontown?]


    Mona: [Drop it. There''s no sign of recovery at all. If he hadn''t lost his memory, I would have suspected that the Maxwell I brought back from Welintern was fake.]


    However, Mona was just saying. She thought that it was impossible that there was someone who looked the same as Maxwell.


    No one spoke. Mona continued, [Do you think it''s possible that a f¨¢ke Maxwell lives in Maxwell''s body, meaning that his soul is another man''s?]


    After sending it, Mona wondered if it was possible. Although the possibility was small, it was still possible. Because she had been reborn, she could ept all the strange things in the world


    Ava: [Mona, what are you thinking about? How is that possible? Your husband just lost his memory, so how will his behavior be different from before? He even has someone else living in his body. Have you read too many novels?]


    thinking too much. I just feel that the current Maxwell is like a stranger to me. This feeling is very Mona: [Maybe / unfamiliar. Forget it, I''ll bring him to the hospital tomorrow to see a doctor.]


    ra saf in her chair and wrote as she applied a facial mask, [Mona, you''re thinking too much. I''ve


    0026%


    seen the news of a man


    getting into a car ident on the Inte before. His memory stopped as a teenager. His wife was also very confused like you. After they saw a psychiatrist, she treated her husband well. Two yearster, her husband miraculously regained his memory again. I think Mr. Carter will be the same.] Mona: [Alright, I understand. I''m just thinking too much. I gotta leave now. I''m going to take a shower.]


    That night, Mona tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    The next morning, Mona woke up early with two big dark circles under her eyes. In the past, Maxwell would wake up early at this time to help her squeeze the toothpaste and make breakfast. Then, he would return to their room and kiss her twice to wake her up. However, Maxwell had lost his memory, so he naturally did not do anything. Mona was not used to it. After washing up, she went out, but the bedroom door was still tightly shut.


    Thinking about what ra said that Mona needed to treat Maxwell well, Mona went downstairs to make breakfast.


    She sat in the living room and waited until past nine o''clock. Maxwell showed no signs of getting up. Mona paced around the bedroom door. Thinking that she had to take Maxwell to the hospitalter, she knocked on the door twice and said, "Maxwell, wake up and have breakfast. We need to go to the hospitalter!"


    Soon, Maxwell''s angry voice was heard. "Damn it, why are you making so much noise? It''s so early in the morning. Can''t you let me sleep?"


    This was the first time Mona heard Maxwell getting angry at her. She put down her hand that was knocking on the door and


    guest room. stood at the door for a long time. Her eyes were red as she returned to the


    It was not until Mona had finished her lunch that Maxwell went into the kitchen in his pajamas and instructed Hattie to make him something to eat.


    When he saw Mona sitting on the sofa and drawing designs, he thought of what had happened in the morning and took the initiative to exin, "Well, I yed games all nightst night. I spoke angrily this morning. Don''t take it to heart. You said we needed to go to the hospital. We''ll go in the afternoon." Mona put down the paintbrush in her hand and tried her best to soften her tone. "It''s fine. That doctor is not around this afternoon. Let''s go for the checkup tomorrow morning!"


    "It''s up to you," Maxwell said.


    After lunch, Maxwell went upstairs to change his clothes. He sat beside Mona and asked, "I''m the chairman of Clem Group, right?"


    Mona didn''t know why Maxwell asked this, but she still nodded.


    Maxwell gestured to Mona with his hand and said, "Well, since I''m the chairman, I don''t think our familycks money. Where''s my money?"


    Mona said, "After the ident, I''ve been keeping your bank card You need it, right? I''ll go get it for you!" Maxwell smiled and nodded. "I''ll wait for you here."


    memory, Maxwell The bank card that Mona gave Maxwell did not have much money in it. It was because before he lost his would take the initiative to hand over his sry. He said that he earned money to give Mona money to spend. He wanted money. Mona to manage his


    Maxwell smiled and took the bank card from Mona. He said to Mona, "There''s no password, right? Don''t wait for me to eat tonight. A few friends asked me out for dinner."


    0


    After saying that, he took the car keys and walked out of the door


    3


    Mona wanted to ask who his friends were. After all, he had lost his memory. Before she could ask, Maxwell was already gone.


    Seeing that there was no one else in the living room, Mona did not want to stay there anymore. She wanted to go back to her room to change her clothes and to Star.


    go


    Because she had slept in the guest roomst night, her daily clothes were still in her original bedroom. Without any hesitation, she walked in.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    After entering, she found that the room was in a mess. The nket had fallen to the ground, and the carpet was covered in water. With just one look, Mona could not stand it anymore.

 Chapter 308

    Mona sighed. She changed her clothes and put on light makeup before leaving the bedroom. Before she left, she asked the servants to clean the room. It was a mess, and Mona did not want to clean it up. "Haley, just go straight to Star." Mona did not say anything else after instructing her.


    The car drove smoothly on the road. Mona looked out of the window at the busy streets.


    She was thinking about her and Maxwell sitting outside eating roasted beef kebabs.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Maxwell had lost his memory, and Mona honestly could not ept it because everything was different.


    While Mona waited at Star, someone greeted her. It was almost Christmas, so the number of employees at Star had decreased significantly, but Ava was still around.


    After arriving at Star, Mona told Haley not to follow her anymore. Haley went to a resting area to y games while Mona walked to Ava''s office door.


    The door was open. Mona saw Ava still reading documents, knocked twice and looked up.


    Their eyes met, and Ava smiled at Mona. She quickly waved for Mona toe in.


    "I thought you wouldn''te before Christmas? I didn''t expect you here today."


    Ava got up and went to the side to get Mona a bottled decaf.


    Mona sat on the sofa and took the decaf from Ava. "I came over because I had nothing to do at home."


    "Where''s your husband?" Ava asked as she opened the decaf in her hand.


    Speaking of which, Mona sighed. "He said he went out to eat with some friends."


    Ava was surprised. "Didn''t he lose his memory?"


    "Yeah, I guess they metst night while ying games," Mona said after siping her decaf.


    "ying games. Are the two of you still sleeping on the same bed?" Ava asked curiously.


    Mona shook her head, her eyes filled with mncholy. "No, I slept in the guest roomst night."


    "Mona, don''t be sad. Give your husband time to adapt slowly. He probably hasn''t recognized the fact that he''s already married."


    "That''s true. I''m just thinking of taking it slow with Maxwell!" Mona said.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore. Think about what you want to eat for dinner. Let''s go have a meal," Ava said as she held Mona''s shoulder.


    Mona nodded. "I don''t want to think about it anymore. Let''s decide what we''re having for dinner and invite ra along. Artemis is currently filming in Noretin, right?"


    "Yeah. Hurry up and check your phone. I can''t wait to eat," Ava quickly said.


    In the end, Ava also called ra and Haley in the office. The three of them chose what to eat for dinner. They talked about other things and gossiped about Artemis and that investor. Mona forgot about all the grievances in her heart. Eventually, they decided on a restaurant called BBQ Prime Grill ording to the online reviews, it had the most sulent


    beef and delicious grills-in-4qwn.


    Mona and


    the others drove to BBQ Prime Grill. As soon as they arrived, they realized the location was better than they expected. It was close to the river, and they could enjoy the cool breeze and natural view.


    20%


    Mona felt it would be perfect if it were summer, but it was winter now. They were already freezing to death, so they were not in the mood to enjoy any breeze. They asked the manager to be seated in a private room upstairs.


    As they dined, Mona told Maxwell what she had eaten all day. However, she waited for a long time, and Maxwell had not replied to her. When the waiter served their dishes, Mona stopped worrying about her phone and started eating.


    At around nine o''clock in the evening, Mona returned to the vi. She walked around but did not see Maxwell, and she could not help but worry. She took out her phone and called Maxwell.


    The phone rang several times, but Maxwell hadn''t picked up.


    Just as she was about to call Nigel to ask if he knew where Maxwell was, she heard her phone ring. It was Nigel calling.


    She quickly pressed the answer button and answered the call.


    "Mrs Carter, are you free now? Mr. Carter is drunk and wants you to pick him up."


    "Nigel. Send me the address whenever you can. I''lle now," she agreed.


    As she spoke, Mona called Haley again. It was past ten o''clock in the evening, and she and Haley were going to pick up Maxwell.


    It was still very cold. Mona remembered that Maxwell only wore a suit jacket when he went out at noon. She was afraid that Maxwell would get cold, so she made sure to get him a jacket.


    Nigel told her toe to Mystique, and once she arrived, she saw Nigel waiting in the lounge.


    When Nigel saw Mona, he quickly walked over. "Mrs. Carter, you''re here. I''ll take you to Mr. Carter."


    Mona nodded. "Sorry for the trouble, Nigel."


    Nigel said, "It''s okay. It''s what I do."


    When they got to Maxwell''s room, Mona knocked on the door. An unfamiliar face came to open the door.


    "Hello, I''m here to pick up Maxwell," Mona said, revealing a standard smile. She tried not to make her presence awkward. The man in front of her touched his chin and said with a smile, "It''s the missus. Come in quickly. Max is inside!" Mona nodded, thanked him, and walked into the room.


    As soon as she entered, Mona choked on the foul smell of smoke inside. She endured the difort and immediately saw Maxwell among a group of people.


    Wherever Max was, he would often be noticeable at a nce, ¨¦ven among a crowd. He sat in the main area with two gorgeous beauties beside him.


    In front of Mona, someone actually dared to feed Maxwell strawberries. Maxwell nced at Mona and even ate it.


    Immediately, Mona felt her anger and grievances raging again. If Maxwell dared to do anything else, she would throw her handbag at his face.


    "Do you see? This is my wife. I told you she''s prettier than the beauties here. You guys even said I was bragging. Now that you''ve seen her. Tell me!" Maxwell removed his hand from the shoulders of the two beauties beside him and admired Mona. 18:49 Sat, Nov 30


    The hazy lights in the room shone in her direction, highlighting her body.


    26%


    I


    "I''m too inexperienced. I didn''t know that the missus was such a beautiful woman. I wonder if she can do me the honor of drinking a ss of wine?"


    The man who had just opened the door for Mona spoke and openly ogled her.


    When Mona arrived, she had just returned from having dinner with Ava. She wore a red coat that did not hide her curvy figure. She had put on light makeup and had a cherry shade of lip gloss on her lips, looking sexy. At that moment, she shot Maxwell a seductive look. At first nce, she looked like someone who had walked out of a television drama. She was graceful and strikingly beautiful.


    "Isn''t that for sure? Max is so generous. How can Mrs. Carternot honor us with her presence? Hurry up and make room for her. Pour the wine!"


    "Max, you''re right. Mrs. Carter is so beautiful. No wonder you don''t like anyone in this private room. It turns out you already keep an angelic beauty at home."

 Chapter 309

    COMMENT


    Chapter


    309


    As he spoke, someone wanted to pull Mona''s arm.


    Mona''s body tilted to the side, so the person who wanted to pull her arm missed.


    The person had a smile on their face and thought Mona was pretending to be innocent. Maxwell had called them all here, so he wondered whether she was here to enjoy theirpany. "Mona, what''s up? Don''t tell me you don''t want to be around us?" At this moment, Maxwell asked the beautiful woman beside him to move aside. There was an empty seat beside him, so he waved at Mona. Maxwell said casually, "Mona,e and sit with me."


    Mona sniffled and endured the grievance in her heart. She walked to the center of the private room but did not sit down. She stared at Maxwell with her gorgeous eyes.


    The private room was dark, making Mona''s beautiful face look a little gloomy.


    Maxwell actually thought he had done something wrong to Mona.


    Someone boldly handed Mona a ss of red wine, and she took it.


    There wasmotion in the private room as the person shouted. "Mona, have one!"


    Maxwell also looked at Mona. He gestured to Mona to drink the wine as a favor to him.


    Mona''s eyes were filled with tears. She raised her hand, straightened up, and drank the red wine in one go.


    This red wine was not the kind she usually drank. It was a little dry and spicy. After drinking it in one go, Mona''s face instantly turned red.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Mona ced the ss on the table and asked Maxwell, "Are you satisfied?"


    Her voice was very soft, and the private room was still very noisy. Only Mona and the beauty beside Maxwell could hear her.


    Maxwell smiled awkwardly.


    "Didn''t you say you were drunk? You asked me to take you home. Why aren''t we leaving?" Mona turned around and said calmly.


    Maxwell nced at the people in the private room, and it looked like he was in a difficult position. It would be embarrassing if he stood up now and went home with Mona. If he did not go home, Mona would obviously be angry. He thought, ''Oh my, is Mona quite angry!'' Maxwell remained in the same position for a moment and did not move,


    Meanwhile, Mona had already walked to the door of the private room.


    The person who opened the door for Mona blocked her way boldly. "Mona, are you leaving now? Why don''t you sing a song


    for us?"


    (make


    "Move aside. Don''t make me repeat myself," Mona said coldly.


    After staying with Maxwell for a long time, she learned to put on a stern expression.


    Mona''s aura made the person in front of her feel afraid as she stood at the private room door.


    However, he turned around and thought about it. ''Mona is just an ordinary woman. What am I afraid of? Isn''t Max still around?''


    "Don''t do that, Mona. If you don''t sing a song, the door of this private room won''t open," he teased.


    26%3


    Haley and Nigel watched from the side, fearing Ma''s reaction. They broke out in a cold sweat. Maxwell wasn''t the same


    after his memory loss.


    Mona did not want to keep talking nonsense with acted crazy when she drank, and she didn''t want


    person in front of her. She felt a little dizzy. Maxwell said that she to embarrass him.


    She shouted at Haley, "Haley, open the door!"


    "Yes, Mona," Haley responded.


    As soon as Haley finished speaking, she walked up to Mona. The person who had just blocked Mona''s way was still there. When he saw Haley walking over, he thought she was absolutely gorgeous. Just as he was about to speak to Haley, she grabbed his shoulder and moved him to the side, identally pushing him against the wall.


    Haley hurriedly opened the private room door and said to Mona, "Mona, you''re free to leave."


    Mona looked back at Maxwell and said coldly, "Aren''t youing?"


    Maxwell was furious when he looked at Mona. After informing everyone in the private room about their next get-together, he stood up and followed Mona out.


    When Maxwell left the private room, a cold breeze blew past Mona in the corridor.


    Mona adjusted her coat and took a deep up a little.


    eath, but the breeze sobered her


    As she walked forward, she did not see the person in front of her, so she identally stepped on them.


    Mona quickly retracted her foot and said apologetically, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to."


    She looked up and saw Teddy''s face.


    Teddy also looked up, and his eyes finally stopped at Mona''s eyes.


    Her eyes were red, making Teddy wonder if she was holding back her tears and feeling wronged.


    "It''s okay, Mona. What''s wrong?" Teddy asked with concern.


    "Nothing," she quickly responded.


    After saying that, Mona stepped aside to walk around Teddy. Haley followed behind her.


    Teddy did not move, but he immediately saw Maxwell strolling over.


    Maxwell actually smiled at Teddy.


    This situation made Teddy feel very ufortable. Moreover, Maxwell and Mona were not holding hands.


    After watching them leave, Teddy asked his assistant to investigate what had happened in the past few days.


    After Mona and the others left Mystique, a cold wind blew past them. Mona looked at Maxwell''s jacket in Haley''s hand and did not say anything, nor did she want to say anything.


    After getting into the car, Mona and Maxwell did not speak. It was silent in the car.


    Mona leaned back in her seat and looked out the window, enjoying the streets of Nathontown at 11 p.m. She was very


    frustrated. Usually, at this time, she would be lying on the bed and sleeping.


    After Maxwell lost his memory, everything changed. Mona did not know how long he would lose it, and she wondered how long she could persevere living such a life.


    The worst transformation was the difference in Maxwell''s attitude towards her.


    It was evident that there was little to no excitement when she and Maxwell interacted.


    Maxwell was no longer the same man he was previously, who had died for her to avenge her. Neither was he the man who doted on her to the core.


    Mona looked at Maxwell sitting beside her. The watch on his wrist was a surprise gift from her. It seemed Maxwell was still Maxwell. However, he just didn''t remember that he loved Mona.


    At 11 p.m., the streets of Nathontown were tranquil. All Mona could hear was the sound of cars driving down the road.


    Soon, the car stopped in front of the vi.


    Mona got out of the car, and Maxwell followed her. Haley waited in the car for a while. A few minutes after the couple left, she said goodbye to Nigel and walked in.


    Mona did not walk fast. Maxwell caught up to her in three steps.


    "Mona, are you angry?" Maxwell asked.


    Mona raised her head to look at Maxwell standing under the dim light above the door. He was still Maxwell, and his facial features were still the same.


    "Yes, I''m angry," Mona admitted openly.


    Mona admitted she was angry before he uttered the word. He countered, "Mona, don''t be so petty. Everyone just lost all respect for me. If you stayed in the private room for a while longer, would you have been at a disadvantage?"

 Chapter 310

    As soon as Maxwell said this, Mona calmed down. Her eyes immediately welled up and turned red. The wind blew toward her, and her body was cold, and she also felt cold-hearted.


    "Maxwell, if I were petty and embarrassed you, I wouldn''t have drunk that ss of wine. Do you know that you never let me drink outside in the past?"


    Mona wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes as she spoke. She looked up at Maxwell, who was shrouded in light and said sadly, "Oh, I forgot. You don''t even remember. The current you is not the Maxwell I knew before."


    "Speak nicely. Why are you crying? Yes, I don''t know how I treated you in the past, but it''s not my fault," Maxwell said indifferently.


    At this moment, Mona felt that Maxwell no longer had her in his heart. That was true. He had lost his memory and could not remember anything. She couldn''t figure out why she was angry with Maxwell.


    In the end, Maxwell could not be sad. Mona was the sad one. After thinking about the situation, Mona took a deep breath and held back the tears in her eyes.


    "Forget it. Let''s not talk about it anymore. What happened today is over. Hurry up and go in. It''s cold outside," Mona said. The wind seemed to be blowing in the door''s direction. When it blew, her face hurt a little. She noticed Maxwell barely dressed warmly and felt sorry for him.


    Once Mona spoke, Maxwell stopped talking and strode inside.


    Mona looked behind her and said hoarsely, "Don''t forget, you have to see the doctor tomorrow morning."


    Mona did not know if Maxwell had replied, but she dragged her tired body into the room.


    This year, Nathontown''s winter was exceptionally cold. The wind was blowing hard outside, and although the window was tightly shut, Mona could still hear the howling sound.


    The heater was turned on in the room, but Mona still felt very cold. Without Maxwell by her side, she felt very lonely. She wrapped herself in the nket and tried her best to tuck herself the nket.


    Mona really missed Maxwell. She was thinking of the Maxwell who still had his memory, the one who loved Mona. She thought, ''I do not know how long I will have to live like this. When will Maxwell regain his memory?"


    Mona had a night of grievances and did not know when she had fallen asleep. She was in a daze and slept for an unknown period of time..


    At dawn, Mona looked in the mirror at her swollen eyes. She sighed and covered them with foundation and concealerN?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    When Mona went out, Maxwell''s bedroom door was still tightly shut. She paused at the door momentarily and then went downstairs to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    She thought about how Maxwell had drunk a lot of alcoholst night and decided to cook some oatmeal to nourish his stomach. Then, she made some finger foods, croissants, and other dishes. Just like that, she was preparing breakfast. Mona prepared deviled eggs and oatmeal. Once she was done cooking, everything looked very appetizing.


    She sat down, looked at the closed bedroom door upstairs, and walked to it.


    She raised her hand and wanted to knock on the door, but she feared that Maxwell would be as angry as yesterday. Nevertheless, Mona only hesitated for a moment before she knocked.


    59%


    She really wanted to take Maxwell to see a doctor. Her grandfather had made an appointment with this well-respected doctor. Perhaps he could cure Maxwell''s amnesia.


    She missed the old Maxwell so much.


    "Maxwell, I''ve made oatmeal. Get up and have some!" Mona said, trying her best to soften her voice so that Maxwell would feelfortable.


    Based on Maxwell''s condition, it seemed that after a person lost their memory, their personality and habits would change drastically.


    "Okay," A deep male voice came from inside.


    Mona realized that she had woken Maxwell up. He did not re up like yesterday, so it was a good change.


    "Then I''ll be waiting for you." After saying that, Mona sat on the sofa in the living room. She was suddenly in a good mood. Hopefully, her and Maxwell''s rtionship would improve, and Maxwell would remember her soon. Ten minutes passed. Twenty minutes went by, and then half an hour.


    Mona raised her hand and looked at the time. It was already nine o''clock, and the door to Maxwell''s room was still tightly shut.


    She silently chanted to herself for a minute. Sixty secondster, Mona walked to the door of Maxwell''s room again "Maxwell, are you done packing?" Mona asked. This time, she did not knock.


    "What are you rushing me for? I''m almost done," he stated.


    Almost as soon as Maxwell finished speaking, his handsome face appeared before Mona. He had faint bags under his eyes. Mona could tell that Maxwell did not sleep wellst night.


    She didn''t know if he couldn''t sleep well because he was ying games or because he was as troubled as she was.


    She had no time to think because Maxwell had already bypassed her and went downstairs.


    Mona watched Maxwell walk away and then looked at her hand. She forced a bitter smile and followed him.


    The pots in the kitchen were kept warm, so Mona''s oatmeal and croissants were still hot.


    Mona looked at Maxwell, who was waiting at the dining table. She served him croissants, finger foods, and oatmeal.


    In the past, they would always be busy in the kitchen. Now, Mona did everything alone while Maxwell sat there and watched her. He had no intention of getting up.


    Mona could not help but feel jealous.


    Sheforted herself because Maxwell had lost his memory and could not remember her. The most important task now was to take Maxwell to the doctor and help him get back his memories.


    With that thought in mind, Mona returned to her usual smiley self.


    Needless to say, Mona looked gorgeous when she smiled. There were shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth, which could only be seen when she was close. Her lips curved perfectly but her mesmerizing eyes were her most special feature, When she didn''t smile, she looked adorable, and when she smiled, she was simply charming.


    Her beauty was like a breath of fresh air that broughtfort to people. 15:51 Sun, Dec 1 Gu


    59%


    Any ordinary person would be in a good mood when looking at Mona. It was the same for Maxwell, even after losing his memory. He looked at Mona, who was serving him oatmeal and smiled at him.


    The annoyance he felt after Mona shouted at him was also forgotten.


    Maxwell picked up the spoon and tasted it. It was different from what he had expected-surprisingly delicious. The oatmeal was soft but not overcooked, and the meat was sulent.


    For a moment, Maxwell felt refreshed.


    "Mona, you cooked this. Your culinary skills are quite good," Maxwell praised.


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona was pleased. She thought of the old saying that if you wanted to get to a person''s heart, you had to get through to their stomach first. She wondered if she had seeded in the first step in getting Maxwell back.

 Chapter 311

    "It''s good that you like it. There''s plenty of oatmeal. Once you''re done, I''ll serve you more," Mona said with a smile.


    She then added a croissant to Maxwell''s te and said, "Try this. You mentioned before that you loved these. See if it still has that same taste." Maxwell nced at the croissant on his te and obligingly took a bite. The crust was thin and ky, the filling fresh and savory, with a satisfying crunch. "Tastes good. You should make these more often if you''re free," Maxwell said.


    A hint of disappointment shed in Mona''s eyes, but she quickly regained her usual demeanor. "Sure, I''ll make something different for lunch."


    In the past, Maxwell used to worry every time Mona cooked, concerned about her hands and always saying he''d take over next time. Now, he onlymented on the food''s taste, showing no concern for her at all.


    After breakfast, Mona left the cleaning to the housekeepers, eager to take Maxwell to the hospital.she was in a hurry to take Maxwell to the hospital.


    Nigel was already waiting at the door, and Haley was prepared as well.


    Seeing Maxwell lounging on the sofa watching a game, Mona said, "Maxwell, let''s head to the hospital now. I''ve already scheduled an appointment with a specialist."


    Without looking away from the screen, Maxwell replied, "Not today. Maybe tomorrow. I already made ns to go racing with friends."


    Mona clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She held back her anger and tried to persuade him. "Can you tell your friends you''ll race tomorrow instead? Don''t you want to regain your memories? They''re part of who you are."


    Maxwell kept his gaze on the screen. "I already made ns. Backing out now would look bad. Besides, we''ve already done tests, haven''t we? It''s just memory loss. I''m physically fine. Even if we go to the hospital now, can you guarantee my memory wille back?"


    Looking straight into Mona''s eyes, he answered his own question. "The answer is no. So, why waste the time? Do what you need to. I''m heading out. I won''t be back for lunch."


    Just as he was about to stand, Mona gripped his arm firmly. Her voice turned cold. "So you know what it means to break promises? We agreed on this hospital visit. You''reing with me today."


    Surprised by Mona''s assertiveness, Maxwell frowned and said, "Let go!"


    But she held his hand even tighter, her gaze unwavering. "I''m not letting go. You''reing with me today. If not, you''re not going out."


    In most situations, Mona would have preferred to discuss things calmly with Maxwell, but when it came to seeing a doctor, she was resolute. As long as there was a chance of recovering his memory, she was willing to try. Maxwell shot a cold nce at the delicate hand holding his arm. "What, you nning to drag me there?"


    Mona met his gaze without flinching. "Yes. If you refuse, I''ll have you taken to the hospital even if it means tying you up."


    "Would you really, Mona?"


    A slight smile tugged at Mona''s lips. "Think I won''t? Look around. There are security guards everywhere. They''re here to follow my orders. If you don''t want a scene, just cooperate. Or don''t me me for not giving you a heads-up." 1/31


    00 0000 000 000 000,, 0, 00


    15:51 Sun, Dec 1 =


    x 59%


    The memory came to her. Maxwell once told the guards, "Remember, from now on, you take orders from Whatever she says goes. If she ever tells you to rough me up, don''t hesitate." my wife.


    Back then, Mona''s ears had reddened at his words. She''d whispered, "Maxwell, do you really think I''d ask them to do that? Why would I ever make them hurt you?"


    He''d replied, "It''s just an example. Just making it clear they follow your lead. If you ever did tell them to do it, I''d take it."


    "You... " Maxwell pointed a finger at her, struggling for words, before finally spitting out, "Completely unreasonable!"


    "Go on, Maxwell. I''m giving you ten minutes to go upstairs and change for the hospital. I''ll be counting. If you''re not down in ten, expect the guards toe up." Maxwell simply stared at her, unmoving.


    "The timer''s started. Feel free to go out in your pajamas if you''re not embarrassed," Mona said.


    "Crazy woman... unbelievable. What was I thinking back then, marrying someone like you?"


    As Maxwell climbed the stairs, he continued mutteringints, every word reaching Mona''s ears clearly.


    She couldn''t ignore the sting and couldn''t pretend it didn''t hurt. It was like a needle pricking the softest part of her heart, a wound that wouldn''t heal.


    But that was not what she wanted. Mona wanted to get along well with Maxwell, but if he wouldn''t cooperate, she had no choice but to be firm.


    At that moment, Mona realized that the power in the family was actually in her hands, and that wasn''t so bad.


    Had Maxwell not given the guards those instructions before, she''d have no idea how to get him to agree to this hospital visit today.


    Finally, Maxwell came down right on the dot, giving her azy look. "Fine. You said we''re going to the hospital, so let''s go. Even if it''s pointless, we''ll waste the time. You''re not convinced anyway." Mona sat downstairs alone for a few minutes to calm down, regaining her usual gentle demeanor.


    She dismissed Maxwell''s sarcastic tone. Revenge was best served cold. She''d wait until his memory returned to settle this properly.


    She reassured herself that this wasn''t really Maxwell. He was out of his mind right now. She couldn''t take it to heart.


    She smiled at him, fastened his coat buttons, and said, "Alright, don''t be mad. Let''s try it. If it helps, great. If not, we''ll keep trying. I believe you''ll get better. It''s chilly outside, so wear it properly."


    "I''ll tell you this, Mona. I won''t y the fool who takes a hit just to get a treat," Maxwell said, giving her a cold look before storming out.


    Mona watched his retreating figure and sighed, following quietly behind.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Her husband had lost his memory. She couldn''t hold it against him.


    -In the car, Nigel and Haley, who had been waiting, visibly rxed when they saw Maxwell take his seat.


    It wasn''t just Mona who found this new Maxwell hard to bear. Even Nigel and Haley felt it. He waspletely different from the Maxwell they once knew.

 Chapter 312

    3


    On the way to the hospital, Maxwell sat in furious silence, staring out the window, not saying a word.


    Mona wasn''t in the best mood either. She didn''t bother to engage him. All that mattered was getting him to the hospital. She could only hope that this visit would help him regain his memories.


    Perhaps because Christmas was approaching, the hospital wasn''t too crowded. Nigel had arranged the appointment in advance, so they went straight to the doctor''s office.


    Mona tried to keep up with Maxwell''s long strides as he walked ahead. No matter how much she stretched her own steps, she couldn''t match his pace.


    She remembered how Maxwell used to slow down whenever they walked together, so her steps could align with his. But he no longer did that.


    All she could do was quicken her pace, hoping to catch up with him.


    When they finally reached the doctor''s office, Mona felt a bit worn out.


    The doctor was already waiting.


    Once Maxwell sat across from him, Mona handed the doctor Maxwell''s medical records from Welintern.


    "Doctor, could you please take a look? These are my husband''s medical reports," Mon?


    said.


    "Of course. Just a moment." The doctor examined the scans carefully and asked Maxwell a few questions.


    At first, Maxwell Carter was uncooperative, giving brief answers to every other question. Frustrated, Mona angrily grabbed his arm, ring at him with a look that warned if he dared to keep resisting, she''d have someone teach him a lesson. Eventually, Maxwell began answering the doctor''s questions more seriously.


    "Let''s run a full examination," the doctor suggested.


    "Alright," Mona replied politely.


    With the doctor''s instructions, Mona led Maxwell for his tests. The results would take two hours to process.


    Not nning to go home, Mona thought they might as well grab lunch, especially after a busy morning. She looked at Maxwell, who was lounging on the sofa like he owned the ce, and suggested, "Why don''t we eat lunch first? By the time we''re done, the results should be ready."


    "Mona, I can


    to the hospital with you as promised. The tests are done, so can you stop holding me hostage? I''m leaving. If you don''t mind making a scene, go ahead and have the guards drag me back," Maxwell said.


    With that, Maxwell got up and left the doctor''s office.


    Watching his resolute departure, Mona stayed quiet. They''d consulted the doctor and done the tests. She could wait alone.


    Losing her appetite, she waited in the office instead of going for lunch.


    Haley and Nigel went out and returned with a packed meal for her.


    "Mrs. Carter, try not to worry too much. Mr. Carter''s personality changes are due to his memory loss," the doctor said, noticing her downcast expression.


    Mona nodded. She understood that Maxwell''s behavior stemme from his amnesia, but every time she saw him walk away,


    IP


    it twisted her heart in pain.


    3


    59%


    "Doctor, how likely is it that he''ll recover his memory?" Mona asked, fearing that Maxwell might never remember their past.


    The thought of her being the sole keeper of their memories felt unbearable.


    Reflecting on when she first traveled through time, Mona had been determined to love Maxwell wholeheartedly. But after all they had been through together, she now wanted more than just to love him-she wanted him to love her too.


    The doctor, noticing Mona''s weary expression, said, "Memory recovery depends on the individual. Some regain it within months, others take years, and some may never recover at all.


    "Mrs. Carter, try not to worry too much. If you want to help your husband regain his memory, you could start with familiar experiences. Revisit memorable moments you''ve shared to gradually stimte his mind. His memories mighte back on an unexpected day." Mona nodded. "Alright, I''ll help him revisit old memories when we return. Thank you, Doctor."


    "No problem. It''s still early, so I''ll go grab lunch. Mrs. Carter, just wait here," the doctor said.


    Mona nodded, feeling too tired to move or leave.


    After the doctor left, she took out her phone and sent Maxwell a message: [Maxwell, I''m making dinner tonight. I hope you''lle home to eat.]


    After sending the message, she reflected on all they''d been through. She thought, ''What might have left the deepest impression on him? Our engagement ceremony, wedding, honeymoon..."


    In the end, Mona thought of taking Maxwell back to Nathontown High School for a visit. ording to Maxwell, he used to tease her back in high school because he liked her.


    That secret crush from those days should be something Maxwell remembers vividly.


    Mona sat alone in the doctor''s office, lost in thought for a long time, until Haley returned with lunch for her. Seeing Mona sitting there with her arms crossed, staring into space, Haley ced the food on the table, snapping Mona back to reality. "Thank you, Haley." Mona took the fork from Haley.


    Haley said, "No need to thank me, Mona. It''s well past lunch. Eat something."


    Mona smiled but said nothing more.


    She opened the meal Haley had brought, two main dishes and a vegetable side. It looked appetizing, but her heavy heart dulled her appetite.


    Not wanting Haley to worry, Mona forced herself to take a few bites before closing the container.


    Understanding that Mona couldn''t eat much, Haley sat by her in silence.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    After two hours, the doctor returned with the report, and Mona took the seat Maxwell had upied earlier.


    The doctor examined Maxwell''s brain scan closely, pointing out Mrs. Carter, here''s a blood clot in the brain, a particrly tricky location. Surgery isn''t an option, but it poses no threat to his life. Recovery will have to depend on himself naturally working through it. Medication won''t be very effective here. Ultimately, it''s up to him." Mona studied the results carefully. After hearing the doctor''s words, she let go of thest bit of hope. It was just as the overseas doctors had said: Maxwell''s memory recovery dependel on him alone.


    Mona said, "Thank you, Doctor. Sorry to have troubled you so much today."


    "No trouble at all. It''s my duty. Try to stay positive," said the doctor.


    Mona nodded and left the hospital with Haley and Nigel.

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313 37%


    After returning home, Mona felt utterly exhausted. She took a quick nap and got up in thete afternoon to start preparing dinner.


    When she picked up her phone, she noticed Maxwell hadn''t replied to the message she''d sent him earlier.


    A familiar sense of helplessness washed over her. She wondered when this kind of life would finallye to an end.


    Mona said: [Maxwell, I''m getting dinner ready now. Let me know when you see this.]


    Mona knew Maxwell wouldn''t reply right away, so she didn''t keep checking her phone.


    Hattie prepared fresh vegetables and meat daily, so Mona nced through the fridge before deciding on the evening meal.


    She spotted her favorite steak and, given the cold weather, decided to make beef vegetable soup.


    She also saw some tomato and remembered that Maxwell used to say he loved it. So, she nned to include it as the vegetable dish for dinner


    As the food nearedpletion, the soup was already filling the kitchen with its aroma, leaving only the vegetable dish to prepare.


    Thinking of Maxwell again, she washed her hands and went to the living room to check her phone.


    There were several messages, mostly from her grandparents and her best friend, but nothing from Maxwell.


    Mona couldn''t help but open the chat with Maxwell first. Since his memory loss, it had be a one-sided conversation, filled almost entirely with her own words. Maxwell''s responses were brief, with an asional "okay" or "Not bad," or sometimes he didn''t bother replying at all.


    Reading through their chat history, Mona felt her eyes well up.


    She realized she had be what people online now called a "simp."


    She was clinging to Maxwell shamelessly, just as she once had with Teddy. It was as if everything hade full circle, only this time with a different person.


    Without thinking for too long, Mona dialed Maxwell''s number.


    The phone rang for a long time before an automated voice informed her that the call could not be connected.


    Mona hung up silently, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye.


    Despite everything she had been through, she still hadn''t fully matured. She couldn''t bepletely rational. When things upset her, she still cried. Somehow, crying seemed to be the only way to release the sadness.


    Returning to her phone, she saw messages from her grandparents asking what she nned to have for dinner and some words of care from Ava.


    Her heart felt a bit lighter.


    Maybe Mona wasn''t particrly lucky in love, and her rtionship with Maxwell had been a bumpy ride. But she had treasures she could boast about without hesitation, her grandparents'' love and a decade-long friendship with Ava. These were her most precious gifts. After another attempt to call Maxwell went unanswered, Mona turned on the TV and sat on the sofa, half-watching and half-


    Chapter 313-


    lost in thought.


    Dinner was nearly ready. Mona was waiting only for Maxwell to return.


    She sat there as the clock''s hands moved round and round, Outside, the sky grew darker, the faint rumble of thunder hinting at an approaching storm.


    By the time Mona snapped out of her thoughts, it was almost eleven. She felt physically drained, so she tried calling Maxwell one more time. Still no answer.


    She let out a bitterugh, wondering when Maxwell would remember his wife was waiting for him.


    Without much appetite, Mona decided to go upstairs to freshen up. Just as she was heading up, her phone rang.


    The caller was Maxwell.


    Though Maxwell often ignored her calls, Mona never hesitated to pick up his.


    The phone had barely rung twice before she answered.


    Maxwell''s voice came through the line. "Mona,e pick me up from the club. Bring some cash. I''ll send you the address."


    Before she could ask how much to bring, the line went dead.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    As she listened to the dial tone, Mona''s face fell.


    It was already five past eleven, and she had to go pick Maxwell up.


    Apologetically, she woke up Haley, brought two bodyguards, retrieved her bank card, and had Haley drive her to the address Maxwell had sent.


    At some point, a light rain had started outside, and the wind was bone-chilling. Mona wrapped herself in a down jacket before heading out.


    The quiet streets seemed especially empty at this hour, the car moving smoothly along the road.


    Mona leaned her head against the window, watching the streetlights cast a warm orange glow over her pale face, which highlighted her delicate features. Outside, the light rain danced in the air. Mona gazed at the drops on the window, feeling a fresh wave of confusion. She no longer knew how to rte to Maxwell. The car wound through the streets until it finally arrived at the illustrious club. The club''s bright lights stood out among the buildings, itsvish decor radiating luxury. Haley got out, opened an umbre, and helped Mona out, with the two bodyguards following behind.


    The night was dark, and the rain fell in a steady drizzle.


    Mona''s group walking in the rain caught attention.


    Before they even entered, a club attendant was already at the door, taking Haley''s umbre.


    Haley mentioned Maxwell''s name, and the attendant quickly smiled at Mona. "Oh, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter has been waiting for you. Please, let me take you to him."


    Mona gave the attendant a polite smile.


    The attendant, a young man who looked fresh out of school, was flustered by her smile, immediately ushering her through


    18:41 Mon, Dec 2 G.


    the club.


    Inside, Mona noted that the club offered an array of entertainment rooms, game rooms, coffee lounges, dance halls...


    The attendant led them up several floors, finally stopping at the top level.


    "Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter is in thergest private room here," the attendant said.


    "Thank you," Mona said.


    "It''s my pleasure to serve you, ma''am."


    Mona couldn''t help but feel a pang at those words. Once, Maxwell had told her, "It''s my pleasure to serve you."


    2.37%2


    After the attendant left, Mona stood facing the closed door, listening to the loud music and voices from within. Amid the noise, she heard Barbara''s name mentioned.


    A bad feeling washed over her.


    She raised her hand, knocking on the door.

 Chapter 314

    Someone quickly opened the door. Noisy music and discussions came from inside. Mona frowned subconsciously. "Who are you?" The person who came to open the door obviously did not know Mona.


    Mona quickly returned to normal. She looked inside and immediately saw Maxwell sitting in the middle of the private


    room.


    He appeared tall among the crowd, his handsome facial features striking. Because of that, he often stood out from everyone. "I''m here to look for Maxwell," Mona said indifferently.


    "Oh, so you''re his wife. Come on in. Max has been waiting for you for a long time," the guy who opened the door said.


    Mona nodded and walked in, followed by Haley. She asked Nigel and the bodyguards to wait outside. They would onlye in if there was an argumentter. The scene in the private room was even morevish than Mona had imagined. Colorful lights shone down on beautiful women who were dancing and singing. Maxwell sat in the middle. He was wearing a shirt with two buttons unbuttoned, revealing his sexy corbone. His eyes fell on Mona.


    He seemed to be drunk. Mona watched as he wobbled up to her. He hugged her shoulders and said to the others, "I told you that someone woulde to bring me money, didn''t I?" He patted Mona''s shoulder hard a few times and asked her, "Isn''t that right, my dear Mona?"


    Mona held in her pain and anger. She gritted her teeth, breathing in the scent of alcohol on Maxwell.


    At this moment, Mona once again felt that she did not recognize Maxwell. Although he was clearly the same person, with the same looks, he felt unfamiliar because of his amnesia. However, it wasn''t as though they had wanted things to turn out this way. After all, Maxwell became like this because he had protected her.


    Mona wanted to give him love and let him live his old life so that he could recover his memories as soon as possible. She did not want Maxwell to live his life in a muddled state every day. "Excellent. Since you are here, you must have brought enough money. Go on, you can have Ms. Burton''s design for four million dors," the others said.


    Hearing the words of the other people in the private room, Mona could not help but reveal a mocking smile. She thought, ''Four million dors for a piece of clothing? They might as well rob a bank. Furthermore, it is Barbara''s design. I refuse to spend the money on trash. "That''s right. This suit even has Ms. Burton''s signature on the inside. There is only one piece in the world. Andrew bought it for two million dors. Surely Max won''t let Andrew lose out, right? Even if we want it, we have to let Max have the first say," one of them said. As soon as the man finished, Maxwell shook Mona''s shoulder again. Under the dim light, Maxwell''s expression was very unfamiliar. "Mona, did you hear that? I can''t let them lose out. Hurry up and pay."


    Maxwell was about to reach into Mona''s coat pocket when Mona pped him. He withdrew his hand subconsciously and looked at Mona fiercely as if he would kill Mona in the next second if she did not pay. Mona avoided his gaze and pushed him towards Haley. With quick reflexes, Haley caught Maxwell, who was so drunk that he nearly passed out.


    Mon, Dec


    Chapter 314-


    Mona walked forward and looked into the eyes of the person who had just spoken. "I don''t need you to do anything for Maxwell. If you want this suit, you can buy it," she said calmly, though her eyes were cold. "That won''t do. Maxwell likes the suit. If I buy it, Maxwell will be me when he sobers up," the man responded.


    37%


    Mona took a step forward and noticed that the man had a small hole on his cheek. When he spoke, his eyes darted around. He did not look like an upright person. She concluded that he just wanted money from the alcoholic Maxwell.


    "I guarantee that Maxwell won''t me you. Since you like it so much, just buy it. Or are you lying about liking Ms. Burton''s design?" Mona asked.


    With each word, Mona asserted more pressure on the man. By the end, he could feel cold sweat breaking out on his back. He thought, ''Isn''t Mona just a woman? How can I be frightened by her tone? She''s really intimidating! "Madam, this isn''t a good idea," he said.


    Mona turned around and looked at the sleepy Maxwell. Her lips curled into a smile. "Why isn''t it? Maxwell is already drunk. He''s not petty. It''s just a piece of clothing. Since you like it, you can have it. Since Maxwell is wasted, I''ll bring him home first. You guys have fun." After that, Mona eyed the suit in the hands of the beauty beside him. She looked away after one nce. It was ordinary and


    uncreative.


    Mona opened the door of the private room and let the two bodyguards carry Maxwell out. Haley saw Maxwell''s clothes nearby quickly took them, and ran..


    When they helped Maxwell into the car, he was still shouting, "Isn''t it just four million dors? I''m Maxwell Carter. The money is nothing to me!"


    As his voice was not loud, Mona did not hear him clearly when she got into the car. However, she heard thest half of the


    sentence.


    As for the two people in the front seats of the car, they only knew that Maxwell was babbling but couldn''t catch what he said Mona nced at Maxwell''s exposed corbone and said to Nigel, "Nigel, turn up the temperature." "Yes, ma''am. It''s done," Nigel said.


    On the way back to the vi, Nigel hesitated before saying to Mona, "Madam, thepany needs Mr. Carter. It''s the end of the year now, and many important decisions require Mr. Carter''s ruling. When can he go to thepany?" Mona leaned her head against the car window. "Got it. He''ll be there in the next two days. Sorry about troubling you Bud for the time being."


    and


    The doctor said that Maxwell had only lost his memory, but still could work and make decisions. However, Mona did not know if Maxwell was still willing to go to Clem Group or whether he was stillmitted to his former grand ambitions.


    "It''s no trouble. It is what Mr. Ray and I should do," Nigel replied


    When they arrived at the vi, Mona could not move the drunk Maxwell alone. Thus, she asked two bodyguards to help Maxwell into the bedroom.


    After the bodyguards left, Mona turned on the nightmp by the bed and helped him take off his shoes. She wanted Maxwell to sleep morefortably.


    Then, she sized up the man in front of her under the dim light.


    No matter how she looked at him, he still looked the same in the past. Even the mole behind his ear was the same. When she held Maxwell''s hand, the feeling was the same. His big hand could cover hers entirely. 18:41 Mon, Dec 2 G.


    23742


    However, for some reason, Mona felt that Maxwell was different from before. She could not pinpoint exactly what it was


    After watching him for a while, Mona felt so tired she couldn''t stay awake anymore. She covered Maxwell with a nket and went out.


    Mona returned to her room and showered. She soon fell asleep after shey on the bed.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    It was rare for Mona to have no problems drifting to sleep, but she had a nightmare. She dreamed that Maxwell was locked in the basement with chains on his feet. The basement was damp and dark. It was a ce where no one should be in

 Chapter 315

    Chapter


    315


    Mona was so frightened by the dream that she woke up. She sat up, her eyes filled with panic, and her pajamas drenched in sweat. Although she could not see Maxwell''s face clearly in the dream, she knew he was in pain.


    She did not have time to think. She got out of bed hurriedly, forgetting to wear slippers in her panic. Picking up the spare key, she opened the door and ran into Maxwell''s room.


    It was not long after dawn and Maxwell was still sleeping soundly. His sleeping posture was also different from before.


    Without hesitation, Mona hugged Maxwell. The dream fromst night kept shing before her eyes as though it had really happened.


    Panicking, Mona felt really afraid. Only when she saw Maxwell fine and dandy beside her would she feel better.


    It was odd to have someone barged into his room suddenly and even crawled into his arms, hugging him. Maxwell frowned and pushed Mona away.


    Mona''s attention was foused on Maxwell''s face. After being pushed by Maxwell, she sat on the bed.


    In a daze, Maxwell saw Mona''s face covered in tears. He had wanted to quarrel with her but now asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Mona shook her head, remembering that Maxwell was no longer the Maxwell of the past. She said, "I''m fine. I just had a nightmare. I didn''t mean to wake you."


    With that, Mona left the bedroom barefooted.


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s back and snapped, "What a lunatic." Then, he continued to sleep.


    After Mona returned to her room, shey under the nket and could not fall asleep for a long time. Whenever she closed her eyes, she would see Maxwell trapped in the basement.


    She had just confirmed that Maxwell was sleeping on the bed in the room next to hers and that the dream wasn''t real. However, for some reason, Mona felt especially upset. It was as if Maxwell had really suffered such treatment. Somehow, Mona fell asleep again, dreaming of the same scene. But this time, Maxwell said, "Mona, I love you. I''ve never stopped loving you."


    After that, Maxwell was pulled into the dark basement and the door mmed shut.


    Mona shouted and pounded on the door. No matter how hard she tried, the door would not open. In the end, Mona woke up again shouting Maxwell''s name.


    The sky was already bright, the sunlight streaming into the room. Mona looked at the time. It was already past seven o''clock. She ran her hand through her messy hair and got out of bed in her slippers.


    Mona saw her pale face in the mirror and forced a smile. It felt especially fake and not as bright as before.


    After spending several days together, Mona knew Maxwell did not eat breakfast now. She walked to the kitchen to look at the half-prepared meal fromst night.


    Mona kept everything that could be eaten and threw away the rest. Then, she ate a piece of bread and drank some milk.


    She sat in the living room, drawing as she waited for Maxwell toe down. It would be spring soon after Christmas ended. She could start preparing for Star''s spring collection. Perhaps it was because she was in a bad mood, but as she held a paintbrush in her hand, no inspiration came to her. She could not help but keep thinking of Maxwell''s face.


    37%


    It was not the Maxwell sleeping at home, but the Maxwell who was in the basement in her dream. Perhaps he had not shaved for a few days. Mona could see his stubble, even if she couldn''t see clearly. Mona could not help but think of how Maxwell used to tease her with this stubble. Life was good then and they were happy.


    Now, Maxwell had lost his memory, and it seemed Mona''s inspiration for designs had dried up too.


    Just like thest two days, Maxwell didn''te downstairs until 11:00 pm when the servants were starting to prepare lunch. Because Mona had made dinnerst night, they had not eaten. She was still angry, so she did not want to make lunch today. Her mind was filled with the dreamst night, and she was not in the mood to cook.


    Maxwell came down and saw Mona sitting on the sofa. He could not help but think of her soft body in his arms when he was half awake. He said indifferently, "I heard you didn''t buy that suit for mest night?"


    These words were a question to Mona.


    "Yeah," Mona replied.


    "Aren''t you going to exin yourself?" Maxwell asked.


    Mona met Maxwell''s gaze and felt he was even more unfamiliar. "Four million dors is not a small sum. You can''t simply buy something just because you want to."


    "The amount is insignificant to us. Mona, you''re really embarrassing me."


    "Yes, the money isn''t much to us but I have control of it. Do you have any money? You can''t fork out that much now."


    Mona wanted to provoke Maxwell. She wanted him to agree to go to Clem Group to work and stop being so muddle-headed.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Maxwell pointed at Mona and chuckled, "Aren''t we married? What''s yours is mine. We''re one. Since I don''t have any money transfer some to me. I don''t need much. Ten million dors will do."


    Mona ced the brush and sketchbook in her hand on the coffee table, not looking at Maxwell. She said, "Yes, we''re married, but I have control over the family''s finances. Maxwell, if you want money, you have to go to work. It''s been a few days since you came back. Clem Group needs you."


    Maxwell looked at Mona and chuckled. "Mona, are you saying all this because you want me to go to Clem Group? I understand over thest few days that I''m the current chairman of Clem Group. Since that is so, I should go."


    When Mona saw how easily Maxwell agreed, she vaguely felt that something bad would happen.


    "In that case, go to thepany with Nigel after lunch. It''s almost Christmas. Thepany is very busytely," Mona said as she looked into Maxwell''s eyes.


    "Alright, whatever you say. Can you transfer money to me now?" Maxwell asked.


    &


    "If youe home on time tonight, I''ll transfer it to you." Mona really didn''t want to go out in the middle of the night to pick up Maxwell again. Her dark circles were already extremely obvious. Maxwell pointed at Mona and said, "So that is how it is. Fine, Mona." He even gave Mona a thumbs-up. "You''re really smart, aren''t you?"


    As soon as he finished, Mona stopped talking. She took the remote control and turned on the television.


    Neither of them spoke. It was better to have some noise in the silent living room.


    18:41 Mon, Dec 2 G.


    3/%2


    Soon, Hattie came over and told Mona and Maxwell that lunch was ready. Mona nodded and got up to call Maxwell to go to the dining table.


    Hattie''s culinary skills were very good. Back then, Maxwell had hired her because he saw that her culinary skills were not bad and the food she made suited Mona''s taste.


    The meal was very quiet. Neither Mona nor Maxwell spoke. Only the sound of utensils clinking on tes could be heard.


    AR


    Q


    COMMENT

 Chapter 316

    Not long after lunch, Nigel sent Mona a message, saying that he was already waiting at the door.


    Mona originally did not n to go, but after thinking about it, she decided to go. On the first day, Mona was worried that Maxwell would not handle it well, or that after he went there, he directly went out to have some fun.


    When they arrived at the Clem Group, Maxwell looked left and right. He was very curious about everything. Mona brought him straight to the chairman''s office.


    Maxwell''s desk was already piled up with a lot of documents to deal with. Maxwell sat in his usual chair and immediately felt. proud. He was the big boss of apany and the envy of many people.


    Nigel ced the most important document in front of Maxwell. It required Maxwell''s signature. There was a property that could be started.


    Nigel knew that Maxwell could not remember many things. Nigel told Maxwell everything that had happened, including how he had snatched the project from the Carter Group. In the end, it was time for Maxwell to sign it. Maxwell looked at the signature part on the document and thought for a moment before saying, "There''s no hurry. Isn''t it Christmas soon? Let''s talk about it after that. Is there anything else important?"


    Nigel was a little confused. Before Maxwell went to Welintern, he valued this project the most. He had wanted to start construction before Christmas. Nigel did not expect Maxwell to decide to start the project after Christmas after losing his memory. However, since it was Maxwell''s decision, he epted it. He took out another document. It was to acquire an entertainmentpany. Nigel also told Maxwell everything that had happened. This time, Maxwell signed his name without hesitation. After Mona came out of the washroom, she was relieved to see that Maxwell was adapting well.


    At this moment, Bud knocked on the door and entered. A few days ago, he attended a ball overseas instead of Maxwell and had not had the time to rush back. Nigel told Bud on the phone that Maxwell had lost his memory. Otherwise, Bud would not have known. When he heard Nigel''s words, he was shocked. He wondered if the young couple was joking.


    After Bud entered, he walked in front of Maxwell and stared at him.


    "No way, Maxwell, did you really lose your memory?" When Nigel told him, there was only disbelief in his heart.


    How could Maxwell suddenly lose his memory? He couldn''t remember his past at all. This was unbelievable.


    Maxwell nodded. "Amnesia? Really?"


    This time, Budughed out loud. "Maxwell, you actually don''t even recognize me. I''m Bud. I have been with you from the Carter Group to the Clem Group." They were best friends! Good lord, he actually didn''t remember!


    Then, looking at Maxwell''s confused expression, he had to believe it even if he didn''t want to. "Even if you lost your memory, I still have to take my annual leave."


    Maxwell did not say anything. He just stared at Bud.


    Then, the two men looked at each other. Bud could not stand the awkwardness and looked at Mona.


    "Mona, is that real?" Bud still had thest bit of hope.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Mona nodded and said helplessly, "He really lost my memory. He even didn''t remember me."


    17:20 Tue, Dec 3.


    This time, Bud felt better: Maxwell didn''t even remember Mona so how could Maxwell remember him?


    Bud then asked the doctor what he said. Mona told him everything.


    761


    Bud looked at Maxwell in front of him. Just like Mona, the Maxwell in front of him was very unfamiliar. "I hope you recover soon, but I can''t take any less annual leave this year. I just got off the ne. I''m exhausted. I''m going back." After Bud left, Nigel seriously talked to Maxwell about thepany''s matters these days. Nigel looked at Maxwell''s casual expression and did not know if Maxwell took it to heart.


    Time passed just like that. On this day, Mona stayed with Maxwell until he got off work. Maxwell had to trouble Mona with everything, such as getting him a cup of coffee and sending this document to the sales department... He was simply using Mona as an assistant, but he could not bear to see her sitting there idly.


    When Mona saw that Maxwell was finally doing well, she would ept it even if she had to be his assistant.


    The two of them returned home and had yet to enter. Maxwell looked at Mona and said, "I''ve done everything you said. Don''t forget to transfer money to me."


    Mona said reluctantly, "Got it. Don''t forget to go to work on time tomorrow."


    Maxwell did not say anything. He just frowned. Mona took it that he had agreed and transferred money to Maxwell that night.


    The next morning, when Mona woke up, Maxwell was still asleep. Thinking that he had to go to work on time that day, she knocked on Maxwell''s door a few times.


    She didn''t say anything. After knocking, she went down to prepare breakfast.


    Sheined silently in her heart. Ever since Maxwell lost his memory, her and Maxwell''s family status had been swapped. She did not know when they would be swapped back.


    When Mona put the oatmeal in the pot, there was still no sound from upstairs. Mona was so angry that she knocked on the door a few more times.


    "Mona, are you crazy? If you knock again, I''ll chop off your hand


    Maxwell roared. Mona was not afraid of him. "Maxwell, if you don''t get up and go to work, I''ll freeze


    your


    bank card."


    "Okay, Mona, you have guts."


    Mona did not reply after hearing that.


    Today, Mona did not n to go to thepany with Maxwell. She wanted to go to Star to discuss the new designers of Star this Spring,


    She just had no inspiration and could not draw everything. Or perhaps she had reached a bottleneck and was not satisfied with the things she designed. During breakfast, Maxwell gave Mona a stern look and did not say a word to Mona.


    Mona felt bad every time she saw Maxwell like this. Her mood was also affected, but Mona felt that what she did was not wrong. She had already done her best.


    Because Maxwell was angry with Mona, he went to thepany with Nigel right after dinner. When he went, he did not say a word to Mona.


    After Mona was annoyed for a while, he called Haley and the two of them went to Star together.


    As soon as they left the vi, the car was blocked. Haley honked several times, but the car in the front did not move.


    Haley''s temper red up. He stopped the car and knocked on the door in front.


    Because Haley got out of the car in a hurry, the door was not locked. Gordon crawled out from there and sat in the driver''s seat. He reversed the car and drove away in the other direction.


    The entire process was done in one go. By the time Mona realized that the driver wasn''t the right one, it was already toote. The car had already started running.


    G


    0

 Chapter 317

    Mona saw Gordon''s face through the rearview mirror. Thinking of the incident at the warehouse, she was a little afraid and subconsciously tightened her grip on his phone.


    He said coldly, "Gordon, what are you doing? Stop the car!"


    Perhaps Gordon was used to Mona''s tone when she spoke to him. He was not angry. Instead, he smiled cheekily and said to Mona, "I heard that Maxwell lost his memory? You''ve been having a hard time recently. Do you want a hug? I will love you." "None of your business!" Mona did not want to talk to Gordon at all. She wasn''t polite at all.


    Maxwell Carter had lost her memory and she was already in a bad mood. Gordon actually came to bother her.


    "I haven''t seen you for a while and your temper has gotten a lot worse. Why don''t I help you relieve it?" Gordon said as he drove the car to a ce with fewer cars.


    "Gordon, stop the car. Otherwise, I''ll call the police," Mona threatened. She already nned to call the police. If Maxwell did not stop the car, she nned to make a call.


    "Alright, stop. You''re really angry." As soon as Gordon finished speaking, he stepped on the brakes and the car stopped. However, he had locked the car door tightly, and there were not many pedestrians around.


    Mona tried to open the door but couldn''t. She saw Gordon''s face through the rearview mirror. Mona was really angry


    "Gordon, this is my car. Get out!" Mona ordered. She was angered by Gordon. The car was hers. Why should she get out? It should be Gordon who got out.


    "Just sit for a while. I won''t take your car for nothing. It''s just because it''s too difficult to talk to you alone." Gordon sounded a little aggrieved.


    However, the truth was that when he called Mona, he found that he was blocked. He also couldn''t friend her on WhatsApp/


    He could only try to stop her here.


    "Gordon, I''m telling you clearly that I don''t want to talk to you alone. Get out of the car!" As Mona spoke, she had already sent her current location to Haley. She knew that Haley would be anxious if she couldn''t find her. The car hadn''t been driving for long, so Mona knew that Haley would be here soon. "Don''t be so angry. Maxwell has lost his memory and doesn''t remember you. I know you have been having a hard time. Come to me!" Among the


    many


    women


    he wanted, the one he couldn''t get was Mona. He didn''t mind marrying Mona.


    She was a member of the Clem family and the founder of Star. She was good enough to be his wife. Even if she divorced


    he


    ''didn''t mind.


    once,


    Hearing Gordon''s words, Mona didn''t want to say anything. It was not the first time she had rejected Gordon. Why was he still not giving up? He still kept on asking. He was really thick-skinned.


    "Compared to the current Maxwell, at least I value you in my heart and am willing to live a peaceful life with you. If you behave, I will treat you well. Mona, don''t exhaust my patience again and again. My patience is limited." "Are you done? If you''re done, you can leave," Mona said indifferently.


    "Alright, Mona, I''ll give you a chance. Think about it carefully. I don''t want to see you cry and beg me in the future!" After Gordon said that, he opened the car door and walked in. Before he left, he looked at Mona''s beautiful face and said, "Mona. I''ve said it before. We''ll meet again!"


    The show had just begun. It seemed that if he did not let Mona experience more hardships, she would not know that only he, Gordon, could finally get her.


    Almost as soon as Gordon left, Haley came over. She knew this car. She quickly opened the door and got in.


    Seeing Mona sitting safely in the back seat, Haley felt relieved. "Mona, are you alright?"


    Mona shook her head. She held the space between his eyebrows and said, "It''s fine. Let''s go to Star. Gordon is just here to talk nonsense."


    "Alright, Mona, take a break," said Haley as she started the car.


    If anything happened to Mona today, she did not know how to apologize. She was really too careless. She actually got someone to kidnap Mona in front of her.


    Mona said yes and closed her eyes. She had been really frustrated recently. She really missed Maxwell. She missed the old Maxwell who loved her and had memories like her.


    After arriving at Star, Mona took out her energy and walked inside. Since she had decided to establish this brand, she had to be responsible for this brand, the customers who liked it, and the employees here.


    Because of Christmas, many employees were on vacation. Mona went straight to the Design Department to look for ra and the others.


    The few of them discussed for a long time and felt that the spring outfit designed by Mona wasn''t good enough. Mona also felt the same.


    "Mona, don''t worry. There''s still a long way to go. It won''t be toote to finish it after Christmas," raforted Mona. She knew that Mona''s condition was not right. It must be rted to Maxwell.


    "That''s right, Mona. Don''t be anxious. We''re also designing. On the day we hand in the design drafts, we''ll definitely design something that everyone will be satisfied with."


    "You guys are right. There''s plenty of time. And you guys, I was thinking too much. Looks like I really have to let myself rx," Mona said with a smile.


    Then, Mona saw that it was gettingte. "Then everyone, try your best to design. It''s almost Christmas. We''ll discuss the design draft for the spring outfit when wee back after holiday. I''ll wish everyone happy Christmas in advance!" "Mona, Merry Christmas!"


    Mona smiled at them. "Continue with your work. I''m going upstairs,


    From Mona to Ava Swanson''s office, Ava Swanson was dealing with thepany''s final matters. She knocked on the door and walked in.


    "Have you discussed it?"


    Mona nodded. When she saw Ava punching her arm, she walked over and massaged Ava''s shoulders. "We''ve discussed it. My inspiration hasn''t arrived recently. I''m not satisfied with the designs." "Take your time. I think when Maxwell''s memory loss is cured, your inspiration wille," Ava said while enjoying the


    her. service Mona gave


    Tue, Dec 3N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    3


    76%1


    "Alright, I think so too. However, this won''t do either. I have to empty my mind for the next few days to look for inspiration." This was because she didn''t know when Maxwell would recover her memory. She could not wait, let alone Star.


    "Do you want me to go with you?"


    "It''s finally the holiday. Stay with your family. I will go to Nathontown High School with Maxwell. Maybe Maxwell can have some memories of there. Then he will be okay.


    However, with just Nathontown High School, Mona didn''t believe that she could restore Maxwell''s memory. She could only say that it was better to take it slow than to do nothing.


    Tue, Dec

 Chapter 318

    Ava knew that Mona had her own ns. She nodded. "Alright, then go with your husband."


    However, before Mona could put this matter on the agenda, something big happened.


    One night, when Mona received a call from her grandfather, Bernard, she had just washed up and was preparing to sleep. Hearing her phone ring, Mona quickly picked it up.


    Bernard''s strong voice came from the other end. "Mona, bring Maxwell back. I have something to ask him."


    Mona quickly replied. Bernard''s words were an order.


    Mona guessed that it was rted to thepany. She did not know how Maxwell was doing in thepany these days.


    She quickly changed her clothes and knocked on the door of the master bedroom.


    "Mona, so what? If you really want toe over and sleep with me, I don''t mind. Aren''t you tired of knocking on the door every day?"


    As Maxwell spoke, he had no intention ofing down to open the door.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Maxwell,e out. Grandpa wants us to go back now. He has something to ask you," Mona said as she knocked on the door.


    "What are you talking about? It''s sote. I''m going to sleep. We''ll talk about it tomorrow." Maxwell continued to y the gams and his hands quickly pressed on the screen.


    At this moment, Mona was really disappointed in him. She knocked on the door twice and said coldly, "Maxwell, I''ll give you two choices now. One is to put on your clothes obediently ande back to with me. The other is for me to get someone to help you put on your clothes and take you back. I''ll give you three seconds to think."


    "One, two, three."


    Almost as soon as Mona finished speaking, Maxwell''s voice sounded. "Fuck, it''s sote at night. How annoying."


    Despite hisints, Maxwell still got out of bed and casually put on some clothes.


    ''Mona is crazy. Since she said so, she might really kidnap me.''


    For the past few days, Mona had almost gotten used to Maxwell''s swear words. She just listened and did not say anything. Even if she ordered Maxwell not to do that, Maxwell would not listen. Maxwell opened the door and saw Mona standing at the door with her arms crossed. He said coldly, "Let''s go!"


    From here to the Clem''s ce, it was silent in the car. Even the sound of breathing could be heard.


    Soon, they arrived at the Clem''s ce, Maxwell and strode in without waiting for Mona,


    After entering, Bernard hit Maxwell''s back with his walking stick. Maxwell was stunned for a moment. Bernard''s experienced eyes stared at Maxwell''s eyes. After Mona quickly entered, she saw such a scene. Benard and Maxwell were looking at each other.


    She could see the anger in her grandfather''s eyes and the hatred in Maxwell''s eyes.


    Bernard still wanted to hit Maxwell to vent his anger. Mona quickly stood in front of Maxwell and said, "Grandpa, did Maxwell do something wrong?" Tue, Dec 3


    She patted Bernard''s back to help him catch his breath. This was the first time she had seen Bernard so angry. He hit Maxwell without asking anything. Bernard looked at Maxwell and then at Mona. He said coldly, "Maxwell, follow me to the study."


    After the two of them left, Jane pulled Mona to the sofa in the living room.


    "Mona, don''t me your grandfather for beating Maxwell. What he did today really made your grandfather so angry." Jane said. Not only was Bernard angry, but she was also angry. "W-What''s wrong?" Since Jane said so, Maxwell must have done something unforgivable.


    Jane sighed and said, "It''s a real estate that Maxwell managed to snatch from the Carter Group before he lost his memory. The construction could start right after Maxwell signed his name? Maxwell not only didn''t sign it, but he even rejected it directly. I don''t know what Maxwell was thinking, but thend was taken over by the Carter Group. The Clem Group lost a lot of money. This was originally the Clem Group''s first job next year, but it can only be dyed now."


    "Grandma, is there any way to get a piece ofnd now?" Mona asked. She was getting more and more confused about Maxwell''s thoughts. She did not know why he did not sign it. Thepany had earned 40 million dors less. It was normal for Bernard to be angry and want to beat Maxwell.


    "There''s no other way. The Carter Group has acted very quickly. Both parties have already signed the contract. We can only ept this loss for nothing," Jane sighed.


    Soon, Maxwell and Bernard came out of the study. Maxwell looked cold and distant. Bernard was so angry that his face turned red.


    The four of them sat on the sofa. Jane poured a ss of coffee for Bernard and handed it to him. Sheforted him, "Don''t be angry. Money is not important It''s not worth it to be angry."


    Maxwell sat beside Mona. There was still some distance between the two of them. Mona could clearly see the veins on the back of Maxwell''s hand bulging.


    "I''m not angry. I''m not angry. I just feel that it''s not worth it for Maxwell before he lost his memory. How long did he prepare for this real estate project? Now, he said that he doesn''t like this person-in-charge. His effort was wasted. And now, his archenemy got the project. What should I say?" Bernard was so angry that he pped his thigh. The sound was exceptionally loud.


    "Grandpa, don''t be angry. It''s just that Maxwell hasn''t thought it through yet," Mona said. She was puzzled and didn''t know what Maxwell was thinking.


    Bernard ced the cup in his hand on the coffee table and said indifferently, "Alright, I''ve already beaten him up. Let''s forget it this time. If you can''t make up your mind about anything important in the future,e and ask me. It''s gettingte. Don''t go back tonight. Go upstairs and rest!"


    After Bernard was helped out of the living room by Jane, Mona watched them leave before looking at Maxwell again.


    "Don''t be angry. Grandpa is like this. It''s gettingte. Go up and sleep!"


    Maxwell did not say anything. He just stood up and Mona followed behind him.


    After the two of them returned to their room, Mona remembered that her grandfather used to hit Albert with a walking stick. Every time he hit his back, there would be a red mark.


    As she thought about it, she went to get the first aid kit and sat beside Maxwell. "Maxwell, take off your clothes. I''ll help you apply the medicine on your back."


    Maxwell stared at Mona and asked, "Are


    you sure?"


    Mona nodded. "Quick, let me see if my grandfather''s beating was serious. You''re too stubborn."


    "Damn it, I just don''t like that person in charge. I don''t want to work with him!" Maxwell said angrily as he unbuttoned his shirt.


    It was Mona who wanted to apply the medicine on him. He didn''t ask for that.

 Chapter 319

    86% Chapter


    319


    "Okay, okay, okay. You''re right. You''re amazing. Lie on the bed and I''ll help you apply the medicine. Grandpa is quite ruthless." Mona looked at the red marks on Maxwell''s back and felt her heart ache. "That''s enough. Didn''t you say that you were going to apply medicine on me? Hurry up!" Maxwell said in amanding tone.


    Mona nodded before picking up the cotton swab and applying the medicine. She sat by the bed and applied the medicine bit by bit. She even blew on the wrounds a few times, afraid that it would hurt Maxwell.


    As she applied the ointment, her eyes subconsciously looked up Suddenly, she saw something ck on Maxwell''s right shoulder. Mona subconsciously used her hand to remove it.


    After rubbing the ck part a few times, Maxwell''s skin did not change at all. Mona subconsciously frowned and realized that it was a mole.


    However, Maxwell did not have a mole here before. Mona looked at the mole and rubbed it hard a few more times. It was still stuck to Maxwell''s skin.


    It seemed that there was really a mole here. Mona stopped applying medicine for Maxwell.


    "Mona, why are you in a daze? Are you going to apply the medicine?"


    Maxwell''s voice sounded in her ears. Mona quickly came back from her thoughts and said, "Right away."


    She did not ask because she knew that Maxwell himself did not know what was going on. Perhaps he did not even know that there was a mole on his right shoulder. However, Mona knew that there was no mole here in the past. She remembered it very clearly because she had left teeth marks here in Maxwell.


    Mona didn''t think too much about it and helped Maxwell apply the medicine seriously.


    "Alright, put on your pajamas!" Mona said. She had already helped Maxwell get his pajamas and ced them beside Maxwell''s hand.


    Mona''s grandparents still didn''t know why the two of them slept in separate rooms, so the two of them slept in the same


    room.


    "Maxwell, don''t think too much. I''ll just sleep on the sofa," Mona said as she looked at the sofa opposite the bed.


    "It''s up to you. Actually, sleeping on the bed is fine too," Maxwell said indifferently. However, his eyes were fixed on Mona as if he was deep in thought. Mona smiled and insisted on sleeping on the sofa.


    The lights were turned off, and there was only a weak little light left in the room.


    Because Maxwell''s back was injured, he could only sleep on his stomach. When Mona looked at the bed, she saw his back. Under the dim light, his hair was fine.


    After an unknown period of time, Mona secretly took out her phone when she saw that Maxwell''s phone screen hadpletely be off.


    She searched online "is it possible for people to suddenly have new moles?"


    The answer from below was possible. It might have been due to the long hours of UV exposure, the long hours of staying up


    17:36 Wed, Dec 4 GG.


    In short, there were many possibilities for new moles to form on the skin.


    However, Mona could not let go of the fact that Maxwell suddenly had a mole on his right shoulder.


    She recalled how Maxwell had told her before he fainted, "Mona, I''m fine."


    J


    11


    At that time, Maxwell clearly had a memory, but when he woke up after fainting, he lost his memory. Mona''s mind began to run wild. Could it be that the person who returned with her from Welintern was not Maxwell at all? He was a fake. And the real Maxwell was still in Welintern.


    Regardless of whether it was true or not, Mona nned to let Nigel go to Welintern to investigate. That way, she would be at


    ease.


    It was not until dawn that Mona gradually fell asleep. Not long after, a servant came over to call them out for breakfast. Because Mona had something on her mind, she got out of bed without dy. She stood by the bed and looked at Maxwell, who was sleeping soundly. His four legs were spread out and upied most of the bed. His posture was different from Maxwell''s previous posture. However, when the light shone on his face, his facial features were still exquisite. She couldn''t help but ask herself in her heart, ''Would a person''s habits and preferences bepletely different from before when they lost their memory?''


    Perhaps it was because Mona''s gaze was too intense, even the sleeping Maxwell felt it. He quickly opened his eyes and their gazes met unprepared.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Maxwell was shocked by Mona. He subconsciously moved back and asked, "Mona, it''s so early in the morning. Are you sick?"


    Mona retracted her gaze. Everything in her mind was just her guess. There was no evidence. "I just wanted to wake you up. I saw that you were sleeping too soundly and couldn''t bear to wake you up. Since you''re awake, get up quickly. Grandpa and Grandma are waiting outside!" "Got it. Bring me my clothes," Maxwell ordered.


    After being stared at by Mona, he was no longer sleepy. He should quickly finish his breakfast and go back!


    Maxwell''s words were especially ear-piercing to Mona. In the past, Maxwell would not speak to her in such amanding


    tone.


    However, Mona did not say anything. Maxwell had lost his memory. No matter what she asked, this was the best excuse.


    During breakfast, Bernard still did not look happy. Mona took the initiative to pick up food for him and said with a smile, "Grandpa, try this."


    Bernard gave Mona face. He took bite and nodded at Mona. Then, he said to Maxwell, "Maxwell, try it too. You''re now the boss of apany. You can''t decide whichpany you want to work with based on your own preferences. You have to take thepany''s interests into consideration." Mona thought that Maxwell would refute Bernard, but she did not expect him to nod obediently.


    Breakfast was rtively peaceful. After breakfast, Mona and Maxwell went home. There were only ten days left until Christmas.


    Jane had already started to prepare for Christmas, and Albert had also returned from the army two dayster. Therefore, Mona felt that she would be very busy these days.


    The car drove on the road. Maxwell asked Nigel to send him to thepany. When they arrived, Mona asked Nigel to send


    her home for the reason that Haley did not follow him.


    Actually, Mona knew how to drive, but Mona wanted to talk to Nigel alone.


    11


    "Nigel, does Maxwell have any people in Welintern?" The car drove smoothly on the road. Mona went straight to the point and asked Nigel.


    Nigel shook his head. "Ever since he decided to return to the country, most of the people have already been transferred back. What''s wrong?"


    "It''s just that I think the current Maxwell is too different from the past. I want you to send someone to Welintern to check. The focus is on the doctor who operated on Maxwell and see if there are any other gains."


    After listening to Mona, Nigel stepped on the brakes and stopped the car. He asked in disbelief, "Mrs. Carter, do you mean the current Mr. Carter is fake?"


    0

 Chapter 320

    To be honest, Nigel also felt that Maxwell waspletely different from the past, but never suspected that he was fake because Maxwell had lost his memory. This was a convincing reason to exin his current strange behavior and thoughts. After all, it was almost impossible for two people in the world to look exactly the same.


    Now that Nigel heard Mona''s words, he even hoped that there was a CEO far away in Welinter and it was that old Maxwell, who had effective methods, incisive ideas, and great talent in business.


    As for Maxwell''s private assets and subordinates, Nigel did not even have the chance to tell him about these things. Now that he thought about it carefully, it was better to wait until he sent people to finish the investigation in Welintern.


    "I don''t have any evidence, so I don''t dare to make a certainment. Just take it that my mind is running wild. Forget it." After saying that, Mona continued, "Nigel, you should send someone to Welintern as soon as possible. I feel so uncertain." Thest time she dreamed that Maxwell was locked in the basement andst night she saw that he had a mole on his right shoulder, she felt even more uneasy.


    "Mr. Carter, I''ll get my men to Welintern for investigation as soon as possible and focus on that doctor," Nigel said. If someone else had made such a request, he might not have suspected their true motives. However, Mona was different. She was Maxwell''s wife and the person he loved deeply, who always deserved his unconditional trust.


    Mona nodded. "Thank you, Nigel. I hope I''m just overthinking. After this matter is resolved, just give the feedback to me alone. Don''t let anyone else know." She was afraid that people would find it out and sow discord between her and Maxwell. "Don''t worry, I know this." Nigel nodded.


    After he sent Mona back, he immediately contacted the two people he trusted the most and asked them to go to Welintern and added that they could use extreme methods to get an authentic result.


    Mona went back to her room. In this sleepless night, she felt exhausted inside and out. She was not used to sleeping alone. When shey on the bed these days, she would hug Maxwell''s old clothes to make herself better. Smelling his scent, she feltfortable as if he was by her side.


    Mona slept in a daze. In the end, she was woken up in frustration by the ringing of her phone.


    She opened her bleary eyes and saw that it was Barbara. After a series of calls, her phone was still ringing. Mona was almost filled with anger and finally answered the call.


    Almost as soon as the call connected, Barbara''s excited voice jumped out from the other end. "Mona, I also want to establish my own brand. Grandpa let me ask you for some advice. He said that you''re at home now, but the maid didn''t let me in." Her tone sounded aggrieved. After all, it was really awkward to get blocked outside her cousin''s house.


    Mona could even imagine Barbara''s expression. She believed that her cousin knew she was not willing to talk, or she wouldn''t have mentioned Bernard. She was just here to show off to warn her in advance that she wasing to be herpetitor and snatch the market. After all, she was the figure who represented the country to participate in the Design Competition and won an award, so her name was gilded and much more famous than Star.


    "Don''t say that. You made me feel ttered. I should congratte you on winning the award. It''s my honor to provide some advice to you if I really could," Mona said. She did not want to have any interactions or fake a sisterhood with Barbara now that Albert was not around. She didn''t even have the intention of letting the servants open the door.


    A momentter, before Barbara could say anything, Mona yawned naturally and saidzily, "Barbara, if that''s the case, you


    ater, befor can go back first. I''m so tired, I''ll continue sleeping." As soon as she finished, Mona hung up the phone right away. It was almost time for lunch but she still decided to take a nap.


    When she woke up again, she heardughtering from downstairs. This familiar voice surely belonged to no one but Barbara. She patted her forehead in frustration. ''How did this woman get in?''


    Before Mona reached downstairs, she saw Maxwell. Then she instantly knew who had brought Barbara in. It was out of her


    3


    surprise that he was not at thepany today.


    "Mona, you''re finally awake. I have been waiting for you for a long time," Barbara said with a smile when she saw Mona walking down. She did not feel awkward at all after being rejected by Mona at the door, nor did she bear any resentment in her heart. Barbara might not pursue the matter of Mona locking her outside the door, but Maxwell did. "Mona, what''s wrong with you? How could you let your cousin wait outside? Hurry up and apologize to Barbara."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Mona was kind of down. Maxwell''s tone sounded so sincere and intimate. Before he lost his memory, he would never take Barbara to heart.


    Mona''s gaze


    did not stay on Barbara for too long but couldn''t move from Maxwell, who looked so unfamiliar in every way.


    Now that Maxwell was speaking up for her cousin, Mona''s expression was kind of gloomy.


    Then her kindness and innocence made Barbara smile and try to smooth things over. "It''s alright, Maxwell. It''s my fault for not informing Mona in advance and disturbing her sleep. On the surface, she was helping Mona, but in reality, she implied Mona waszy and didn''t even get up at noon.


    "Barbara, how could this be your fault?" Maxwell said that to Barbara. Then he looked at Mona opposite him and ordered, "Mona, are you mute? Apologize to Barbara right now!"


    Mona nonchntly retracted her gaze and said indifferently, "Are you done? I''m going to the kitchen."


    Maxwell pointed at Mona''s face with a ferocious expression. "Mona, you, you''re insane!"


    "Maxwell, don''t say that. Calm down. I know Mona didn''t do it on purpose." Barbara smiled.

 Chapter 321

    Their voices barged into Mona''s ears, and she did her best to ignore them. She had gradually gotten used to Maxwell''s current attitude.


    At noon, because of the unexpected arrival of Barbara, Hattie had prepared a lot of food. At the dining table, it was all about Barbara and Maxwell''s talking.


    The two of them sometimes mentioned Mona''s name, but she just buried her head in the meal and remained silent or casually replied sometimes. It was written all over her face that she was in a bad mood and wanted to talk to nobody.


    It was a suffocating mealtime for her. Maxwell and Barbara talked like a couple, but she, the wife of Maxwell, was just like an outsider as she watched the two of them bantered.


    After lunch, Barbara had no intention of leaving. The three of them sat on the sofa and chatted. Maxwell bragged that the Clem Group had signed another big deal about dozens of million dors. As he spoke, Maxwell nced at Mona from time to time, warning Mona not to interrupt.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Mona couldn''t be bothered to talk. So be it. She just listened quietly. She couldn''t believe that Maxwell had be such a shameless guy who called white ck. He had lost a big deal but boasted he earned it. After sitting for a while, Mona really couldn''t stand it anymore. Just as she was thinking of an excuse to go out, she heard her phone vibrate.


    It was Brendan''s message and asked her to go out. [Mona, are you free this afternoon? Let''s have a cup of coffee. Take Maxwell along if he''s also free.]


    She had not seen Brendan since the Design Competition. But he would constantly transfer money to her ount at every festival because she never replied to his text.


    When Mona Alipay transferred it back to him, Brendan would transfer it to her again and add a message. [Don''t be so distant. Call me Brenny. You won''t lose. Take the money!]


    After a few times, Mona was annoyed. Maxwell let her keep it while she just treated it as the money picked on the street. But she always nned to return the money. Now, coincidentally, he asked her out for coffee, so the chance came.


    [Give me the address.] After Mona replied, she turned off her phone and looked at Maxwell. "I have something on. I''m leaving. Maxwell, it''s almost two o''clock. Aren''t you going to work?" She was implicitly sending the guest out.


    At this moment, Barbara hurriedly stood up from the sofa and said apologetically, "Wow, it''s sote. I have to go to work too. Mona, I''m d to have a good time chatting with you today." Mona chuckled in her heart. ''Good time chatting with me? You''re d to talk to Maxwell and irritate me.''


    "As long as you''re happy here. Barbara,e often if you have time. It just so happens that I''m going to the office too. What about this? Let me give you a ride." Maxwell suggested. "Well, Mona, is it appropriate?" Barbara asked shyly and pushed the decision to Mona.


    If Mona did not let Maxwell drive Barbara, he would definitely feel that she was petty and narrow-minded. If she showed magnanimity and agreed, this was going against her heart and making herself jealous. No matter what choice she made, Mona would bolt regret it. After a while, she smiled. "Barbara, as far as I know, you work in a branchpany, right? I''m afraid it''s not on the way. It''s toote now. If Maxwell sends you and rushes back, he will bete for work. It will leave a negative impression on the employees. Don''t you think so? Did you not drive your car?"


    Barbara shook her head. "My car has been in maintenance." In fact, she had deliberately sent the car away and hailed a taxi


    7:30 Wed, Dec 4


    here. She did not refute Mona''s suggestion. No matter how convincing Mona''s reason was, Maxwell''s opinion was still different from hers and there would be a barrier between the two of them. "Then let the chauffeur send you there, alright? Maxwell, you''re going to bete soon. Hurry up and go," Mona said calmly.


    "Okay." He did not care if he waste, but after Mona said it, he had to care. He had just been beaten up by Bernardst night, so he had to behave himself for the next few days.


    She had already arranged everything with just a few words. The three of them would go out together in three cars towards separate destinations.


    She would meet Brendan at Pleasantview za. After that, she would walk around and go shopping.


    When Mona arrived, Brendan had already been sitting there. From afar, she could see a man sit upright. He and Maxwell were both the kind of people conspicuous among the crowd.


    Haley followed behind Mona and grew worried that Mona was about to stay alone with Brendan.


    Mona could see the worry in Haley''s eyes. "Haley, don''t worry. It''s fine. I''ll be out in a while. Why don''t you find a seat nearby?"


    After the incident at the hotelst time, Mona knew that Brendan did not have any feelings for her. Her guess was that Brendan really had a sister, but something might have happenedter. She looked a little like Brendan''s sister, so he might really treat her as his sister and asked her to call him Brenny intimately just like his sister did.


    "Mona, let me go in with you. I''m worried," Haley said honestly.


    Mona nodded and the two of them walked in separately. It would be better for her to walk in alone now that Brendan was


    also.


    As soon as Mona walked over, Brendan put the chair back for her as a gentleman. After Mona sat down, he returned to his


    seat.


    "What? We haven''t seen each other for so many days. Mona, you don''t know remember to call me Brenny anymore?" Brendan asked as he called for a waiter.


    "Brenny, are you satisfied now?" Mona ordered atte and asked impatiently.


    Brendan nodded. "Yeah! Why did youe here alone? Where''s Mr. Carter?"


    Mona sat up straight. She tucked her hair behind her ear and said, "He had something on and went to thepany. Why did you suddenly ask me out today?"


    Brendan had just suggested that she could bring Maxwell along if he was free, so Mona naturally declined it on her own without even asking his opinion. She didn''t want too many people to know that Maxwell had lost his memory.


    Brendan said slowly, "I came by to see an old friend off. I haven''t seen you in a long time, so I wanted to see you. How have you been recently?"

 Chapter 322

    In fact, Brendan more or less knew about Mona''s life during this period of time. She established her own brand name and opened a clothing store. The only pity was that her child had been gone. At that time, he happened to be overseas on a business trip and was so busy with work. When he heard it, it had been half a monthter, so he did not mention this matter again, not to bring up her teary past.


    Mona forced a smile. "Not bad. Seriously, I can''t take your money for free. It''s all in this card." As she spoke, she reached out and pushed the bank card to Brendan. She suffered a pang of conscience taking so much money from, who had also helped her a lot. She was willing to call him Brenny intimately and had been used to it.


    Brendan''s expression darkened and pushed the card back to her


    He crossed his hands naturally and stared at Mona with a pair of prating eyes that seemed to be able to read people''s minds. "I never take my money back. Since you called me Brenny like my sister, this is what you deserve." "But..." Mona felt conflicted.


    "Just ept it. As I said, you treat me as your brother so I regard you as my sister. What''s wrong with the brother giving money to his sister? Also, if you have any problems, you can tell me. I''ll try my best to help you solve it Brendan took a sip of the coffee.


    He might not be able to solve it 100%, but would do his best to help her. He could tell that Mona had forced a smile on her face. She must have encountered something troublesome recently, but she did not trust him and remained taciturn. Mona pursed her lips when she heard his sincere tone. "Do you really treat me like your sister?"


    Brendan chuckled. "I''ve already made it so obvious and you still don''t believe me? Don''t be overthinking. I just dote on you as a younger sister. In a few days, I might be able to get you a sister-inw. I''ll introduce her to you then." However, Mona''s sister-inw was a little difficult to woo, unlike other women who would cling to him to show their love.


    A faint smile appeared on Mona''s face. It seemed that she was right. Brendan really treated her as his sister. "Get a sister-inw? Shouldn''t you chase after her?" She just felt like his wording sounded like a kidnapper. "Alright, it makes no difference. So I''ll chase after her." Brendan smiled andpromised.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Mona smiled. ''You''re really thinking ridiculously.''


    Brendan just asked her out for coffee and asked about her life. And she still hadn''t given the money back. ''Forget it. I''ll just give it back to that sister-inw in the future. I''m just keeping it for you for the time being.


    Brendan did not ask Mona to stay for dinner because he had to rush back to Noretin immediately.


    After Mona left the cafe, Brendan asked his subordinates to check on Mona''s recent situation and most importantly, her rtionship with Maxwell.


    Maxwell should apany Mona here as usual no matter how busy he was, but she came out alone tonight. So perhaps Mona did not tell Maxwell about this at all. Or Maxwell did not take it to heart. Either of these two situations meant that their rtionship met a challenge. This was also what Brendan could see from Mona''s eyes.


    After Mona and Haley left the cafe, they went to the second floor of Pleasantview za to see how many customers there were in Star with Christmas around the corner.


    She had just taken a few steps out of the cafe when she saw Teddy rushing after her, who was standing in front of her and blocking her way.


    "What''s up?" Mona asked coldly.


    Teddy looked into Morra''s eyes and nodded. "There''s indeed something, Moria. I have something important to tell you. It''s gettingte. Why don''t we have dinner together and talk about it I know a good faplelian restaurant nearby. Would you?"


    Mona was not curious about the so-called important thing that reddy was talking about, nor did she want to eat with him. In her heart, she bore no love nor hatred toward him. She just treated him as the most ordinary stranger on the street and did not want to have much interaction, let alone have dinner with him.


    "No need. Then, she said to Haley, "Let''s go!"


    Teddy looked at Mona''s resolute back and said coldly, "Mona, I know Maxwell''s secret. He lost his memory. So are you interested in having dinner with me now?"


    Upon hearing this, Mona stopped in her tracks. Teddy''s words were threatening. If she refused to talk with him, he must spread the words among the whole of Nathontown that Maxwell had lost his memory. This was thest thing that she wanted to see. As the chairman of the Clem Group, Maxwell''s image would definitely affect thepany''s operations.


    She turned around and said to Teddy, "Lead the way!"


    Although Haley did not want Mona to go, she could not refute Mona''s decision and just followed her behind. Just like that, they went to the restaurant with Teddy instead of Star.


    The decoration in this Japlelian restaurant was quite stylish and oundish. There was a warm and healing light above the seats, giving them a special experience.


    The waitress led Mona and Teddy to the corner of the second floor. With Teddy around, Haley did not dare to go forward and just picked up a seat that could see Mona.


    After the two of them sat down, Teddy was very attentive. He ordered all Mona''s favorite dishes, which were also suitable for winter.


    Mona and Teddy had known each other for a long time. They had started eating out together in high school. Although he did not care about her too much at that time because his heart was about Barbara, she kept mentioning eating Japlelian food so hepromised and took out quite a few times.


    Every time Mona would first order what she liked to eat and then order his favorites. Unknowingly, he had also memorized many of her favorite dishes.

 Chapter 323

    Looking at how attentive this man was to her, Mona feltplex somehow. In the past, when she was having dinner with Teddy, she would always be the one to pay the bill and order the food, the food he liked, and the food Barbara liked. So even just checking the menu took a lot of time of consideration.


    After the waitress left, Mona took out her phone and imagined that Maxwell would send her a message. Since it was just her fantasy, she naturally saw nothing on her phone. If the current Maxwell would be concerned for her and text her when not having her around, that must be the funniest joke in this world.


    "Mona, I ordered a lot of your favorites. I hope you enjoy itter Somehow, just looking at her face alone was enough to make Teddy''s mood bright.


    Nothing could exin why he had neglected the real beauty, Mona, but chose to be with Barbara back then. A closer look could tell that Mona was different from Elene at his home. In terms of eyes alone, Mona''s were brighter like twinkling stars while Elena had more fear and timidity in her eyes.


    "Didn''t you say that you wanted to talk about something important? Say it." Mona looked out of the window and said indifferently.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Teddy smiled. "Actually, it''s nothing. I just knew what Maxwell had been doing recently. I feel sorry for you, Mona. If you chose to be with me back then, I definitely wouldn''t have let you suffer like this."


    As he spoke, Teddy felt increasingly regretful and painful. It was all his fault for making the wrong decision, which was why he regretted it for so long and even found a lover who looked simr to Mona. However, Elena was just a substitute. How could she be as good as Mona in his heart, the woman he was desperately eager to be with?


    "Mona, I''ve actually thought about it for a long time. I think the two of us are the right ones for each other. If you''re willing to divorce Maxwell, I''m willing to marry you." Teddy stared into Mona''s eyes firmly.


    His current life waspletely different from his dream. Therefore, Teddy thought that he had been overthinking during that period of time. It was not over, and never would, Mona still held grudges against him while enjoying Maxwell''s love, so she naturally was cold and cruel to her old lover.


    She had changed her fianc¨¦ at the engagement party because she could not bear to see him betray her. These days, Maxwell was messing around at Mystique with all kinds of women. Since Mona couldn''t tolerate him back then, she couldn''t tolerate Maxwell either now. The first love was always the most unforgettable. Compared to Maxwell, Teddy felt that he was the perfect one for Mona.


    Mona took a sip of the water and chuckled. "Teddy, you''re toocent. What makes you think that I will turn back? I''m the one who asked to leave. Also, Maxwell only lost his memory, but he''ll get it back." Although Maxwell made her feel depressed these days, Mona could not bear to hear people say something bad about him. She would still protect Maxwell from hurt in her heart.


    Teddy had predicted that Mona would reject him, but he did not expect her to be so insistent. He and Maxwell had been enemies since high school in every aspect. Mona''s words just made him enraged.


    At this moment, the waiter served the food. Teddy took a sip of water to calm himself down. Since he wanted to pursue Mona, he had to pay attention to his image.


    When the waiter left, for a moment, neither of them spoke.


    Teddy ced a piece of pizza on Mona''s te and said, "Give it a try. Isn''t it the same taste as what we were in university?"


    Mona was still in a good mood after making her attitude clear. Without saying anything, she tried the food and took a bite. It was still as delicious as before.


    III


    <


    68%


    Chapter 323-


    "Mona, we''ve been dating for so many years. If you''re willing to marry me, I''ll love you and put you in my heart forever. will never touch other women even in business."


    Teddy couldn''t help himself. The way Mona ate the pizza reminded him of their old sweet days. He suddenly recalled thest time Mona saw Elene. He had rushed so much back then and caused a misunderstanding. He knew that Maxwell had lost his memory and couldn''t find a feeling of peace about what he had done these few days. He just subconsciously felt that Mona and Maxwell were about to be over.


    "Mona, as for the woman you sawst time, I''m just having her for fun. If you agree to what I said, I''ll exin it to her immediately," Teddy said.


    Once again, Mona felt how heartless this man was. Having a woman just for fun. The woman he talked about was not an animal, but a human, who was also made up of flesh and blood and able to feel.


    "Teddy, if that''s what you want to talk about today, there''s no need to continue. I''ve made it clear. I also had made it very clear before. I won''t agree. Also, Maxwell and I are very good. We''ll get better in the future. If you continue your nonsense,


    cold. I''m afraid that we won''t even be able to finish this meal decently Mona''s tone was very


    Teddy knew that she would not agree to this for the time being and felt very frustrated. "Alright, but I have my words. Think about it when you go back. I heard that Maxwell went to Mystique again today."


    As soon as Teddy finished speaking, Mona could not help but frown. Mentioning Mystique sounded like meant for her. At the same time, this unmasked her lie. She had just imed that the two of them were very good.


    She just awkwardly smiled and did not say anything. Ever since Maxwell lost his memory, he had not stayed at home at night. She also knew that if she let Nigel follow Maxwell, nothing would happen. Maxwell just drank, sang, and hugged some women in his arms. She was certain that he did not dare to do anything bold because Maxwell needed her, needed her money, and the Clem family.


    This meal was insipid.


    They did not notice that someone was taking photos of them secretly. Haley''s eyes were always on Teddy, afraid that this crazy man would do something to Mona, so she naturally had no attention on the people around.


    This meal ended soon. After Mona and Haley left, Teddy''s eyes were still lingering on her disappearing back. Then he asked the waiter to bring two bottles of wine before sitting down.

 Chapter 324

    The night was pitch dark with the cold wind blowing.


    Teddy got drunk and his assistant helped him out of Pleasantview za and walked towards the car as he was muttering. "Mona, I already know my mistake. Why didn''t you give me a chance? How can you be so cruel? Can you just let go of Maxwell?"


    *****


    He kept rambling on, but Mona was not there. The assistant acted like he heard nothing and drove ahead.


    At the same time, in Teddy''s private vi, Elene was sitting on the sofa in the living room, staring intently at her phone. It was a photo of a man and a woman having a meal. The people were none other than Mona and Teddy.


    This photo was taken from a special angle. When Teddy picked up the pizza for Mona under the dim light, he gave out a bright smile that Elene had never seen before. His body blocked Mona, so she could not see the expression on Mona''s face, but she could see the way Mona used her fork to pick up the food on the te.


    There was another photo of Teddy holding Mona''s arm when they stood side by side, especially intimate. In fact, at that time, someone had spilled some water on the ground. Mona stood up abruptly and almost fell. And Teddy helped her up, but Mona pushed him away. Elene did not see what was going on between the two of them. She only suspected that they had a special rtionship, and


    dimmed. Mona looked quite simr to her. Elene touched her cheek and her eyes


    She knew that Teddy kept her here purely because of her face. As a substitute, she had no reason to be jealous of Mona. Instead, she should even be grateful. However, she felt especially ufortable. She was indeed jealous of Teddy smiling at Mona and putting his food on her te.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The person who had sent her these photos was from an unknown number, followed by a long message. [See? They are getting back together. If I were you, I would definitely do something.


    [Mona''s marriage is in a crisis, but her first love, Teddy,es up to her now, so their rtionship will soon be healed. Then what about you, Teddy''s lover? If I were you, I would destroy their rtionship right now.] Elene finished the message with tears in her eyes. ''What could I do?''


    She was just a pet that Teddy kept in his home. He mighte to fondle her like a kitten when he was in a good mood while she would be his punching bag to vent his anger whenever he had problems. He even possessed the right to end this abnormal rtionship at any time while she had no freedom at all.


    If she had found out about this a few months ago, she would have been desperate but she had no guts to do anything to Mona. However, just yesterday, she learned a piece of shocking news. She was pregnant. It was her and Teddy''s child. She had been fantasizing about how to tell Teddy this good news, but what awaited her was the cruel fact that Teddy was about to end their rtionship.


    She used to be a little girl, but now, about to be a mother, she had to be strong.


    She was wondering if, in Teddy''s heart, she and her child would weigh more than Mona alone. If so, she chose to go on with Teddy in peace and love. But if not, she would force herself to abort the child. In a moment of crisis, Teddy only had one choice. Would he save her and their child, or would he save Mona alone?


    Then she heard the sound of the car stopping outside. It was already eleven o''clock, and Teddy was finally back. She stood up to wee Teddy as usual, just like an obedient maid.


    Teddy''s assistant saw Elene and handed this drunk man to her.


    68%


    When she approached feddy, not only did she smell the alcohol, but she also sniffed the faint fragrance of a woman. She knew it was not the perfume, but more like a natural fragrance of a woman''s body. She had been closer to Mona before, who was also her love rival, so Elene deliberately kept it in her mind,


    This time, she smelled it on Teddy again. A few minutes before, he still had a pathetic hope that the photos were fake. Maybe Teddy and Mona were not that intimate, but could she still lie to herself now? If they were not extremely close and had spent a long time together, he wouldn''t have been tainted by Mona''s scent.


    Her nose was filled with the mixed smell of alcohol and fragrance and her lips were crushed. The pain brought her back to her senses and she realized that Teddy had already pressed her gainst the corner of the wall and kissed her deeply.


    "Mona, I really regret it. Please give me another chance. I''m willing to do anything for you now." Teddy''s voice mixed with the cold wind reached Elene''s ears.


    Tears streamed down her face. As the wind blew past, it was exceptionally cold. Elene really wanted to know if she and the child were more important than Mona when they were in danger. Without overthinking, Elene hurriedly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and helped Teddy in. The seed of jealousy had already sprouted in her heart, about to sprout and thrive.


    *****


    Mona had already showered and changed into her pajamas. Then she received a message from Nigel saying that Maxwell had alreadye out of Mystique.


    Mona replied: [Got it. Is there any progress on that matter?] She knew in her heart that it would not be so soon, but she could not help but ask. She desperately wanted to know the answer. She didn''t want to see Maxwell trapped in the basement in her dream tonight. Nigel: [Not yet. It might take some time. Don''t worry. I''ll keep you informed.]


    Mona: [Thank you, Nigel.]


    Shey down. She didn''t want to wait for Maxwell toe back tonight. The shadows under her eyes seemed to have worsened.


    She was in a daze when she heard violent knocks on the door. Bang, bang, bang...


    Mona frowned in frustration. A voice came from outside. "Mona,e out. I''m not back yet. How dare you sleep!"


    It was obvious that he had drunk a lot. Mona did not bother to get up and pretended to be asleep.


    However, the knocking continued. One after another, especially loud.

 Chapter 325

    "Mona, open the door. I know you''re not sleeping. Don''t let me kick the door." Maxwell''s threat came from outside.


    Mona got out of bed helplessly and opened the door, only to see his drunk red face. She had been pissed off that he disturbed her sleep. Now seeing this dead drunk useless man unable to take care of himself, she grew more annoyed. "Pajamas, Maxwell. You''re not a kid anymore. Can you do it yourself?"


    Maxwell ced his hand on Mona''s shoulder. When he spoke, the odor of alcohol puffed onto her face. "Mona, what are you talking about? I''m your husband and you''re my wife. You should go to pick up my pajamas, right? Move!"


    With that, Maxwell pulled Mona into the bedroom next door. No matter how violently she resisted, as a man, Maxwell was too strong and easily pulled her out.


    She took out his pajamas from the cab and ced them on the sofa beside Maxwell in a huff. "Is that enough? What''s wrong with you? You drink like a fish every day. Do you want to die?"


    Maxwell lifted Mona''s chin with his finger and spat out the stench of alcohol at Mona. "I love it. None of your business."


    Mona felt like he was flirting.


    This man looked exactly the same as the old Maxwell in her mind, whose memory loss ounted for his weird behaviors. However, somehow a voice in Mona''s heart told her that the Maxwell in front of her was fake. He was not the Maxwell she used to know and love. The real Maxwell was still in Welintern. This feeling became even stronger after Nigel sent his men for investigation.


    "Good night. I''ll go back," Mona said calmly. She had no violent reactions to Maxwell''s words.


    This was just her intuition. If she was wrong and the person in front of her was indeed Maxwell, she could only stay by his side until he recovered his memories and became the old Maxwell she was familiar with.


    Mona returned to her room and found Maxwell''s clothes under the nket. It was a down jacket, their matching outfits. She took off her slippers and got into bed, hugging his jacket and slowly closing her eyes. Soon, she fell into dreams.


    She had a dream again. She dreamed that Maxwell was so helpless in the rain while every person around had an umbre walking past him.


    Only Maxwell was drenched. Mona was also in the heavy rain. She called Maxwell''s name out loud and held an umbre. She wanted to tell Maxwell that she could shield him, but Maxwell did not seem to hear her. She did not know what Maxwell was looking for, but he never looked at her.


    The raindrops hit Maxwell''s body and face, flowing down his cheeks. In her dream, Mona felt a heart-wrenching pain. And Maxwell, her Maxwell was so pathetic.


    Then it switched to another scene, and Mona saw Maxwell confined in the basement again. This was not the first time she had such a nightmare where she could genuinely feel that she was dreaming.


    When she saw Maxwell sitting by the bed, she asked loudly, "Maxwell, Maxwell, tell me, where are you?"


    Maxwell did not reply as he silently stared into her eyes with his deep eyes.


    Mona could tell that although the person in the dream looked exactly the same as the man she had been with for the past few days, but they gave her stark opposite feelings. In the dream, Maxwell loved her and his eyes were always shining brightly. However, the Maxwell beside her was different. When he looked at her, that passionate love was reced by frigid


    grey.


    "Maxwell, are you still in Welintern?" Mona asked again. She wanted to hear him talk, but Maxwell did not say a word.


    000


    In a daze, Mona ope?ether bleary eyes. It was slightly bright outside, and her body was very tired. Unknowingly, tears flowed from the corners of her eyes and she immediately reached out to wipe them away.


    This dream intensified her intuition that the Maxwell beside hith was fake, and the real one was still in Welintern


    She wanted to find a way to test this man. The first thing she thought of was whether Maxwell was allergic to any food, but she couldn''t remember a thing. Maxwell was not picky at all.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Since people''s fingerprints were unique, if this Maxwell was fake his fingerprints must exposed himself.


    Then Mona was thinking about how to get his fingerprints. The best way was to secretly do it while he was asleep. But another challenge came up. They didn''t sleep together.


    Mona didn''t think for too long before getting up. She knew that if she didn''t wake Maxwell up, he wouldn''t get up while thepany still needed their Mr. Carter.


    Just as she expected, Maxwell was still sleeping soundly. As usual, Mona knocked on the door a few times and his curses came from inside, which she had been already used to.


    Maxwell was still glued to his bed. Then Mona threatens him with money. He cared about his reputation and he was always the one who paid the bills every night he went out for fun, so it would be a huge daily cost and he was short of money.


    After Maxwell left the vi in a huff, Mona asked Haley to send her to the Clem family. It was almost Christmas. She wanted to apany her grandparents to go shopping. Anyway, Maxwell would note back for lunch or dinner, let alone breakfast. Mona had informed Jane in advance, so Jane had also prepared a lot of Mona''s favorite snacks. She led Mona to sit on the sofa and ced a te of cherries on the table, big and red, extremely appetizing.


    Mona lowered her head and ate one. It was just as she thought, sweet and full. Then she dly took a second one.


    "Grandpa, Grandma, it''s sweet." Mona pushed the cherries to Jane and Bernard.


    Jane nodded and took one. "Mona, it''s all yours. By the way, you said that you would apany me to do Christmas shopping, right?"


    Mona nodded and said with a smile, "Yes, I don''t have much to do at home anyway. So just let me take you out and walk around. See if I can find inspiration for the design."

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326 58%


    A few days ago, Mona had no inspiration for drawing and wanted Maxwell to apany her to revisit Nathontown High School. However, after a vague suspicion arose in her heart, she decided to wait for the news Nigel would bring from Welintern before making a decision.


    Jane patted Mona''s hand and said, "Alright, I know Maxwell lost his memory and you''re distressed. However, you must believe that this hardship is only temporary. Maybe he''ll regain his memory very soon." Mona nodded. "Grandma is right. I''ll apany you and Grandpa to go Christmas shoppingter."


    Mona only told Nigel about her suspicion; she did not tell others, including her grandparents and best friends. The fewer people knew about this, the better. If Maxwell was fake, there must be someone behind him. She did not want to act rashly and alert the enemy. Furthermore, Maxwell looked exactly the same as before. Only Mona knew the mole on his right shoulder was different, but it could be a newly grown mole. She was also worried that her grandparents would not believe her or worry after she told them. Therefore, she might as well wait for evidence before she told them.


    "Great, you''re such a good girl," said Bernard, who liked his granddaughter from the bottom of his heart.


    The Clem family personally did the Christmas shopping every year, and never delegated to the servants. They valued the festive spirit and only felt like celebrating Christmas by doing it themselves.


    "Of course, I love Grandpa and Grandma the most." Mona leaned her head on Jane''s shoulder. Only then could she feel a moment of peace. She had many doubts in her heart, making her feel uneasy.


    After Mona and Haley took their lunch at the Clem family residence, they rested in their rooms for a while before they went shopping at a nearby marketce.


    Haley drove, Mona sat in the passenger seat, while Bernard and Jane sat at the back. The entire journey was filled withughter.


    They came here to shop every year; this was thergest marketce in Nathontown. There were many imported things here, and ordinary families rarely shopped here.


    Mona was very familiar with everything sold here. She took Jane straight to the fruit section. Whether it was seasonal or off-season fruits, the variety here was dazzling. Mona bought plenty for each, with servants following behind to carry them.


    There were many servants in the Clem family. Many people also visited the Clem family during Christmas. Therefore, they bought plenty of beverages, cookies, candies, choctes, etc. Bernard just followed behind Mona and Jane to pay for their purchases. After buying the fruits, Mona and the others went to the fresh produce section to purchase Turkey, ham, roasts, and meat. When they reached home, they would marinate them so that they could be readily served when the guests came to visit them during the Christmas celebrations.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Behind them were the snack and the flower sections. In the end, Mona and the others bought a lot of things. Even Haley''s and Mona''s hands were full.


    "Haley, help me with the things. I''m going to the toilet in front; I''ll be back soon." The sky was gradually getting dark. Before leaving, Mona suddenly felt like going to the toilet. She ced the things in her hands by Haley''s feet and asked Haley to help keep an eye on them. It was rather crowded, and she worried people might take away her things. "Mona, wait a moment. I''ll


    go


    with you." As she spoke, Haley handed the things at her hands to the servant behind her. She could not ck off on Mona''s safety. No matter what, Mona''s safety came first; this was her responsibility. 15:51 Fri, Dec 6


    Mona looked at Haley''s determined gaze and nodded. Life was unpredictable; she felt more at ease having a bodyguard by her side.


    After Mona and Haley left, Bernard suggested waiting for them in the car. Their faces were full of smiles; another year had gone by.


    The wind in the winter was blowing and it was a little cold. The peopleing and going walked out of the market. Under Haley''s protection, Mona went to the toilet at the side.


    When they reached the door, Haley wanted to follow her in. Seeing a long queue in the toilet, Mona asked Haley to wait at the door. From Haley''s angle, she could see the scene inside and nodded.


    Perhaps Mona was lucky. When she went over, there was a spot avable. After smiling at Haley, she walked in.


    When Mona closed the toilet partition door and turned around, only to see two people crammed in the small corner, and they looked unfriendly. To make things worse, there was a missing door, leading directly into the neighboring partition. Just as she was about to call out for help, one of the people beside her swiftly struck her neck with force.


    Before Mona could utter a sound, her body went limp and she fainted. The person beside her caught her and prevented her from falling.


    "Be careful. She has a bodyguard outside," one of the people said.


    The person holding Mona nodded. "Don''t worry. I''ll go out from the partition at the side and leave her in the washroom."


    "Alright, you go first. I''ll stall for time."


    *****


    Haley''s eyes were fixed on the door through which Mona had entered. It was still closed. Naturally, she did not notice that the door next to it opened. Mona had been ced in arge blue bucket with a lid on it. At first nce, one would only think that it was filled with trash. One would not expect someone to be inside, being pushed toward the door.


    The cart was getting closer to Haley. Haley was so focused on the partition Mona had entered that she did not notice the woman pushing the cart beside her.


    The two brushed past each other. Mona was sessfully moved out. When they arrived at the parking lot, they got into a ck van.


    "Done?" the driver asked.


    "Done. She''s in the bucket. Let''s go." As soon as he finished speaking, the ck van drove away and left the garage.


    **


    Haley, in the toilet, saw that Mona had remained inside for almost five minutes and had yet toe out. She walked over


    done?" and knocked on the door twice. "Mona, are you


    The person inside pinched his nose and imitated the voice. He said softly, "No, I have stomach upset."


    "Alright, I''ll wait for you at the side." After saying that, Haley returned to her previous position.


    For some reason Haley felt Mona''s voice sound strange, but she could not tell what it was. Mona was still in the toilet, and she was waiting at her original spot.


    After the person inside heard Haley''s footsteps, he went out from the adjacent partition. After brushing past Haley, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled into a smile. He was smug and overflowing with joy.


    By this time, the van had already left. Mona had already been smuggled out. They had seeded.

 Chapter 327

    Haley waited for another ten minutes, but there was still no movement from the partition in the toilet. She was a little anxious. After hesitating for a while, she walked over. "Mona, are you done?" she asked.


    Haley waited for a while, but there was no sound. She was anxious and knocked on the door several times. "Mona, are you done?"


    There was still no answer. Haley waspletely flustered. She wondered if Mona had fainted inside.


    She did not think Mona would be kidnapped because she had been staring at this ce. During this period, she did not go in and Mona did note out. While thinking, she kicked open the partition door.


    When she saw the scene inside, she could not help but feel shocked. The worry on her face was immediately revealed. Mona was not inside. There was not even a fly. The partition was connected to the next door. Thinking about it, she knew something had happened to Mona


    ''Mona has gone missing she thought to herself.


    Haley instinctively took out her phone. She wanted to contact Maxwell but then remembered that Maxwell was no longer the Maxwell in the past. Even if she were to tell him what had happened, it would not help.


    "The frost important thing now is to tell Bernard and the others about this. As she was thinking, she left the toilet and ran toward the car.


    When Haley was in the vicinity of the car, Jane and Bernard saw Haley was alone and felt a vague sense of foreboding. After listening to Haley, Jane''s and Bernard''s expressions immediately darkened.


    Jane gripped the corner of her blouse tightly, looked at Bernard with teary eyes, and said, "Who is this? That sick person actually kidnapped Mona in the toilet. I wonder who my Mona has offended to be treated like this!


    Bernard sighed. He wondered who was bold enough to dare abduct her precious granddaughter. They must really not want to live in Nathontown anymore.


    Seeing Jane''s teary eyes. Bernard patted Jane''s handforting her, and said, ''Don''t worry. Since they''ve taken her, it might just be for money, and we should hear something soon I''ll contact the police chief first to check the nearby surveince footage. Just stay calm for now." Jane nodded. Soon Bernard informed the police chief about the incident. Ms. Clem of the Clem Group missing was not a small matter.


    Soon, many police in in clothes came and contacted the person in charge of the marketce to retrieve the surveince footage. However, the surveince camera could only capture the scenes outside the toilet, not inside.


    Haley''s eyes were fixed on the surveince camera, afraid that she might miss something. Not long after Mona went in, a woman pushed the cart out. Haley could see very clearly that the person pushing the cart brushed past her. There was a blue bucket on the cart. Among all, this bucket was the most suspicious. It could fit Mona


    The person pushing the cart was hunched over, with her head down, making it impossible to see her face on the survence fos


    The police also noticed this woman. Without waiting for Haley to speak, they asked the police beside them to investigate the surveince footage at the back to see where this woman had pushed the cart.


    However, the


    yeince camera at the back had spoilt since a few days ago. The police discovered the woman pushed the alked to the right side after leaving the toilet. 15:51 Fri, Dec 6


    The police reviewed a substantial amount of surveince footage and ultimately spotted the woman again on the footage from the garage. She got into a ck van, but the van did not have a license te. The officers then retrieved the surveince footage from along the route the van had taken.


    Jane looked at theplicated kidnapping case and hoped to receive a call from the kidnappers. ''Don''t they just want money? I''ll give it to them. She only hoped that her precious Mana would be safe.


    Before the police arrived, Haley had already informed Maxwell about Mona''s disappearance. It had been more than an hour since Mona disappeared, but there was still no news about her. Bernard''s and Jane''s expressions were ugly. It was not only because Mona had gone missing, but also because Maxwell, as Mona''s husband, did not rush over immediately. This made the two feel terrible.


    As he thought about it, Bernard became even more dissatisfied with Maxwell who had lost his memory.


    The night was exceptionally dark and quiet. A light breeze swept past, bringing a chill with it.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Mona, who was unconscapes in the car, felt waves of bumps. In a daze, she felt her hands and feet being tied not have any strength.


    1. up.


    and she did


    As she was getting increasingly confortable, she suddenly opened her eyes. It was pitch-ck before her eyes, and her hands and feet were tied up with rough hemp rope. She could remove and could only maintain the position of lying in the car/Her mouth was also stuffed with something. She could not speak or shout.


    Mona did not know who was no bold as to kidnap her in broad daylight. As she was thinking, she wondered if she had offended someone recently. Is it Gordon, Bartara, or Teddy?


    Among the three, Mona thought Barbara would not do it. Barbara did not want to fall out with her yet as she realized a few days ago when Barbara castar tower bary Morsey, Barbara did not have the guts. She liked to manipte others into doing the dirty work, while she stayed behaned the worse and reaped the benefits without lining a finger.


    As for Gordon, he had saad that there was still a long way to go. He probably would not kidnap her directly like this. He wanted to deal with Maxwell and lot has know that Maxwell cough notpare to him.


    In the end, Teddy was the most vorspicious person. Probably because she did not show him respect yesterday and he flew into a rage out of humiliation and finally thought of kidnapping bee


    At the thought of this, Mora was no longer afraid. If it''s Teddy will not be life-threatening. I''ll be fine.


    However, Mona was wrong. The person who kidnapped her was pot any of these three. Nevertheless, it was hard to rte to this person because Mona had never taken her seric


    The van was still running on the road. Eventually, Mona panicked. Most importantly, she really wanted to use the toilet.


    Mona whimpered, trying to attract the attention of the people in the car "Alright, stop making noise We''re almost there." softerone said


    Mora was still whimpering. Actually, she did not want to make this noise but she could not make any others. The person in front ignored her


    Mona whimpered a few more times and moved her body, trying to tell the person in front that she had something to say.


    an one around. He said to the woman fting in the


    penger seat. Co and take a look is she alrighe


    13.34 FII,


    §à


    3


    t


    After saying that, he stopped the car. The woman nodded, opened the car door, and got out. She then opened the back door and got in the car.

 Chapter 328

    After getting into the van, the woman looked around at the pitch ck surroundings and thought no one would hear Mona even if she shouted her lungs out. She thus removed the thing in Mona''s mouth. Although Mona could speak now, she knew it was useless for her to shout. Instead, it would arouse the disgust of the kidnappers and would be even harder for her to sneak away.


    "I want to use the toilet. I can''t take it anymore," Mona said truthfully. She really could not endure it anymore.


    If she had known that she would be kidnapped when she went to the toilet, she would have gone home to use the toilet even if she would have had to endure it.


    The woman in front of her did not say anything as if afraid that Mona would run away.


    It was still pitch-ck before Mona''s eyes. She did not know if it was a man or a woman in front of her, but when she thought of the woman who kidnapped her, she guessed she should be in this vehicle, too.


    "I have wanted to go to the toilet before you guys brought me here. I really can''t take it anymore," Mona said.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Seeing Moira curling up, the woman remembered she had kidnapped Mona from the toilet. Mona indeed did not lie. Moreover, outside was a huge mountain and it was pitch-ck. Even if she left her here, she would not have the strength to run down the mountain. Something also might happen to her on this mountain.


    Thinking of this, the woman said to the man driving in front, "Why don''t I bring her over? When I kidnapped her, she had indeed nned to use the toilet." It would be disastrous if Mona could not hold it.


    "Hurry up. Keep a close eye on her. If she runs away, not only you, but I won''t be able to get the money either," the man said. "Okay, I''ll be careful."


    After saying that, the woman untied the hemp rope on Mona''s feet. She only untied the hemp rope on her feet and did not even remove the ck cloth from her eyes, let alone the hemp rope on her hand which was still tightly tied to Mona''s hand. "I''ll support you. Don''t try anythin


    funny. It''s pitch-ck outside. You won''t be able to escape," the woman said.


    As she spoke, the woman held Mona''s arm pulling Mona out of the van.


    and helped here down from the van. It was actually more like she was


    Despite Mona''s height, she was quite thin. As Maxwell put it, there was not much weight on her. The woman, on the other hand, was not only taller than Mona but also broader in build, and much stronger. She lifted Mona with ease, without any effort. Mona''s feet suddenly left the ground for a moment. She initially was still a little afraid of falling, but a momentter, her feet touched the ground.


    The woman was in a daze seeing Mona''s body. She could not help butin in her heart. ''You''re indeed a child raised by a rich family. You''re extremely delicate.''


    However, when she woke up and realized that she had been kidnapped, she did not cry, shout, or make a fuss like those she kidnapped in the past. In the end, she could only knock them out with one strike. This was


    also one of the reasons why she was willing to carry Mona down when she said she wanted to use the toilet.


    The woman pulled Mona to a quiet big tree and said to Mona, "Do it here. There''s no one around."


    As she spoke, she wanted to take off Mona''s pants. Mona was shocked that this person actually wanted to help her take off


    Chapter 328-


    her pants. She was so frightened that she retreated.


    She said shyly, "1... I want to do it myself."


    The woman clearly hesitated. If something happened to Mona, her efforts would be in vain.


    58%7


    "Don''t worry. Something is covering my eyes. I can''t see anything. I won''t run away. Besides, you''ll be watching from the side. If you hear anything, you can chase after me. I won''t be able to run away. If you... you help me... It''s really awkward," Mona said in embarrassment.


    The woman''s gaze fixed on Mona. She knew if she helped her untie the rope on her hand, the cloth on her eyes would no longer cover her eyes.


    As the woman was thinking, she heard the person before her say, "I beg you. I promise I won''t run away. You pulled me out of the van effortlessly just now. As soon as I run away, you can easily catch me. I know I won''t be able to escape. I''ll be the one who gets beaten up if that happens."


    The woman thought about how she had not used much strength to lift Mona just now. In this pitch-ck environment, surrounded by trees, Mona not only did not dare to run, but she also could not escape.


    With that thought in mind, she untied the hemp rope on Mona''s hands and the ck cloth covering her eyes.


    minute. You''d better not have any bad ideas. Otherwise, you''ll be the one suffering."


    She said coldly, "I''ll give you


    Without the cloth obst her vision, Mona did not find any difficulty adapting as the surroundings were still pitch-


    ck, except for a cold, faint light from the moon above, gently illuminating everything around her.


    Mona gazed at the densely packed trees stretching endlessly before her. With just one look, she realized she was halfway up a mountain, and the only sounds around were her breathing and that of the woman standing before her.


    If she were left here, in the pitch-ck cold, she was not sure she could make it down the mountain alive.


    Initially, Mona had thought about escaping, but now even that idea seemed impossible. It was better to figure out who was behind the kidnapping.


    As she thought it through, she quickly nodded. "Don''t worry, one minute is more than enough. I definitely won''t run away" Seeing Mona behave so obediently, the woman nodded. She took two steps forward and turned her back to Mona.


    At that moment, Mona could no longer bother if it was a toilet. In the eerie quietness of the dark surroundings, there was no concern about anyone watching her. She quickly pulled down her pants and squatted down.


    When one used the toilet, there was a sound. The woman was initially still thinking about counting the time, but when she heard the sound, she decided not to.


    After Mona finished taking care of her physiological needs, she casually tossed the bracelet from her wrist to the side. She was not sure if the police would ever find this ce after Hy lodged a report, but she left the bracelet there as a token of hope for herself. She quickly stood up, pulled up her pants, and walked toward the woman. She then said to the woman in front, "I''m done."


    Seeing that Mona did not run away and kept her word, the woman concluded that Mona was trustworthy. When Mona approached her the woman simply tied her wrists with a rope but did not cover her eyes with the ck cloth again. She then pushed Mona toward the


    van.


    In the pitch-ck night, Mona looked up at the moon in the sky She did not know what Maxwell was doing at this time. ''If Maxwell at home is the real Maxwell, will he worry about me when I go missing?


    ''And Grandpa and Grandma, how are they feeling now?'' Without giving Mona a reason to overthink, Mona was stuffed into 15:52 Fri, Dec 6 GG.


    the van.


    11


    Perhaps the two knew that they would not encounter anyone along the way, after the van started, even Mona''s mouth was not sealed. Mona hesitated for a moment before talking to the woman beside her. "Where are you guys taking me?"

 Chapter 329

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    32


    Mona''s voice was very gentle. When she spoke, her charming eyes gazed into the eyes of the woman beside her. Her eyes were clear and pure, and especially against the backdrop of the night, they appeared even more luminous, making it hard for anyone to look away. "The top of the mountain. Don''t bother so much; you''ll find out what''s going on when you get there," the woman said.


    The woman then moved her eyes away. These things were not something a person paid to do the job should tell. After she sent Mona over, someone would naturally tell her.


    Mona smiled, knowing the woman did not want to engage with her. Asking too many questions might annoy her, and she might even tie up her feet and cover her eyes again. Therefore, she kept quiet, leaning against the car window and staring at the pitch-ck sky. The van continued winding its way up the mountain road, and the higher it went, the more eerie it was, with strange winds howling around. Mona''s heart gradually filled with fear.


    Will Haley and the police find this ce? Is Teddy the one behind the kidnapping? What do the kidnappers ultimately want from me?'' Mona''s mind swirled with countless questions, but none had answers. Mona fell into deep thought.


    Simultaneously, Albert from the Clem family returned from the army. He intended to surprise Mona but was shocked to find his sister had been kidnapped.


    "Who is so bold and daring?'' he thought.


    The main issue was the kidnappers had not made any contact yet, and with Mona disappearing without a trace, there was no information at all. Anxiety, worry, and a sense of helplessness filled his heart with various mixed emotions. All he could do was go after the police and wait for updates.


    From the surveince footage, they learned that after the van left the marketce, it headed toward an area without any cameras. The police tracked it for some distance and eventually found the van, but it was empty, and the trail went cold.


    Bernard and Jane paced back and forth in the living room. Jane tightly clenched her hands anxiously, tears welling uncontrobly in her eyes. Even Bernard, someone who had weathered countless storms, was murmuring anxiously, unable to stop moving and walking back and forth.


    It had been nearly two hours since Mona disappeared, and still, there had been no call from the kidnappers. They could not help but wonder what the kidnappers wanted. ''Is it money that they''re after?''


    No one in the house spoke and it was terrifyingly quiet around them. They were all waiting for the kidnappers to call.


    After a few minutes, Maxwell slowly walked in from the door. Just as he arrived, he saw everyone''s distressed expressions, and without saying a word, he sat on the sofa nearby. Seeing some nuts on the coffee table, he picked them up without hesitation and started eating leisurely.


    Seeing Maxwell''s behavior, Albert was full of anger. His sister had gone missing, but Maxwell seemed unconcerned, and he even snacked. Albert was instantly furious.


    Jane and Bernard shared Albert''s feelings, especially Bernard. He walked over and swiftly snatched the nuts from Maxwell''s hand. In a cold voice, he said, "Your wife is missing, and you''re not anxious at all and still enjoy eating! You''re really broad-minded!" Bernard could no longer recognize Maxwell, who had lost his memory. The way Maxwell treated Mona and their family now was aplete reversal from the past.


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    19:20


    Maxwell caught on to the sarcasm in thetter part of Bernard''s words. Though feeling ufortable, he could still empathize with Bernard''s anxiety over Mona''s disappearance as her grandfather. Calmly, Maxwell replied, "Haven''t we already called the police? It''s their job now. Being anxious doesn''t help; it''s better to stay rxed. Grandpa, why don''t you have some nuts with me?"


    The suggestion to have some nuts sent Bernard into a real fury. With a sharp bang of his walking stick, he knocked the te of nuts off the coffee table and roared, "The one missing is your wife, who''s supposed to spend her life with you! You said you lost your memory, but did you lose your heart as well?"


    Albert and Jane both knew that Bernard was truly angry this time. Jane hurriedly brought Bernard to the nearby sofa, gently saying, "Don''t get upset; what if you affect your health? Mona''s situation still needs your attention, and Maxwell is only acting this way because of his memory loss. You know how well be treated Mona in the past."


    Even though Jane spoke soothingly, deep down, she could not help but feel unsettled by Mawell''s insensitive words moments ago.


    Bernard could not help but think that the previous Maxwell had treated Mona so well, and now, with the sudden memory loss, he had changedpletely. This made Bernard question whether the previous Maxwell had ulterior motives toward Mona.


    He red at Maxwell but swallowed the words he had wanted to say. ''It''s not the right time to share this thought.


    Albert, sitting next to Maxwell, felt frustrated as well. ''How could Maxwell remain so calm and even have the mood of snacking while Mona is still missing?"


    The Clem family had been waiting but did not receive the kidnapper''s call. At this moment, Teddy was sitting alone on the sofa in his vi.


    He wondered what was wrong with Elene. It was already sote today, but she still was not back yet. ''I must have spoiled her too much. When she returns, I''ll definitely teach her a good lesson.


    At this moment, the phone in the living room suddenly rang. Not many people knew about this phone number, except Elene and his parents. Without hesitation, Teddy picked up the call.


    "At the foot of Mount Greenery in Nathontown. Come alone now; you won''t be able to see your little sweetheart and first love if you''rete." Without giving Teddy time to react, the caller hung up.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    His heart was pounding. ''Little sweetheart and first love''. Teddy subconsciously frowned. "The little sweetheart is Elene. It''s sote now but she''s not back yet. Teddy was a bit worried. ''First love?'' Teddy subconsciously thought of Mona. ''Could it be her?'' Without giving Teddy much time to think, the phone beside him lit up. It was anonymous. There were two photos. One was of Mona lying in the car with her eyes covered. The other was of Elene being tied to a chair. She was probably scared and


    there were tears on her face.


    Teddy felt a deep, aching pain in his heart, unsure of whom he cared for more between the two.


    Teddy,e alone. You''re already under my surveince. Don''t think about calling the police or telling anyone. I know everything you do. If you make a mistake, I won''t hesitate to act against such beautiful persons. I''ll give you one hour, which should be enough. If you don''t arrive by then, I won''t hold back The lives of these two beautiful youngdies are in your


    hands!"


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    COMMENT


    ti


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 Chapter 330

    After reading the message, Teddy broke out in a cold sweat. The people who kidnapped Elene and Mona were targeting him. For a moment, he did not know what to do.


    But when he thought about the dream he recently had and the fact that he had let Mona down first, he was still the one who let Mona down. ''If something were to happen to Mona today, how can I possibly face the world?''


    As for Elene, she was his woman now. As an indomitable man, if can''t even protect my woman, how can I be worthy of, being a human?''


    Lost in these thoughts, Teddy did not even think which of his enemies might have kidnapped Mona and Elene. He simply grabbed his car keys and rushed out of the vi.


    When the servants saw Teddy leave in a hurry, they wondered what had happened. However, it was just the master''s business; they could not care less and just had to do their work.


    Teddy did not know if there were kidnappers in the vi or surveince cameras around, so he did not dare to call the police or tell anyone. He could only brace himself and drive toward Mount Greenery, thinking if he could find an opportunity to call the police when he arrived.


    Along the way, Teddy was very worried about Mona and Elene''s safety. Thinking about this, he could not help but speed up.


    The night was getting darker, and Teddy could only hear the sound of the wind. It took Teddy less than half an hour to reach the foot of the mountain although the journey clearly took half an hour.


    Two young men were smoking below. The weather was exceptionally cold. Teddy saw the two smoking and moving their feet on the ground, rubbing their hands from time to time.


    However, Teddy had just gotten out of the car and as he was exceptionally anxious now, he did not feel the cold. The cold wind somehow sobered him up.


    When the two men saw Teddy walking over, they nodded at him and said, "You''re quite fast. Let''s go. I''ll take you to see your lovers."


    As they spoke, they brought Teddy into the car. Teddy was free to move his hands and feet, but before he got into the car, his phone was taken away. It was obvious that they were worried Teddy would call the police or others for help, but not that Teddy would escape halfway.


    That made sense. Since Teddy had decided toe, why would he run


    away?N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    At this moment, the car on the winding road finally came to a stop at the top of Mount Greenery.


    Mona was pushed out of the car by the woman. Under the light of the shlight beside her, she looked at the person in front who resembled her. If she remembered correctly, there was not much grudge between them, and she could not even remember her name clearly. She actually hated her so much that she had to kidnap her here.


    "After tying her up, you guys may leave. The money is in the box at the side."


    When Mona heard Elene''s words, fear overwhelmed her. She started to struggle and wanted to rum. ''Could it be that this


    Elene wants to throw me down from here?


    The mountain is so huge and high. When Haley brings the police to look for me, they probably can''t find my corpse!'' Mona thought.


    "Let go of me. Did I offend you in any way? Why are you treating me like this?" Mona said furiously.


    At this moment, Mona was particrly panicked. She was terrified of death. There were still so many things she had not


    ¨¦0 00 57%


    figured out. She did not even know if the Maxwell at home was the original Maxwell. Right now, Mona realized just how much she missed Mawell.


    She missed Mawell who had avenged her in the past life and even taken his own life for her. She missed Maxwell, who, in this life, showered her with love and supported her in everything


    "I''m sorry, you didn''t offend me. In fact, I should thank you. Because of you, I had the chance to be Teddy''s lover and live a carefree life for so long. These have been the happiest days of my life. This life is so beautiful, that I began to lose myself in it.


    "But I know all of this was stolen, and it will soone to an end Yet, I just can''t ept it. I want to know if, in Teddy''s heart, I and the child in my tummy could everpare to you alone. I just want to test it. If he chooses you, I will die. That way, he will never forget me for the rest of his life, and that would be worth it," Elene said.


    Suddenly, Elene began to cry. She stuttered, "If... If he chooses me, I''ll turn myself in. Don''t worry, I won''t let you die with grievances."


    She just wanted an oue. After such a long time, she wanted to know if the two of them couldpare to Mona alone.


    One person restrained Mona''s hands and feet to prevent her from running around. The other used a rope to tie up Mona''s hands and feet.


    "El¨¦ne, tell them to let go of me. I won''t snatch Teddy away from you. I have nothing to do with him. I''m already married. Your obsession ispletely unreasonable. Let go of me. I can pretend this has never happened," said Mona.


    Mona bit her lower lip hard, forcing her to calm down. If Elene continued to act like this, she would either die or Elene with the child in her tummy would die. Both of them clearly could be fine.


    Why bother for a man''s answer?'' Mona could not understand.


    Elene shook her head. "But Teddy''s answer is very important to me. I can only let you down. If there''s a next life, I''llpensate you."


    She did not want to listen to Mona anymore. She asked the person beside her to stuff Mona''s mouth. Then, she brought a box to the two and said, "This is the agreed price. You can leave now."


    The two took the box and roughly looked at


    of money. They nodded and left.


    On the dark mountaintop, the wind blew non-stop. At this moment, only Mona and Elene were at the top of the mountain. The surroundings were terrifyingly quiet,


    After a while, Elene pulled Mona to the top of the mountain. Mona nced was impossible to see the end of it. Mona knew that if she fell from here, she would definitely die.


    at the distance from the foot of the mountain. It


    The wind blew against Mona''s pale cheeks, making her a little more sober, but she was afraid more than anything else.


    She felt like she had returned to her previous life when she was pushed down from the top floor of the hotel by Barbara and Teddy. Fear attacked her entire body.


    ''Now, I really want to see Maxwell. Yes, if my thoughts


    if something happens to me?'' Mona thought.


    are true and Maxwell is still in Welintern, how would Maxwell survive


    Mona shook her had at Elene with tears in her eyes. She did not want to participate in this terrifying choice of hers. She wanted to go home, to see her family, to see Maxwell. This thought was abnormally strong.

 Chapter 331

    Time passed quickly and the mountain top seemed to be getting colder. Mona felt her surroundings being wrapped in a cold wind and it was bone-chilling.


    Mona''s hands and feet were tied up by the people instructed by Elene. Elene, by her side, her hands tightly held onto Mona. Behind Mona was the cliff and she could not move; she did not dare to move either.


    Mona could only look at Elene with tears in her charming eyes. This person who resembled her had unexpectedly kidnapped her. When she first saw Elene, she thought Elene was a cowardly person. She did not expect her to do such a ridiculous thing for a man. Soon, a car with its high beams drove toward the mountaintop. It was especially eye-catching in the pitch-ck night. Teddy was pushed out of the car.


    Without allowing him time to react, the car quickly sped back down the mountain. The two people seemed to have not noticed the two simr-looking women standing at the windy peak.


    After the car left, Teddy turned around and saw Mona and the kidnapper, Elene..


    For a moment, Teddy could not believe it. Elene was such a timid person, but today, she actually kidnapped Mona. Teddy walked toward Mona and Elene with doubts in his mind.


    When Elene saw Teddy appear just as she had expected, she smiled and reached out to take out the thing in Mona''s mouth. "Elene, don''t do anything stupid. There''s still a chance to reverse your action. You have to consider the child you''re having; it''s a life," Mona said anxiously as soon as she regained the freedom to speak.


    In that brief duration, Mona thought of many things. It was highly likely that Elene was pregnant, and the extreme thoughts had led her to orchestrate this kidnapping and do this so-called experiment.


    Hearing what Mona said, Elene burst into a wild, mockingughter. "The child... It''s exactly because of the child and I have to think about his future. If both he and I can''t measure up to just you, then his life won''t be happy if he''s born. It''s better if he neveres to this world," Elene said.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    "If Teddy chooses youter and you turn yourself in as you''ve said, the child will not have a mother and his life will not be happy. Moreover, you can clearly talk to Teddy about why you have such extreme thoughts. Stop before you make a huge mistake; it''s still in time," Mona said.


    Not knowing how to respond to Mona, Elene


    At this moment, Teddy had reached the


    nto a rage and shouted at Mona, "Shut up."


    Domme. There was still some distance between him and the two.


    "Elene, what are you doing? Let Mona go!" He had thought of many people who would kidnap Mona and Elene to threaten him, but he did not expect this to happen.


    "Teddy, you''re here. Mona and I have been waiting for you for a long time. Why don''t we do a multiple-choice question?" Elene smiled sweetly at Teddy and quickly untied the rope on Mona''s hand.


    However, the rope around Mona''s feet remained intact and Mona still could not move. When Mora wanted to fall from the side to buy Teddy some time, Elene immediately pushed her down from the top of the mountain and shouted, "Grab the rope beside you With a strong desire to live and fear of death, Mona subconsciously obeyed Elene''s instruction and quickly grabbed the rope beside her.


    She subconsciously looked down. It was pitch-ck and she could not see anything clearly. In an instant, Mona seemed to have returned to her previous life when she was pushed down from the top floor by Barbara and Teddy. Fear overwhelmed


    her; the cold wind blew and her back was covered in cold sweat. Mona held on to the rope beside her tightly This was herst life-saving straw.


    She wanted to climb up but her arms had no strength at all, and she could not go up.


    Elene had prepared two ropes in advance. When she saw Mona was ready, she jumped down and grabbed another rope. There was some distance between the two ropes.


    She said to Teddy on the mountaintop, "Teddy, I forgot to tell you good news. I''m pregnant and you''re going to be a dad. I wonder if the child I''m having and I canpare to Mona alone When Teddy saw Mona being pushed down by Elene, he subconsciously ran toward Mona. Upon hearing Elene say she was pregnant, Teddy froze. ''Pregnant... ''Dad'' is a strange new word.


    Elene continued, "I''ve tampered with this rope. It can onlyst for a minute at most. In other words, you can only save one of us. Perhaps you can choose not to save either."


    After saying that, Elene closed her eyes. She knew that in Teddy''s heart, she alone could notpare to Mona. However, with the addition of a child, she was unsure. However, she vaguely guessed that Teddy would choose Mona beside her. "It''s fine; it helps me let go of my hope, Elene thought.


    The surroundings were terrifyingly quiet. Mona could hear the sound of her heart beating in her ears. She did not know what Teddy would choose, but she wanted to live. It was human instinct.


    She had not lived enough; she did not want it to end yet. ''Maxwell, without Mona, how is he going to live when he regains his memory?''


    Meanwhile, Teddy knew that he did not have much time left. He wanted to save both of them. In an instant, Teddy ran toward Mona and pulled her up with all his might.


    When Mona felt the touch on her hand, she knew Teddy had chosen to save her and heaved a sigh of relief.


    When she thought of Elene and the child she was having, she only felt that it was a pity, but she did not think that Elene was pitiful. There must be something hateful about a pitiful person. It was all because of the so-called obsession in Elene''s heart that almost killed her. After Teddy pulled Mona up, it was toote to go over to Elene''s side. When he arrived, the rope had just broken. Teddy shouted, "Elene!" It was very loud. In this silent environment, it was especially ear-piercing.


    "Teddy, you won''t be able to forget me for the rest of your life. I hope I can possess your love in my next life!" Elene said. Her body was falling rapidly, and the sound of the wind filled her ears. Elene kept her eyes open and looked at Teddy, who was lying on the mountaintop. This was herst look.


    Suddenly the moonlight was very bright. She happened to see Teddy''s pained expression and felt a little reluctant.


    After all this time, I have a ce in Teddy''s heart. It''s just that I don''t hold the same ce in his heart as Mona does,'' Elene thought.

 Chapter 332

    Until Teddy''s face gradually grew blurred before Elene''s eyes and became increasingly smaller, her body rapidly fell, floating.


    It was the same in Teddy''s eyes; Elene had disappeared. Her figure became increasingly smaller. Below the mountain was pitch-ck. He could not see anything as she fell into the endless darkness.


    There was an indescribable feeling; but the


    choice was in his hands. He had chosed


    the emotions in his heart. Elene''s death was due in her we fuck, ba


    Just moments after surviving a cmity, Mona went limp and copsed on the ground. Her hands were tightly sped. together. The tremendous fear had left her still in shock, unable to fully process what had just happened.


    Teddy, beside her, looked down at the dark mountain. After a long time, he knew that Elene would no longere up from below. He got up and weakly sat beside Mona. Under the cold-moon in the sky, he looked at Mona''s pale face and apologized to her. The apology sounded very soft. However, it was very quiet here, so Mona could still hear it. She was angry in her heart and med Elene, but Elene was no longer around. Mona did not know where to vent her anger.


    "Instead of apology, it''s better to take care of the people around you in the future. Don''t contact me anymore. Mona''s voice was extremely cold.


    After saying that, the two did not speak for a long time. There was only the sound of the wind and various animalsing from the forest.


    Mona kept looking at the way out, wondering when the police woulde and when she could get out of this ce.


    Time passed by slowly. It started drizzling at the foot of the mountain.


    Eleney on the air cushion and ced her hand on her abdomen. She could not calm herself down for a long time. Tears flowed from the corners of her eyes. Now that she had tested out Teddy''s thoughts, she had given up. She would leave with her unborn child and never think about Teddy again.


    ''We''re never from the same world; our encounter is inherently unequal. How could we even talk about happiness?'' Elene thought.


    When she decided to kidnap Mona, she was already prepared for this. No matter who fell from the mountain, they would be fine. They would only feel a strong sense of weightlessness. She just wanted to know Teddy''s thoughts.


    Now that she knew, she stared blindly at the raindrops falling in the night, hitting her cheeks. She felt a little cold. She thought that from today onward, she would live well, for the unborn child and herself.


    After making up her mind, Elene got up from the intable cushion and sat in the car that she had prepared. After resting for a while, she put away the cushion.


    She drove away from Nathontown on the rainy night. From this moment on, there was no more Elene in Nathontown.


    As time gradually passed, it started raining. The weather was cold and Mona felt especially cold when the rain hit her. As she noticed that it was just rain without thunder, she found a tree and sat down under the tree. Exhausted, she no longer cared about her appearance, only hoping that the police would find her soon.


    Teddy seemed oblivious to the rain falling from the sky, sitting at the mountaintop like a lost soul,


    After an indeterminate amount of time, Mona felt her clothes soaking wet when she finally saw lights in the distance.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Excited, she stood up, her instincts telling her that the police had arrived. She could finally leave this decte ce.


    The car stopped steadily. Albert quickly got out of the police car and ran toward Mons with a down jacket in his arms. He immediately saw Mona under the tree. Seeing that she was safe his uneasy heart finally calmed down.


    "Mona, are you alright? I''m here to take you home, Albert said he wrapped the down jacket in his arms around Mona. He did not know which bastard brought Mona to this mountaintop to suffer. He really wanted to teach this culprit a lesson.


    Mona nodded and looked behind Albert. Maxwell did note to look for her. ''When I was in danger and fearful, or rather when my life was about to end, I was still thinking about Maxwell


    "Mona, let''s get in the car first," Albert said as he escorted Mona into the car. The police turned on the heater and Mona felt her hands getting warmer after sitting for a while.


    Soon, another police car arrived. Haley quickly got out of the police car and came over. Looking at Mona, whose face was pale, guilt revealed on Haley''s face.


    "Mona, it''s all my fault. I didn''t protect you well and caused you to suffer." Only now did Haley realize she was not apetent bodyguard. Even before her eyes, Mona was harmed several times. She was so useless. Mona shook her head. Her pale lips squeezed out a smile as sheforted Haley, "Haley, it has nothing to do with you. Don''t me yourself."


    ''It''s not that Haley isn''t doing her job properly; it''s just that the bad guys are exceptionally cunning. They even thought of connecting the two partitions in the toilet, which is something no one would anticipate, Mona thought. "Mona, don''t worry. I will always be by your side from now on. Even if you go to the toilet, I will check the situation in advance. This will never happen again," Haley said affirmatively


    Mona nodded. She still felt the lingering fear of almost falling off the cliff just now. She slowly closed her eyes and rested. What she wanted to know the most now was whether the Maxwell at home was the real Maxwell. Soon, the police brought Teddy over from the mountaintop. He seemed to have lost his soul and kept calling Elene''s name. Perhaps Elene had already walked into his heart but he just did not know or think about it.


    Two police cars went down the mountain. When they were in the car, Mona told the police about the kidnapping. At the same time, the police also sent people down the mountain to look for Elene, but they could not even find her body. By the time Mona came out of the police station, the sky had already lit up with the light of dawn.


    The two elders of the Clem family had received a message from Albert. They were waiting at home and for the entire night, Maxwell kept thinking of going upstairs to sleep. However, he was intimidated by Bernard''s gaze and did not dare to say anything.


    The car stopped steadily at the entrance of the Clem family residence. Albert and Haley helped Mona enter the house. As soon as they entered, Mona saw Jane''s eyes welled with tears looking at her. Jane was truly scared, not knowing why her granddaughter had to endure such a difficult life.

 Chapter 334

    Along the way, Mona only quietly watched the environment outside and did not speak to Maxwell. She knew that Maxwell was not worried about her when she was missing.


    The car stopped safely in the vi. Maxwell had not slept all night, so he naturally would not go to thepany and walked into the vi with Mona.


    Maxwell walked in and Mona followed behind him. When Maxwell entered the room and was about to close the door, he saw Mona standing at the door. He could see fear and grievance on her face.


    He thought that Mona must have been frightened by what happenedst night. "What''s the matter?" Maxwell asked.


    This was the first thing Maxwell said to her after she returned safely. It was also Mona who deliberately forced him to say it.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Mona nodded and said aggrievedly, "I''m scared, Maxwell. I want to sleep in the same room as you. Don''t worry, I''ll sleep on the sofa, not the bed."


    While speaking, Mona grabbed Maxwell''s clothes and refused to let go, looking pitiful.


    "Come in. In any case, if anything happens, I won''t be the one to suffer a loss," Maxwell said indifferently.


    After saying that, he walked into the room. The corner of his shirt slipped from Mona''s palm until the corner of his shirtpletely disappeared. Only then did Mona follow him in.


    She thought about what Maxwell had said. "In any case, if anything happens, I won''t be the one to suffer a loss."


    She did not know if she was overthinking it. ''It''s because he''s not Maxwell that he would say that.''


    After entering the bedroom, it looked the same as before. There were shadows of Mona and Maxwell interacting in every corner of this room. Instantly, Mona had mixed feelings in her heart.


    With that thought in mind, Mona sat on the sofa and looked at the big bed beside her.


    Thick curtains had been drawn in the room. It was clearly daytime, but it was very dark. It was like nighttime. Maxwell had already changed into his pajamas and was lying on the bed. He had no intention of caring about Mona in the room.


    In fact, Mona had considered using the tes and forks that Maxwell had touched, hoping topare and verify them for fingerprints. However, she worried that the fingerprints might be iplete, leading to a potential error in the examination. After contemting this, Mona ultimately decided it would be safer to obtain aplete fingerprint from Maxwell directly.


    Mona felt highly tense as she had something on her mind. She had not rested for the entire night but did not feel like sleeping.


    As time passed, Mona heard steady breathinging from the big bed. Mona secretly took out the ss item she had just prepared.


    She had searched online and gathered that if fingerprints were left on non-porous surfaces like metal, stic, or ss, they were rtively easy to examine. Therefore, when she was at the Clem family residence, she had prepared a ss item for this purpose. She quietly held the ss item behind her and walked toward the big bed, looking at Maxwell, who had fallen asleep.


    A dim light came out of nowhere and shone on his wless face, revealing his exquisite facial features. Looking at him, Mona felt a little dreamy.


    She called out Maxwell softly, her heart beating rapidly. She was afraid that Maxwell would suddenly wake up.


    45


    ''Great'' she called out a few times but Maxwell did not respond to her. It seemed that he had already fallen into a deep sleep.


    Her eyes noticed Maxwell''s well-defined hand and she bent and walked over with the ss item. Her other hand pressed Maxwell''s finger against the ss, and I was obvious that there was a fingerprint on it. The corners of Mona''s mouth curled into a smile.


    Mona''s heart was pounding non-stop as she quickly ced the ss item into the bag she had prepared. She then silently walked back to the sofa.


    After sitting on the sofa, Mona could feel cold sweat on her back After taking a few deep breaths and calming down, Mona contacted Nigel. Mona was relieved to have left this matter to him.


    As soon as Mona spoke, Nigel knew what Mona meant and replied to Mona: [Madam, if you''re avable, you can send the ss item to Clem Group now. If not, wait for me to collect it in two hours.]


    He had a very important meetingter, attending on behalf of Maxwell, and could not be absent. Otherwise, he would have gone over as soon as he received Mona''s WhatsApp message. After all, this matter was rted to Maxwell and he took it very seriously. Mona quickly replied: [Nigel, I''m fine. I''ll bring it to you now.]


    Now that she had this fingerprint in her hand, she had something on her mind and was not sleepy at all.


    [Okay, Madam. Send me a message when you arrive.]


    [Okay.]


    After Mona sent Nigel a message, she got up from the sofa. Seeing that Maxwell was still sleeping soundly on the big bed, she heaved a sigh of relief. She tiptoed to the room door and gently opened it. Maxwell was still showing no signs of waking up; her nervous heart rxed.


    After closing the door, Mona quickly went downstairs. There was a carpet that Maxwell had asked someone toy on the stairs. When Mona stepped on it, she would think of Maxwell''s love for her.


    She took a deep breath and went to the garden outside the vi to call for Haley. The two then left for Clem Group. When she arrived, Nigel was already waiting at the door. Mona did not go in and handed the prepared item to him.


    "I''m counting on you, Nigel. Also, if there''s any news from Welintern, please let me know immediately," Mona said anxiously.


    She did not dare to imagine. If what she was thinking was true, what kind of torture had the real Maxwell experienced? ''Does he eat well and sleep well? Where''s he now?'' She desperately wanted to know.


    Nigel nodded. "Madam, don''t worry. I''ll inform you as soon as there''s any news. I know someone who will take two to three days to get the results of this fingerprint test. By then, the person who''s gone to Welintern to investigate the matter will be back. It''s just nice." Mona nodded and said solemnly again, "I''m counting on you, Nigel."


    "Madam, this is what I should do. After I finish the meeting on behalf of the president, I''ll contact the person. Don''t worry, Madam. The truth will be out soon."


    After hearing Nigel''s words, Mona nodded and left without interrupting Nigel''s work.


    After settling the matter, Mona waspletely rxed and also felt sleepy. The streets were filled with traffic, and Mona did not intend to continue going around, so she told Haley to drive her back.


    It would be Christmas in about five days. Mona wanted to figure out what had happened before Christmas and celebrate the


    New Year with Maxwell-

 Chapter 335

    When Haley and Mona Clem returned to the vi, it was almost noon, and Hattie had already started preparing lunch. Maxwell had no intention of getting up; Mona nned to have lunch before taking a rest.


    Sitting in the living room, Mona turned on the television and casually selected a channel. Soon, the noise of the television filled the living room, and Mona felt less lonely now.


    Soon, lunch was ready. Mona hesitated briefly before going upstairs to wake Maxwell up for lunch. She did not know if everything was just her imagination, so before she gathered any evidence, she would still treat Maxwell in the room as the real Maxwell. Mona knocked on the door several times, but there was no response. She did not lock the door when she went out earlier. She called Maxwell a few times, but there was still no response.


    Mona thus opened the door and went in. The room was very dark, and Maxwell was still sleeping.


    The moment the door opened, the bright light from outside shone in, sharply piercing Maxwell''s eyes. Instinctively, Maxwell''s brow furrowed in difort.


    "Mona, what are you doing? I won''t starve to death if I skip a meal. Why are you so annoying!" Maxwell opened his eyes and looked at Mona, his tone unfriendly.


    Mona was not upset. She had already gotten used to it since Maxwell was dealing with memory loss. After walking into the room, she looked at Maxwell and said, "Get up and have lunch. If you continue sleeping, you won''t be able to sleep tonight." ''Moreover, it''s not that Maxwell doesn''t have a job. Such a big Clem Group needs Maxwell to take care of it,'' Mona thought.


    "Get lost! It''s all because of you that I''m so sleepy now." Maxwell thought that if Mona had not been kidnapped yesterday, he would not have been watched over by the two elders of the Clem family. He had not slept all night, just sitting on the sofa ying with his phone; it was truly exhausting.


    As he spoke, he had no intention of getting up.


    To prevent Maxwell from fooling aroundter at night, Mona swiftly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and immediately drew open the heavy curtains. Sunlight shone in shining directly onto therge bed. Maxwell squinted his eyes, "Damn it! Mona, are you sick?" Maxwell gritted his teeth and said.


    "Get


    up,


    have lunch, and go to work. Don''t you know it''s the end of the year now, and there are many things to do in thepany?" Mona asked. "The dignified head of the Clem Group doesn''t have the Clem Group on his mind. It''s already thiste, and he''s ''still sleeping. If word gets out, it''ll be aughing stock!''


    "Mona, I''ll give you a chance. Get out and help me close the door. This way, I can pretend nothing has happened," Maxwell said while suppressing his urge to hit someone.


    "Then I''ll repeat myself. Maxwell, get up, have lunch, and go to work," said Mona.


    Maxwell''s eyes met Mona''s defiant eyes. The anger brewing in him sincest night suddenly erupted.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Hisrge hand lifted open the nket, storming over to Mona. He pressed down on her shoulder, forcing her back against the wall. He then raised his fist to make it clear that if Mona dared to say one more word, his fist woulde down and strike her face. Mona felt a flicker of fear, but her gaze remained defiant, unafraid of Maxwell''s threatening stare. "What? Are you really going to hit me?"


    "Yes, Mona. If you dare say another word and demand anything from me again, my fist will hit your face." After speaking,


    1/3.


    Maxwell worried Mona might not take him seriously and emphasized, "I''m not joking. I mean what I say."


    Then, angrily, he let go of Mona. After their intense confrontation, Maxwell had lost any urge to sleep. He shot Mona one more furious nce before storming into the bathroom attached to the room.


    Left alone, Mona''s back was pressed against the wall as she watched the figure slowly disappear from her sight. Mona felt her heart ache even more. If the person before her eyes was really Maxwell, her thoughts were wrong and she knew how to face him now.


    Mona had seen it clearly just now. Maxwell had wanted to hit her In Mona''s understanding, domestic violence happens once and then countless times after. Such a man was someone she could never tolerate in her life.


    Dragging her exhausted body, Mona went to the dining table downstairs. The delicious food had already been served by the servants, filling the air with a tempting aroma. Mona''s eyes were fixed on the food, but her thoughts had drifted far away, lost in her mind. Soon, Maxwell came down after taking a shower. He pulled out a chair and made an ear-piercing sound that made Mona''s scalp tingle.


    "What''s the matter? Just hearing that sound makes you ufortable? You don''t even think about how you disturb my sleep every day. Do you know how irritated that makes me?" Maxwell sneered. ''Seeing your frightened expression, I was kind enough to let you share a room with him. Instead of being grateful, you kept interrupting my sleep. You''re really great!''


    "Do the right thing at the right time. I can''t just watch you sleep at home during the day and not go to the office," Mona replied. ''If Grandpa discovers, he''ll definitely get angry and be displeased with Maxwell''


    "Alright, what you said makes sense. I''m impressed." After Maxwell finished speaking, Mona did not say anything else seeing his mocking expression.


    The two finished their lunch quietly. Mona did not have much of an appetite. The food was tasteless when she was eating.


    After lunch, Maxwell left without saying anything to Mona. Mona guessed he had left for office.


    In the afternoon, Mona spent her time in a daze. She did not want to sleep, nor could she fall asleep. She noticed that it had started to drizzle outside, and as she sat in her room''s chair, she aimlessly watched the light rainfall, which brought her a sense of tranquility. Suddenly, she realized that the rainfall in Nathontown this year seemed particrly abundant. It felt like it had been continuous since autumn began,


    As the sky slowly darkened, a sh of lightning illuminated much of the sky, and Mona realized she had been lost in thought for a long time. Instinctively, she picked up her phone to check the time and was shocked to see it was already ten o''clock at night. The afternoon had slipped away without her noticing, and Maxwell still had note home. She did not want to wait for him any longer; she dragged her weary body to take a shower, thenfortably snuggled under the nket.


    After spending another couple of days in a haze, Mona finally received the message she had been eagerly anticipating; it was from Nigel.


    [Madam, the people sent to Welintern have returned. They reported that they questioned the doctor using different methods and rified the situation. The current president is indeed the president; it''s just that he''s lost his memory. The results of the fingerprint analysis haven''te in yet, but probably tomorrow.]


    Mona looked at Nigel''s message in disbelief. ''Does he mean the person by my side is Maxwell? And I''m just overthinking. Is


    that so?''


    §à


    16:56 Mon, Dec 9 G ti

 Chapter 336

    After a long pause, Mona finally messaged Nigel: [Alright, sorry to trouble you, Nigel. I was overthinking.]


    Nigel replied: [No worries, we can all feel at ease this way. If you''re still concerned, the fingerprint results will be ready tomorrow.]


    Mona: [Alright, Nigel, carry on with your work!]


    After the message was sent, Mona put down her phone, feeling a bit lost. It seemed she had overthought things-Maxwell was dealing with amnesia, which affected many aspects of his life.


    Mona hadn''t spoken to Maxwell for two days, mostly because she didn''t know what to say or had the opportunity. Every day, he slept until after ten before leading to the office, and histe-night returns-around eleven or midnight at the earliest- meant he came back long after she was already asleep.


    Hearing footsteps on the stairs, Mona guessed it was Maxwell, who was back earlier than usual. She opened her door quickly, hoping for an honest conversation about moving forward peacefully together.


    The moment Mona opened the door, regret washed over her. She shouldn''t have stepped out or witnessed this painful scene. Tears traced down her pale cheeks like petals falling in a quiet, sorrowful cascade. Maxwell held a beauty close, their passionate kiss unfolding outside the door. Stunned, Mona stood still, unable to contain herself, approached and pped him hard.


    Acrunching sound echoed on the second floor. Mona felt a deep pain as she realized Maxwell was kissing someone else. It was as if something she cherished had been tainted, leaving her heart heavy with difort.


    After she pped him, Maxwell didn''t let go of the beauty. Instead, he pulled her behind him, shielding her as he red at Mona with a look of disdain, his tongue pressed against his cheek, revealing a mocking smile. "Who gave you the courage to hit me, Mona Clem?" Mona chuckled. "Maxwell Carter, you did something wrong and deserved that p. I''ll give you a chance to exin-what/ just happened?" She held onto a glimmer of hope that he was just pretending or perhaps drunk and unaware of his actions. She could find a reason to forgive him if that were the case.


    Maxwell leaned down to kiss the beauty''s fiery red lips and then turned to Mona. "Exin? Why should I? What you saw is the truth. With my wealth, isn''t it reasonable to have a lover?"


    The beauty seemed to disagree with Mona''s sentiment, calling out sweetly, "Mr. Carter!" Maxwell nced down at her in his arms, gently pinching her cheek as he softlyforted, "Good girl!"


    Mona felt a sting in her eyes at the sight before her. The husband she loved so dearly was casually discussing keeping a lover right before her. It was genuinely ironic; the predetermined state had a cruel sense of humor.


    Mona was heartbroken, wondering if Maxwell would regret his actions today once he regained his memories and returned to the man who loved her.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Maxwell Carter, is that really how you feel? You want to have a lover and bring her into our home?" Mona asked, tears streaming uncontrobly from her pale cheeks to her neck; she breathed deeply.


    Maxwell chuckled, unconcerned, his hand never leaving the beauty''s waist. "Mona Clem, even if someone else told me otherwise, this vi is one I bought myself. It''s not our joint property; I just left you a room, so you shouldn''t worry about trivial matters." "Maxwell Carter, you bastard!" Mona shouted, on the verge of breaking down.


    Hearing Mona''s insults, the beauty beside Maxwell seemed worried that he would get angry and reached out to smooth his


    1/2.


    chest.


    74%


    11


    "Yeah, good insult. I was never a good person to begin with." After speaking, Maxwell embraced the beauty and entered the room. Soon, daughter and breathing echoed from within, one after another.


    Mona stood frozen at the doorway, pounding on the door with force as she shouted, "Maxwell Carter, stop! You can''t do this to me. How could you treat me like this? Even if you''ve forgotten everything from before, you can''t treat me this way." The pounding continued; she kept pounding on the door with such force that her palms were already red and numb, yet Mona showed no sign of stopping.


    "Divorce, Maxwell Carter-I want a divorce." The words were caught in Mona''s throat, and she couldn''t say them out loud. Everything Maxwell had done for her before was still fresh in her mind, and all they had been through together weighed heavily on her heart, making it impossible for her to bring herself to ask for a divorce.


    Mona had no idea how long she had been shouting, her voice stripped ofposure. Her hands were numb from pounding on the door before it finally opened. Maxwell shoved her to the ground, his eyes full of disdain. "Mona Clem, if you''re feeling unsettled, go find someone else-I won''t say a word about it. "By the way, wasn''t my dear brother interested in you? Don''t you think you''re being a bit much, ruining my mood here?" As he spoke, Mona caught a glimpse through the partially open door of the woman lying on the bed, her clothes partly undone.


    It was their bed-hers and Maxwell''s. Now, another woman was there, about to share the same intimacy she once had with him. Mona didn''t want this to happen. The door shut again, leaving her speechless; she fell silent.


    At that moment, Mona wanted nothing more than to escape, block out the sounds of their intimacy, and retreat to hide. Dazed, she left the vi in silence. It had been raining outside on and off since the day before, never truly letting up.


    Raindrops fell on Mona, tracing her pale face and body from her head down. She felt utterly helpless; she wondered why Maxwell had changed so much after he had lost his memory. They had once been so deeply in love that she couldn''t understand.


    The sound of rain and thunder perfectly masked her sobs. With no one around the vi, Mona kept walking, unsure where she was headed. Rain blurred her vision until she suddenly sensed a shadow behind her. She could faintly hear someone calling her name-a voice achingly familiar. It was Maxwell''s.


    She turned around, but there was nothing there-just her imagination. ''Maxwell is with another woman right now; there''s no way he''d be behind me, she thought. After taking a couple more steps, she felt something was off. Her instincts urged her to turn around and head back.

 Chapter 337

    THE


    Mona retraced her steps along the path she had just taken, the rain seeming to pour harder. Disoriented, she wandered to a corner she had passed earlier, catching a metallic scent of blood mingling with the fresh aroma of rain-washed city air. Lowering her head, she noticed blood mixing with the rainwater flowing downwards. As she crouched down, her lengthy hair dripped wetly against her neck. Blood-it was unmistakably blood. When she looked up, Mona saw a torn tie soaked in rain and mingled with the crimson liquid.


    She picked up the torn tie, holding it in her hands. The rain blurred her vision to the point where she could barely keep her eyes open, but in that one nce, she recognized the tie, Maxwell had worn on the day of their ident. ''How could it be here?'' she thought.


    Then she recalled her name, which she had faintly heard moments ago. She looked up just in time to see a few shadowy figures disappearing around the corner of a wall, one strikingly familiar.


    Instinctively, Mona ran toward them, but after only a couple of steps, exhaustion overcame her, and she copsed. The figures vanished utterly from her sight, and although she wanted to remember, she had no strength left to do so.


    She shouted at the top of her lungs, "Maxwell Carter, is that you? Are you back?" Her voice echoed in the rain, each cry tearing at her heart, releasing the pent-up grievances and pain she had carried for so long, but the only response was the sound of the rain. She recalled the faint silhouette she had just seen-though it was far away and the sky was dark, she recognized it, it was Maxwell. With renewed determination, she convinced herself that the Maxwell she knew was still out there, that he wasn''t truly gone. Maxwell was not in Welintern; he had returned to Nathontown by her side. It was just that someone was holding him back, trapping him.


    Mona didn''t know how long she had been lying in the rain until it finally began to lighten, and the distant sky gradually brightened with the first hints of dawn. She clutched the torn tie tightly, like a drowning person grasping theirst lifeline.


    In a hoarse whisper, she murmured, "That Maxwell Carter is a fake." Her voice was barely recognizable, her lips chapped and dry from thirst.


    Mona sensed that Maxwell was nearby, though she couldn''t pinpoint his location. She had fallen from exhaustion and didn''t want to fight against the rain anymore. She firmly believed the Maxwell at home was an imposter, while the real one was in Nathontown, in the vimunity around her.


    When Mona finally rested enough to drag her exhausted body back to the vi, Haley spotted her disheveled and hurried over. "Mona, what happened? Are you okay?" Usually, Mona would still be asleep at this hour, and Haley had thought she was resting, never expecting her to return.


    Mona shook her head, her voice hoarse as she told Haley, "I''m fine. Keep the bodyguard at the door, and don''t let Maxwell leave. I''ll go take a shower and be right back."


    "The imposter must know something about Maxwell, Mona thought. Haley noticed the torn tie in Mona''s hand and seemed to have an idea. She quickly nodded, saying, "Mona, don''t worry With me here, not even a mosquito will get out." For Haley, Mona''smands were absolute.


    Mona returned to her room and noticed that the door next to hers was still tightly shut, with that imposter and that beauty asleep inside. She examined the tie, which had a pattern she designed and was likely one of a kind.


    Coupled with the sounds she had heardst night and her suspicions over the past few days, Mona was now confident that the information brought by Nigel was false.


    Once back in her room, Mona was already drenched, the cold rain clinging to her clothes and skin, making her Nfortable. She longed to take a rxing bath, but there was no time for that. Instead, she quickly took a hot shower to


    1/2.


    @74%


    warm herself and wash away the chill.


    Before she could finish drying her hair, Haley called from the door, "Mona, Gordon is here. He insists on seeing you."


    At Haley''s words, Mona''s hand trembled as she looked at her pale reflection in the mirror. She replied softly, "Got it. Have him wait in the living room; I''ll be out shortly." She thought, ''It''s early for him to be looking for me; he must have a purpose.''


    As soon as she finished speaking, Mona nced back at her reflection in the mirror. Herrge eyes still looked the same, but the spark was reced by weariness. She quickly dried her hair and put on the down jacket, which made her seem to wrap herself tightly before heading out. Her legs ached, but her heart felt ufortable.


    The door next door remained tightly shut, and Mona had no idea when it would open. Walking on the thick carpet, she reached the bottom and saw Gordon sitting on the sofa. "What''s going on? What brings Mr. Carter to my home this early?" she said, sitting across from him. At her words, Gordon looked up, his gaze lingering on Mona''s slightly reddened eyes, a hint of a smile ying at the corners of his lips. "I heard that my wayward brother brought his lover home. I just came to check on you," he said.


    "Mr. Carter, you certainly have your ear to the ground; I admire that. But I''m doing fine, so there''s no need for your concern," Mona replied.


    you


    Gordon''s gaze fixed on Mona as he said calmly, "Doing fine? I can''t see that. Your eyes are red, your face is pale, and looked you have lost weight; it seems you didn''t sleep wellst night. Since you''ve already suffered this much, why not just end it? A clean break would be for the best, wouldn''t it?"


    "There''s no need for you to worry about me. I''m fine, just a bit tired, so I won''t keep you chatting," Mona replied as she stood up. From Gordon''s words, she understood that whatever the imposter had donest night seemed to have been directed by someone else, and it was clear who that might be.


    Gordon watched Mona''s slender figure as she stood; even the heavy down jacket couldn''t hide her graceful silhouette. His gaze gradually turned to anger.


    "Mona Clem, as the esteemed daughter of the Clem family, you can tolerate your husband cheating right in front of you. That''s quite impressive endurance," Gordon said, his voiceced with disdain.


    Gordon''s words made Mona clench her hands tightly, her nails digging into her palms. The pain brought her back to reality; everything had to be done with Maxwell''s safety as the priority.


    Gordon sensed his anger rising, but his words fell t, like hitting a cotton wall with no effect. Frustrated, he left. He couldn''t believe Mona would continue to forgive the imposter out of their past rtionship; after a few more encounters, anyone would reach their limit. Perhaps Mona was already on the brink of copse but refused to admit it. The substantial amount he spent to replicate Maxwell perfectly seemed worth it. The divorce between Mona and Maxwell was only a matter of time.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    III

 Chapter 338

    After Gordon left, Mona didn''t return to her room. Instead, she had Haley bring her a spare key to the bedroom, quickly unlocking the door while holding a basin of cold water. Mona had never been the type to be bullied, especially now that she was sure he was an imposter.


    There was nothing to be upset about; Mona just wanted to find out where Maxwell was and whether he was suffering. Upon entering. Mona found the two in the room still sound asleep, the woman''s head resting on his chest, her cheeks flushed from the night''s activities. Without hesitation, Mona poured the basin of cold water over them. ''How dare you push me yesterday? You had some nerve! If she weren''t just pretending to be pitiful in front of me would ensure she wouldn''t get another chance to y the victim, either!'' she thought. The basin of cold water Mona had just filled from the tap drenched them both, startling them awake. They quickly opened their eyes but instinctively shut them again as they turned their faces away to dodge the water.


    However, it was useless; the downpour was far heavier than the rain from the previous night. Mona looked down at the two of them, her gaze piercing; her eyes gleaming with a subtle joy and a sense of revenge; she thought, ''How bold of you to pretend to be Maxwell!'' "Mona Clem, are you out of your mind? Get out!" The imposter''s voice was icy cold; he hated being disturbed during his sleep more than anything. Mona knew well the consequences of waking the imposter like this. She stared at him and calmly asked, "Are you enjoying this identity as Maxwell Carter?"


    However, when those words reached him, time seemed to stand still momentarily. Panic set in as he thought, ''Does Mona Clem know something? No, she shouldn''t!'' He had seen Maxwell lying unconscious in the ward, and they looked exactly alike, with no differences at all. "Y-You must be joking!" The imposter forced himself to stay calm, but the stutter betrayed his current state of mind.


    Mona smiled. The warm sunlight from outside hit her face just right, shining brightly into his eyes. "Joking? Really? But I saw another Maxwell Carter. So tell me, are you the real one or an imposter?" Her voice was sweet, but her words caused him and the beauty to frown.


    "Are you still here? Do you want me to have my bodyguards to throw you out?" Mona said coldly to the woman on the bed. This room had been tarnished, and she had no longer desired to stay here.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The woman jolted at her words, quickly scrambling to leave without a returned nce. She had thought she had struck it rich by getting close to Maxwell, enjoying his generosity and the money he had given her these past few days, only to realize he was an imposter. At this moment, the room contained only them and Haley, who blocked the door to prevent him from leaving. Haley was astonished; it turned out that the one who had caused Mona so much pain these past few days was an imposter.


    Mona walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and said, "You have five minutes to get yourself together." After speaking, she gazed at the trees, the path, and the vi, wondering where Maxwell was.


    She had already WhatsApped Nigel to inquire about the vimunity and see if there were any new residents. She was worried about Maxwell''s safety. She didn''t know who had secretly reced Maxwell, but Gordon''s actions over the past few days made Mona suspect that he was the mastermind behind it all.


    She thought, "How could someone be so wicked?'' Nothing less than the lowest depths of despair could satisfy her anger.


    The imposter, lying on the bed, momentarily stunned, contemted Mona''s earlier words. He couldn''t discern their truth, but ncing at Haley blocking the door, an instinctual feeling arose within him-Mona was likely telling the truth.


    Without another thought, he quickly got out of bed and freshened up. When he emerged again, he found Mona sitting on the sofa, her expression distant and lost in thought.


    18:07 Tue,


    "Where is Maxwell Carter Mona asked directly, her voice steady butced with urgency. It was the answer she wanted more than anything.


    "Mona Clem, what are you talking about? You told me that I am Maxwell Carter!" He pretended to be calm, but his fidgeting hands betrayed his fear. He hadn''t fully settled into the identity of Maxwell, nor had hepleted the tasks assigned to him. He needed Mona to despise Maxwellpletely.


    Mona, observing him, caught onto his little gestures and chuckled. "If I weren''t sure you weren''t Maxwell Carter, I wouldn''t havee looking for you. It is yourst chance. If you don''t speak up, I won''t hold back. Haley!"


    "I''m here, Mona!" Haley responded as she approached the door. A group of bodyguards trailed behind her, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.


    At that moment, Nigel quickly squeezed in, eximing, "Mrs. Carter, I''ve got the fingerprint report! Here, take a look." He handed the report to Mona, avoiding her gaze, eager to pass it on. Mona''s hands trembled as she epted it.


    The imposter before her trembled at mentioning the fingerprint report, realizing that Mona had suspected him for quite some time. With tears in her eyes, she looked at the report in her hands and couldn''t help but smile, thinking, "I knew it This person is an imposter; he isn''t my husband. It''s true!''


    Mona threw the report at him and dered, "Take a look for yourself-are you Maxwell Carter?"


    Of course, he knew he wasn''t Maxwell; he was just someone who resembled him. Many had undergone aesthetic surgery to look like Maxwell; he was the most sessful replica.


    That was how he ended up recing Maxwell when he returned from Welintern. "It seems Mrs. Carter has suspected me for quite some time. I''m not Mr. Carter, and I do not know where he is. I''m just following orders," he admitted.


    "Following orders, from whom? Gordon Carter, perhaps?" Mona asked coldly. She didn''t doubt what he had said; after all, she knew that Gordon would not reveal to him where Maxwell was being held.


    "I don''t know; I''ve never met him," he said. Mona looked at him and realized she couldn''t extract any useful information. She had Haley lock him in the room and stationed guards at the door to prevent him from sneaking out.


    . Then, she went to the living room with Nigel. "Mrs. Carter, I''m sorry," Nigel said apologetically. "The information we


    brought back from Welintern was false; my subordinates failed to verify it."


    "It''s not a big deal; what matters is that we know now. Our top priority is to find Maxwell," Mona replied.

 Chapter 339

    Mona looked at the sunlight streaming through the door, which had banished the darkness. She thought. Where coated Maxwell be right now?


    You''re right. Mrs. Carter. I''ve already instructed them to invectigate the nearby vis to see f there are any nese residents and to search for Mr. Carter''s whereabouts, Nigel said. The ineficiency of his subordinates surprised him and indicated just how deeply the people behind this were concealed. "Okay, thank you, Nigel, Mona said.


    Nigel nodded and left the vi. Mona''s gaze fell on the water-stained ground, and she instructed the servant to prepare breakfast. No matter what happened, life had to go on. She needed to eat well to have the strength to search for Maxwell


    Just as Mona and Haley finished breakfast, Albert had arrived. Almost immediately, Albert''s gaunt face appeared in front of Mona. It seemed that life in the military was tough. She recalled the time when he came to pick her up with the police, saying he would take her home.


    Albert, who had tragically sumbed to drug addiction in the past, was no longer there; instead, he stood before her with a proud demeanor, embodying a strong sense of righteousness. Mona thought that, in time, he would gradually realize that Barbara was not what he had envisioned.


    "Hey, sis, Haley, are you having breakfast? Where''s brother-inw?" Albert casually asked as he sat down opposite Mona. The servant quickly brought him clean tableware,


    Hearing Albert mention Maxwell, Mona froze briefly with her fork, uncertain if Maxwell had eaten breakfast. L... I don''t know where he is. The one at home is an imposter," she said calmly, though her trembling fingers betrayed her outwardposure.


    "W-What do you mean?" Albert asked, surprised. "Maxwell is Maxwell! He looks the same and sounds the same. How could he not be him?"


    Mona sighed, unsure of how to exin. Beside her, Haley recounted the events of the morning to Albert. After hearing what Haley had to say, Albert felt as if he were in a soap opera-no, even soap operas wouldn''t dare to portray such a plot. He looked at Mona and Haley in disbelief, struggling toprehend the situation. "Is what Haley said true, sis?" he asked again, unable to believe it and seeking confirmation.


    Mona nodded. "It''s true, but we still don''t know where your brother-inw is!" It was the issue that worried her the most. The thought of the blood she had seen the night before filled her with fear that Maxwell might be in serious trouble.


    "Why don''t we call the police?" Albert suggested, believing that having Nigel and his team search might yield quicker results, although he wasn''t sure how long it would take to find him.


    Mona shook her head. "No, we can''t involve the police. If we do, everyone will know Maxwell is missing, and the person who switched him will move him again. I''m concerned they might harm him. Let''s search for him first, and if we can''t find him, we can think about calling the police."


    Gordon was the prime suspect; he showed no mercy towards Maxwell. Almost as soon as Mona finished speaking, her phone rang. When she saw it was Nigel calling, she answered without hesitation.


    "Mrs. Carter, we found a family that moved in recently, just a few houses away from yours. The neighbors have noticed it but rarely see the owner." Perhaps their behavior was quite unusual. When Nigel''s team started asking around, they immediately gathered and reported the information to Mona.


    Affer Nigel finished speaking, he didn''t hear a response from Mona, so he continued, "Mrs. Carter, should we send someoneN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    to check out that vi now?"


    "Let''s send two capable men to check the basement of the vishe na fented recalling the dream where Maxwe was trapped in a basement. It was broad daylight neve, making convenient to art


    is


    "Alright, I''ll have my team find exit when the favity wally conf goes he replied


    After Mona responded and ended the call, Albert sayed with 11ry and arrampanied Stona Albertforted Maria. insisting that Maxwell, being so espable, would surely be fine. Ma realized how highly Albert regarded Maxwell in his heart whenever he said this. As the sun gradually act, thest rays disappeared behind the ss, and for the first time in a while, both the moon and stars appeared in the sky Nigel had learned that someone ring in the heme usually left around nine in the evening ant returned around ten with plenty of food


    Once the person lef, Mona and the others were unsure how many remained inside the vi. Whether Maxwell was insurfe or not, she nned to send someone to investigate that night. The food the person brought back presented the perfect opportunity, and Mona was contemting who to send to slip sleeping pills into it.


    Haley looked earnestly at Mona and said, "Mona, let me do it. Yeni can trust me; I can handle this."


    Mona nodded, wanting Laley to take on the task. She had faith in Haley''s ability to handle it. Sure enough, Haley came through and sessfully slipped a sleeping pill into the drink that the person had brought back.


    Now, it was just a matter of waiting for the time to pass until they finished their drinks. As the hours ticked by and midnight approached, darkness enveloped the light, and everyone gradually slipped into a deep sleep. Mona, feeling energized, dered, "Now''s the time." One was Haley, and the other was one of Maxwell''s capable subordinates, equally skilled. Mona had them change into dark clothing before they headed into the vi. Meanwhile, Albert and Mona waited outside, keeping watch.


    Before they went in, Mona turned to the two of them and urged, "If you find Maxwell inside, do your best to bring him back. But if too many people are in there, prioritize your safety. Make sure toe back safe; we''ll be waiting for you here." Haley nodded solemnly, silently promising herself, ''I won''t let Mona down. I will bring back the real Mr. Carter.


    Mona watched Haley and the other person quietly slip inside, their dark outfits blending seamlessly with the night. She looked up at the moon, which was full and bright, a perfect night for reunions. She silently prayed, ''Haley will surely bring Maxwell back safely. Albert nced at the worried Mona and reassured her, "Don''t worry, sis. Brother-inw loves you so much; he''ll be fine to see you again. Haley will be okay, too. They all will be safe."

 Chapter 340

    10.07 Tue, Dec 10


    COMMENT


    Mona turned her head and saw Albert''s profile, which reminded her of Emily. Feeling reassurance, she smiled and said, "Yeah, your brother-inw will be okay? She wanted to believe in Maxwell and trust that Haley and the others would seed. As time ticked by, Mona''s anxiety grew. She felt increasingly restless, her hands tightly sped, leaving scratches on her d


    elicate skin. Albert focused on the window where Haley had entered, and after several tense minutes, he still hadn''t seen any sign of them. Uncertainty about what was happening inside filled him with unease.


    After a few more minutes, Albert could no longer wait. He nced at Mona''s worried expression and said, "Sis, I''m going to check what''s happening inside."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Albert, please don''t go. Let''s wait a little longer. I''m worried about you going in alone. The back of her hand was already marked with scratches from her nails. The wait was truly torturous.


    Almost as soon as Mona finished speaking, Nigel eximed excitedly, looking toward the distant window, ''Mrs. Carter, He''s out! Mr. Carter is out!"


    Mona turned quickly and saw Haley and the other person helping Maxwell as they approached. He was still in the suit from the ident, now stained with blood. The moonlight revealed the scene, and tears streamed down her face.


    Mona called out softly, repeating Maxwell''s name as she approached him. When they arrived, the three had just jumped from the wall. Mona immediately wrapped her arms around Maxwell, her voice choked as she said, "Maxwell, it''s okay now." She thought, ''How could someone who loved me so deeply repeatedly suddenly stop loving me due to amnesia? It was as if he had changed entirely; it turned out that man was an imposter Maxwell stared at Mona, whom he had yearned for day and night, unable to believe she was right before him.


    As he raised his hand to touch Mona''s head, he remembered he was covered in blood and dirt. Lowering his hand, he said. "Mona, please let me go for now. It''s dirty." He couldn''t stand his state, especially not in front of someone as clean as her.


    Mona shook her head in Maxwell''s embrace, wishing she could merge into his very being. After all the fear and worry of the past few days, she had no intention of letting him go. "I won''t let go, it''s not dirty!"


    "Hey, we shouldn''t stay here any longer. It''s dangerous. Let''s go back and talk," Albert urged, the only one present thinking about the possibility of someone following them.


    Reluctantly, Mona released her grip around Maxwell''s waist but kept her fingers intertwined with his. Looking up into his eyes, filled with love and sweetness as if he had just tasted candy, she said, "Alright, Maxwell, let''s head back." She and Albert supported Maxwell and slowly made their way forward.


    Mona noticed the ck chain around Maxwell''s ankle as they walked, likely ced there by his captors to prevent him from escaping, Her heart ached at the sight; someone as proud as Maxwell should never have to endure such treatment.


    By the time they returned, the servants had prepared supper, and the family doctor was already waiting there-arrangements Mona had made in advance. Mona had Maxwell sit on the sofa while she crouched down to examine the iron chain on his feet.


    The ck chain starkly contrasted with his delicate skin, and she noticed that the skin around his ankles was red and even had some abrasions. She reached out, wanting to touch it, but hesitated, fearing that her touch might cause him pain, and withdrew her hands. "Maxwell, you''ve suffered so much," Mona whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. Seeing him in such a state made her heartache, and she wished she could bring Gordon to experience the pain and injustice Maxwell had endured. Maxwell looked down at Mona, who crouched beside him, her eyes puffy than ever. He reached out, palling Mona close to sit beside him. "Mona, it''s okay. After everything I''ve been through, seeing you again makes it all worthwhile."


    While in the basement, Maxwell wondered how long Mona would take to realize that the man beside her was an imposter He pondered when she woulde looking for him and if she would end up divorcing that impostor, utterly unaware of the deception. Last night, Maxwell had injured one of his captors and managed to sneak out for a moment. In the distance, he caught a glimpse of Mona in the rain, and at that moment, he felt a surge of rage, wishing he could finish off the captors. But one man couldn''t fight against many and was quickly recaptured.


    Then, just moments ago, in the basement, he was overjoyed to see Haley, Mona was far more intelligent than he had ever imagined.


    Soon, Haley arranged for a locksmith toe over, Late at night, she offered double the usual fee to entice someone to help her. Once the locksmith arrived, Mona pulled up Maxwell''s part leg to give the locksmith better ess to unlock the chain.


    "Can you open this lock?" Mona asked, concerned they might have to use heavy clippers to break it if it couldn''t be done. That method could potentially harm Maxwell''s leg.


    "I can, but it will take some time. The fee we agreed on needs to be increased; 1 thought it was just a regr door lock when I came!" The locksmith said as he worked on unlocking the chain.


    "That''s not a problem; I''ll double your fee," Mona replied readily It waste at night, and it wasn''t easy for the locksmith toe over. Paying extra was a minor as long as he could unlock the chain. "Okay, just a moment," the locksmith replied.


    While the locksmith was working, Haley and the others excused themselves from the living room, leaving Mona alone by Maxwell''s side. She held his hand tightly and didn''t let go. As the locksmith had mentioned, it took a long time to unlock the chain on Maxwell''s foot, but in the end, it was sessful.


    After the chain was unlocked, Haley went to pay the locksmith while Mona called the doctor to perform a quick check on Maxwell. Most of his injuries were superficial, and after applying some ointment, nothing was serious. The doctor left the medication with Mona before departing.


    Mona looked at the dust on Maxwell''s face and turned to Albert, saying, "Albert, it''s already quitete. You guys should rest I''ll stay here with Maxwell."


    Albert was about to ask what had happened with Maxwell when Haley pulled him aside and urged him to be quiet. He nced at her, followed her suggestion, and fell silent.


    COMMENT


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 Chapter 341

    After everyone had left, Mona looked at Maxwell with a gaze full of enduring affection and relief. Now that Maxwell was back, she felt at ease. "Maxwell, go take a shower first, she said. Tll bring something for you to eat in a bit." "Alright, Mona, wait for me, Maxwell replied, equally eager to rid himself of the smell clinging to him. After speaking to her. he headed upstairs.


    Mona called after him, "Maxwell, use the room next door-someone''s in the one we used to stay in She didn''t specify who, but Maxwell knew it was the imposter upying their former room. Nodding, he headed into the adjacent bedroom.


    Once Maxwell stepped inside, he noticed that everything in the room was singr, all belonging to Mona. Realizing it was the room she had been staying in alone, he felt an unexpected waive of relief.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Mona realized Maxwell had no fresh clothes, so she got some from their former bedroom. However, she hesitated when she reached the doorway; the thought of facing the imposter made her uneasy. Instead, she exined to the guard at the door where to find the items and had him retrieve them.


    "Mona, is it Maxwell who''s back?" came the voice from inside the room.


    Yes Monareplied tly, waiting for the guard to return.


    "Have you decided what to do with me?" he asked again. With Maxwell back, it was clear he wouldn''t be allowed to stay here much longer. He wondered what would happen to him.


    Not yet," Mona said.


    At that moment, the guard returned with everything Maxwell needed, just as Mona had requested. After thanking him, she headed to the adjacent room. Mona had prepared a lot for Maxwell; all the items were brand new.


    She knocked on the door and entered, hearing the sound of running water from the bathroom. Mona smiled softly, "Maxwell, I''ve brought you some fresh clothes. I''ll go prepare supper for you."


    Seeing his gaunt face, she realized he hadn''t eaten well these past few days. She couldn''t help but wonder if someone had mistreated him. Thankfully, the doctor had just examined him, and aside from some minor injuries, he would recover after recuperating. "Okay, Mona, I''ll be ready in a moment," Maxwell said.


    Mona went to the kitchen, where Hattie had already prepared various dishes. Considering howte it was, she served Maxwell some oatmeal and a few easy-to-digest foods and brought them upstairs.


    As she entered, Mona saw Maxwell just stepping out of the bathroom, now dressed in clean pajamas, his face free of dirt and blood. She set the dishes on the coffee table and pulled him beside her. She took a towel from his hand and effortlessly dried his hair on the sofa.


    It had been several days since she had done this, and she worried she might feel awkward, but it came naturally to her. "You should eat first; you''ve lost quite a bit of weight these past few days," Mona said gently, her heart aching for him as she dried his hair. His hair still felt the same as before-somewhat coarse-but it had grown longer and needed a trim. "You know, Mona, you''ve lost quite bit of weight, too," Maxwell said, wrapping his arms around her waist and feeling the warmth of her body.


    The moment Maxwell saw Mona, he noticed how much weight she had lost. Her once slightly fuller face now appeared gaunt and bony, making iwclear that she hadn''t been doing well during his absence. As Mona dried his hair, her arms wrapped around his neck and nuzzled against him.


    "I haven''t been okay without you," she admitted honestly. "But now that you''re back, it''s a relief. Let''s not talk about it now.


    in


    After 1 dry your hair, om meget to eat something, and Til help you with your meheation"


    After a mument of nuzzling, che picked up the towel again, quilly resuming her rask, despite his longer hair, she managed to dry it swiftly.


    While Maxwell ste the oatmeal, Mons carefully applied medication to his ankles with a cotton swab. Alter his shower, the damaged skin was even more pronouncel, and the water had caused the wounds to be inmed Seeing dis male her heart ache; she wished to take his pain.


    Mona carefully applied the medicine to Maxwell, wrapping it in gauze afterward. Every movement was a gentle as if the were handling something very delicate.


    Maxwell nced down and noticed the redness around Mona''s eyes, it was a telltale sign that she was upset. It was how she always was her eyes would betray her feelings whenever she hurt. After eating, he pulled her into his embrace. He gently wiped away the tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.


    "Why are you crying again, huh? Please don''t cry, it hurts me seeing you like this," Maxwell said, wrapping his arms around Mona. Sitting on hisp, she felt a bit hesitant to move, worried that there might be other injuries on his body.


    "I-I''m crying for you. Ithurts me to see you like this. I wish I had discovered sooner that the person beside me was an imposter. If I had, you wouldn''t have suffered so much," Mona said, self-ming. It frustrated her that it had taken her so long jo realize the truth about the imposter.


    Maxwell''s gaze locked on Mona''srge eyes as he gently caressed her face. "I''m fine; please stop crying," he reassured her. "They just locked me in the basement; they didn''t do anything to me."


    The only time he had been hurt was when he tried to escape yesterday and was caught; a few people had teamed up to beat him. Maxwell couldn''t help but think how fortunate he was that they hadn''t injured his face; otherwise, Mona would have been devastated. "Really?" Mona didn''t believe him. After all, he had been gone for so long, and if he hadn''t been beaten, he must have had a difficult time.


    "Yeah, it was just when I tried to escape yesterday that I got beaten up a bit, but it doesn''t hurt anymore," Maxwell said, gently pinching her earlobe.


    At his words, Mona''s brows furrowed in concern as she moved to sit beside him. "Where did they hit you? Does it hurt? I saw youst night and even found your tie. But I felt so weak trying to chase after you that I ended up falling," she said, ncing at her knee, which was swollen from the fall.


    "It''s just my body, and it doesn''t hurt anymore. I knew you saw me, so you came to rescue me today. Let me take a look at your knee," Maxwell said.


    Mona wiped away the tears on her face and reached for the buttons of Maxwell''s shirt, saying, "Let me see so I can put some medicine on it." She felt uneasy, not knowing for sure what injuries he had.


    Maxwell then covered Mona''s hand and said, "Let me check your knee first. You can''t cryter when you see it." He was unsure of his injuries, as he''d only thought about her while showering and hadn''t examined himself closely. Most bruises were on his back, making them hard to see.


    Mona nodded and gently rolled up her pants to show Maxwell where she was injured. She unbuttoned his shirt and said, "Okay, I won''t cry. I''ll just put some medicine on you."


    Maxwell looked at Mona''s swollen knee, hesitating to touch it. His hand moved toward her, but he ultimately pulled it back, feeling unsure.


    M¨®na undid his pajamas, revealing Maxwell''s muscr back and broad chest, marked by numerous bruises. Her gaze lingered on his right shoulder, where there was no mole. Despite the chilly temperature outside and tire air conditioning in the room, Maxwell didn''t feel cold with his skin exposed.

 Chapter 342

    Mona asked Maxwell to turn around as she prepared the medicallon. She applied it to his bruises, saying, "You said it doesn''t hurt, but you''re all bruised. How could they be so cruel? Maxwell was it Gordon who captured you?" Ultimately, Mona''s suspicion that was Gordon was just a guess and she couldn''t be sure if she were right.


    Maxwell nodded, feeling the pressure of Mona''s hands as she applied the medication, asionally sensing her breath against his back. "I didn''t see Gordon, but they showed me daily photos of you being bullied by the imposter. They wanted me to see you lose your love for me and fall into despair. It has to be Gordon behind this."


    Mona nodded as she continued to apply the medication, using a gentle touch to avoid causing him any pain. "He''s evil, thinking he could marry me. I will never marry him!" she dered firmly.


    Mona spoke angrily, unaware that Maxwell''s expression had darkened at her words. He thought, ''Gordon Carter is truly despicable for thinking he could marry my wife. How infuriating He turned around, gently gripping Mona''s chin as he said, "Mona, you need to remember what you just said: you will never consider marrying him at all."


    Mona quickly kissed Maxwell on the cheek, smiling as she said, "Got it! I know how jealous you are." Then, leaning closer, she whispered in his ear, "Nothing happened between me and that imposter." Mona thought that either the imposter didn''t like her or it was something Gordon had instructed. Maxwell''s lips brushed against her earlobe as soon as the thought crossed her mind. "Yeah, that feels nice." In truth, even if something had happened between Mona and that impostor, it wouldn''t change how he felt about her; he would only ensure that those who had bullied her faced the consequences they deserved. A tingling sensation spread throughout Mona''s body, causing her to shiver slightly, but she couldn''t push Maxwell away. It had been too long since they had been close, and she felt even more sensitive now.


    She wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck with the cotton swab in hand, thinking, ''This is so nice; Maxwell is here by my side.''


    After a moment, Mona pulled away from Maxwell. "Turn around; I still need to finish applying the medicine!"


    "Oh, okay!" Maxwell obediently turned around, presenting his back to Mona.


    After a considerable amount of time, Mona finally finished applying the medicine to Maxwell. Fortunately, he only had injuries on his back and ankles, with no other areas affected.


    As she reflected on it, she realized that when those people attacked him, he must have crouched down to protect his head, which exined why the injuries were concentrated on his back


    It was alreadyte, with only a few hours left until dawn. Monay nestled in Maxwell''s arms in the double bed, the two sharing whispers. From Maxwell, Mona learned that after Haley and the others entered, the guards watching him had all fallen asleep. Once inside, Haley had been trying to find a way to remove the chains from his ankles. The guards didn''t have any keys on them, suggesting that they had hidden them after Maxwell''s escape attempt yesterday,


    Maxwell wanted them to leave and return the next day with the necessary tools to rescue him, but Haley was unwilling to leave, insisting that Mona was waiting for them at the door. So, they searched the vi and found a pair of pliers to cut the chains from his ankles, which caused a dy.


    He gently stroked Mona''s soft hair and said, "I''m sorry for making you worry."


    Chapter 342-


    65%0


    Mona nodded in Maxwell''s canbrace, tightening her hold around his waist as she felt his warmth. "Yeah, I was worried. I was afraid Haley and the others wouldn''t be able to get you out or that you wouldn''t be in this vi. I wouldn''t have known what to do or where to look for you"


    "I''ll be more careful about my safety in the future and try not to make you worry, Maxwell reassured.


    "Then tell me how Gordon let that imposter rece you," Mona aid.


    Maxwell recalled feeling disoriented right after his car ident in the operating room, he saw someone who looked exactly like him. Thinking back, he realized he had encountered the inposter during his early days in Welintern, but he hadn''t paid much attention, assuming it was just an illusion.


    When Maxwell regained consciousnesster, he found himself in a basement, chained up, with just enough length to reach the door. He overheard the guards mentioning that Mona was already with the imposter.


    At that time, Maxwell didn''t understand the significance of that statement. However, as each day passed, he would watch videos of Mona in which another person looked exactly like him. From their conversations, he realized that this other version of himself had amnesia, and Mona hadn''t recognized him.


    Maxwell saw how the imposter continuously hurt Mona''s feelings as time passed. He realized he couldn''t just sit by and let this happen, which led to his escape attempt yesterday.


    Reflecting on it now, he understood that Gordon wanted Mona to lose faith in him and seek a divorce, intending to make them suffer. Fortunately, Mona could see through the ruse and recognize that the other Maxwell was an imposter.


    After hearing what Maxwell said, Mona felt a lump in her throat. She held onto his waist tighter, understanding without him having to say that he had been through an adamant time during their separation.


    "Honey, I never want to be apart from you again," Mona said softly, feeling the security Maxwell had given her.


    Maxwell gently pinched Mona''s earlobe, his breath brushing against her neck as he said, "Darling, I don''t want to be apart from you either."


    He intended to continue with his ns, ensuring that the Carter Group would no longer be present in Nathontown, eliminating any power Gordon had to challenge him.


    Mona looked up and met Maxwell''s gaze. His eyes sparkled like stars, making her heart race. Before she realized it, her soft lips pressed against his. Their breaths mingled, and she felt that familiar closeness with him again after a long time.


    Maxwell''s lips felt as soft as she remembered, surrounded by his clean scent, making Mona''s heart race even faster. A gentle smile crept onto her lips; it had been so long since she felt this happy. Having Maxwell by her side again felt so right. The kiss was long and tender. Maxwell''s strong hand cradled Mona''s head, deepening the kiss slowly. When they finally pulled away, Mona buried her face in Maxwell''s neck, feeling an overwhelming softness in her heart.


    Maxwell let Mona rest on his arm, a smile gracing his face in the darkness. "Alright, I won''t tease you anymore. Let''s sleep; we have much to take care of tomorrow."


    Maxwell gently covered Mona''s eyes with his long, slender fingers as he spoke. She gradually fell asleep in his embrace, her breaths steady and peaceful.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He unconsciously tightened his arm around her, cherishing having her by his side again. It felt so good-no one knew the worry and fear consumed him during those days apart.

 Chapter 343

    Maxwell was terrified of the chaos the imposter could cause and the way he might slowly break Mona''s heart. He feared that she would be hurt, sad, and unhappy. Above all, he dreaded the thought of Mona not loving him anymore, leaving him alone.


    He was so anxious that he couldn''t sleep at night, drifting off to Mona''s promise each evening. She had said, "Maxwell, I will love you for the rest of my life. The love youck, I will give you I will continue to love you even after I die, and I will always be your wife." Maxwell had barely fallen asleep before memories of the videos, where the imposter spoke to Mona, crept back into his mind, causing him to stir awake.


    But tonight was different; Mona was nestled in his arms. After such a long time, he could finally enjoy a restful sleep. Though the night was brief, it was filled with tranquility..


    Perhaps both of them had something on their minds, but just as dawn broke, Mona was awake. She felt relief seeing Maxwell''s arm wrapped around her, recalling that they had rescued him the day before. She looked up, her gaze met Maxwell''s, and shezily greeted him, "Good morning, Maxwell!*


    "Good morning! Why did you wake up so early today?" Maxwell asked, gently running his fingers through Mona''s hair.


    "Because I wanted to see you as soon as possible, but I couldn''t sleep anymore," Mona said with a yful smile, snuggling closer to Maxwell.


    With Maxwell by her side, Mona felt truly blessed. Waking up to see him first thing in the morning made her believe her excellent mood wouldst all day. Upon hearing her words, a smile lingered on Maxwell''s lips, and he wished they could stay together like this forever and ever.


    After they finished getting ready, Mona expected that she and Maxwell had woken up early enough. However, as soon as they went downstairs, she was taken aback. Quite a few people were sitting on the sofa, and Albert, in particr, was craning his neck to look in her direction.


    "I told you my sister would wake up early today; I''m always right about this," Albert said with a grin to Haley.


    Haley thought Mona would sleep in today, and she was all set to go for a run. It seemed Haley had misjudged. If Mona knew what Haley was thinking, Mona would say she wanted to sleep in, too, but she couldn''t help it; Mona missed Maxwell too much, and before she knew it, she was awake.


    Thinking about how Maxwell hadn''t been to thepany for many days, she realized he would need to return. She didn''t want to be home alone, so she figured she might as well get up and go with him.


    "What shall we do about that imposter upstairs?" Albert asked curiously as soon as he sat down.


    "Disfigure him and send him to Gordon Carter!" Maxwell said casually, taking a sip of the coffee the servant had just brought in. His tone was unhurried.


    Maxwell wasn''t an easy person to deal with in the first ce. Spending time with Mona made him morepassionate and kind, but that didn''t mean he would let others take advantage of him.


    Especially since that imposter looked exactly like him, hatred simmered in his heart. He would not allow someone with his face to deceive others simrly.


    "Okay, what my brother-inw says makes sense," Albert replied


    Mona also agreed, thinking that only one face belonged to Maxwell. The imposter in the room looked almost identical to him, even more so than twins. Nobody would suspect a thing if he went out pretending to be Maxwell while he swindled others. Chapter 343-


    Nigel quickly received Maxwell''s orders and hurried with his men to take the imposter away. Before Nigel left, Maxwell coldly said, "Tell Gordon Carter that I, Maxwell Carter, will remember this."


    "Understood, Mr. Carter!" After saying that, Nigel quickly left the vi.


    Albert was curious about what had happened, so he kept asking Mona questions. She patiently answered each one, sharing the details of the ordeal.


    Since Richard passed away, Gordon returned to the Carter family home. As he leisurely ate breakfast, he plotted ways to manipte the imposter into doing his bidding. His schemes included gradually undermining the Clem Group and subjecting Mona to domestic abuse, hoping to instill fear in her


    He also envisioned keeping multiple lovers, ideally unting them in front of Mona to torment her further. As he contemted his ns, a smirk crept onto his lips, revealing a shadow of malice. He turned his thoughts to Mona, reminding himself that he had all the time in the world.


    Throughout his life, he had always obtained anything he desired, whether possessions or people. As he revealed his thoughts, Nigel barged in with the imposter, whose face was disfigured, contorting in pain.


    Upon entering, Nigel forcefully shoved the imposter forward, causing him to copse at Gordon''s feet, the blood staining Gordon''s trousers. The imposter had never seen the mastermind behind him; they had onlymunicated through phone calls.


    Even though he didn''t know what the mastermind looked like, he now understood that Gordon was the mastermind. As he recalled the knife in Nigel''s hand, he felt a chill of terror. The brutal shes across his face made him feel as if he were on the brink of death, filling him with dread towards Nigel.


    He thought he was close to death, but now he felt a glimmer of hope for survival.


    "Y-You have to help me! I did everything you asked and altered my appearance to resemble Mr. Carter. Now that everything has gone wrong, you can''t abandon me!" Gripping Gordon''s thigh tightly, he clung to him like a lifeline, desperation written, all over his face. Gordon looked down at the bloodied face of the imposter, and everything became clear. Maxwell had returned, and the imposter was being dealt with, having undergone a brutal transformation. Disgust filled Gordon; he had no use for such a worthless failure. Gordon kicked the man to the ground, and the imposter trembled in pain, his teeth chattering. "You can''t do this to me! You promised you''d give me a lot of money after this!"


    Gordon ignored his pleas and turned to Nigel, struggling to contain his anger. "Nigel, what does this mean?"


    Nigel spoke tly, "Mr. Gordon, don''t you know what this means? Mr. Carter has made it clear that he remembers this incident." He left the room after ncing at the injured imposter on the ground.


    In Nigel''s view, Maxwell''s handling of the imposter was entirely merciful; after all, this man had impersonated him. He wondered why Maxwell even spared his life. However, it was Maxwell''s orders, and Nigel could only follow them.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    After Nigel and the others left, Gordon looked at the person on the floor, gripping the fork tightly enough that the veins on his hand stood out. "Maxwell Carter, well done. You managed to escape; it seems l''ye underestimated your strength."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Gordon forcefully overturned the dining table, startling Donald, who had juste downstairs. The two locked eyes and Gordon nced at the person on the floor, saying, "Just a small issue; I''ll handle it right away."


    After that, several people quickly came over to carry away the imposter, covering his mouth to prevent him from saying anything he shouldn''t. Meanwhile, another servant arrived to clean up the bloodstains on the floor. Once everything was restored to its original state, Gordon helped Donald sit at the dining table.

 Chapter 344

    "What just happened?" Donald asked. He''d always known Gordon had a temper, even as a child when he used to bully others. Back then, Donald had often chosen to look the other way.


    After all, Gordon was the youngest of the Carter family, and a bit of mischief hardly seemed harmful. But today, seeing the man on the ground with his face covered in blood stirred something within him. That figure, that face, bore an uncanny resemnce to Maxwell. Gordon handed Donald a fork and said, "It''s nothing major. That man got bold enough to have surgery to look like Maxwell; he almost fooled Mona and everyone else. Maxwell thinks it was my doing and had him sent to me disfigured. But, Dad, you know I wouldn''t have the nerve, nor would I dare to do something like that."


    He spoke convincingly, insisting he didn''t know the man and would say the same even if Maxwell stood before him. After all, that imposter hadn''t seen him in person, and even if Maxwell suspected he was behind it, there was no evidence.


    After listening, Donald nced at Gordon, observing hisposed expression and unable to tell if he was being truthful. But when it came to Maxwell, Donald didn''t hold much affection, so he let it be. In the end, both Donald and Gordon shared a harmonious lunch. After Gordon left, he didn''t go back to check on Mona''s vi, concerned someone might see him. Instead, he had the guards watch over Maxwell, who moved to another one of his vis.


    When someone checked on the guards, they were still sound asleep, but Maxwell was missing. Upon waking, they quickly began ming each other for the oversight. Faced with Gordon, none dared lift their heads or expect any rewards.


    Gordon''s voice was icy as he said, "Didn''t you all enjoy drinking? Send them off to serve as bar escorts." Serving drinks, of course, would be anything but pleasant for them.


    After finishing up, Nigel reported back to Maxwell, who responded with a brief acknowledgment and instructed him to wait at the office. So many days had passed, and Maxwell was still in the dark about the exact state of thepany-he needed Nigel to fill him in on the details.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    As Maxwell hung up the phone, Mona wrapped her arms around his and asked, "Are you heading to the office?"


    "I''ll just check in at the office today, and tomorrow, I''ll be free," Maxwell replied softly. "Tonight, let''s have dinner with your grandparents." Though he didn''t want to leave Mona''s side, he had pressing matters at thepany to handle, especially with his n to take over Carter Group.


    "Then I''ll go with you," Mona insisted. "It''s year-end, and Star is on break, so I have nothing to do anyway." She yfully tugged on Maxwell''s arm, her voice softening into a charming plea. "Once we''re at the office, I won''t bother you-I''ll just sit quietly and watch a show. How about that?" "Alright,e if you''d like," Maxwell replied indulgently. He''d wondered if he could even focus on work with Mona, but he knew they''d likely spend time together. Forget it, he thought; he knew she was still shaken and needed thefort. They''d go together. With Maxwell''s approval, Mona''s lips curved into a smile, her eyes full of warmth as she looked at him. Luckily, Haley and Albert were out training; otherwise, they would probably have to close their eyes to avoid witnessing Mona''s yful, affectionate side. In the end, Mona got her wish to apany Maxwell to thepany. With Maxwell by her side, Haley decided not to go along and stayed home to train with Albert. They nned to return to the Clem family home together for lunch, and Mona and Maxwell would join in the evening. Since Nigel had already gone to thepany, Maxwell drove Mona to the Clem Group. During the ride, Mona didn''t check her phone or think about anything else; she kept her eyes fixed on Maxwell.


    She was scared, worried that someone else might have undergone aesthetic surgery to look like Maxwell. She was afraid she


    wouldn''t recognize him, or it would take her a long time to realize it.


    Mona''s intense gaze caught Maxwell''s attention. "What''s wrong? Why are you staring at me, Darling?"


    "Maxwell, what if something like this happens again, and I can''t recognize you?" Moria voiced her concerns.


    Maxwell pondered Mona''s words momentarily before suggesting "How about I get a tattoo in a specific spot only you know? That way, you''ll be able to recognize me."


    "But getting a tattoo hurts," Mona replied honestly.


    "It''s fine; I''m not afraid of the pain. Let''s go with that; I''ll get the tattoo tomorrow. What do you think I should get?" Maxwell asked, contemting the idea of a tattoo. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of having something representing Mona on his body.


    Mona pondered momentarily before replying thoughtfully, "If that''s the case, I''ll get one too, just like yours. I want to have you tattooed on me."


    "As expected, my Mrs. Carter," Maxwell said with a smile. "You''re thinking the same as I am. I''ll get you tattooed on me too. But, Mona, it will hurt a lot. Are you sure you can handle it?" He asked, a hint of concern in his voice. Maxwell was in a dilemma; he wanted Mona to tattoo him on her body, leaving a mark of his presence on her. At the same time, he worried that the pain of getting a tattoo might be too much for his delicate wife to handle. Mona nodded firmly and said, "I can handle it."


    Once they arrived at thepany, Mona apanied Maxwell to the top floor. Knowing he was busy, she wanted him to finish work early, so she tiptoed to kiss him quickly before settling down with her tablet to watch a show.


    Soon, Nigel entered and updated Maxwell on the recent events at thepany. Upon hearing about losing an important contract, a cold aura surrounded Maxwell. He nced at Mona beside him, suppressing his anger, and motioned for Nigel to continue. While watching the show, Mona chatted with Ava about Maxwell and the imposter. After exining the situation to Ava, she received a WhatsApp message.


    Ava: [I can''t believe it, Mona. It is such a bizarre situation; it''s genuinely terrifying!]


    ''Indeed, such a perfect replica; aesthetic surgery is genuinely terrifying,'' Mona thought.


    Artemis: [Mona, you''re so brave and clever. If it were me, I wouldn''t know what to do.] Artemis noted that despite acting for so long, she had never encountered such a role in reality.


    ra: [Mona, you need to spend quality time with Mr. Carter. He must be feeling lonely after being by himself for so long.]


    After reading ra''s message, Mona nced at Maxwell, feeling joy. He was wearing a pair of gold-framed sses, and his look while listening to Nigel''s report on work was remarkably handsome. Every gesture of his brought a smile to her face.

 Chapter 345

    At noon, Nigel sent over lunch boxes, and Mona joined Maxwell in the office to eat. The afternoon flew by, and by the end of the day, Maxwell had grasped the current situation of the Clem Group. During his absence, the imposter had given orders that resulted in the loss of several significant contracts. Maxwell instructed his team to reconnect with those clients to explore any chances of recovery. He couldn''t help but sigh inwardly, realizing that the imposter had primarily ruined his efforts. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.


    As the sun set, Maxwell held Mona''s hand as they walked along the path toward the Clem family home. After a long time, Mona felt the warmth of his grip ag¨¢in and looked up at Maxwell, her eyes shining with uncontainable joy.


    "Mona, do you think Mr. and Mrs. Clem will me me for not taking good care of you?" Maxwell asked, worried. The imposter had caused Mona a lot of anxiety in his name, and he was furious to learn that the imposter had said hurtful things during her kidnapping. He felt that having Nigel ruin the imposter''s appearance was too lenient.


    Mona shook her head and said, "Grandpa and Grandma already know what happened; they won''t me you. Maxwell, they care about you just like I do."N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    The pain she experienced during those days was all rted to Maxwell, but she didn''t me him at all. Instead, all she felt for him was heartache and longing. As she reflected on it, the heartache from her dreams lingered.


    "That''s good!" Maxwell said. Others might not me him, but he med himself for making Mona sad. He felt powerless for not being able to protect her.


    As the two walked in the warm glow of the setting sun, they entered the Clem family home, where everyone was waiting at the door. Jane looked at Mona and Maxwell, whose hands were tightly intertwined. A smile had returned to Mona''s lips, bringing a sense of joy and relief to Jane''s heart.


    "It''s good that everything is alright. Come in quickly; Polly has prepared dinner, and you both look thinner these days," Jane said, subtly observing Maxwell. She couldn''t help but marvel at how identical he appeared, even down to the number of eyshes. The aesthetic surgery was remarkably impressive, achieving such an uncanny resemnce.


    "Hey, Mona and Maxwell,e in! Polly has prepared a lot of dishes you love, Mona!" Albert said, smiling. He thought, ''It''s great to see Mona smile again.''


    "I''ming!" Mona said, pulling Maxwell''s hand as they walked in.


    The family gathered around the food at the dining table, filling the air with enticing aromas. Haley swallowed hard, feeling like the best bodyguard for being included in the meal. Here, no one saw her as just a bodyguard, which brightened her mood. Albert noticed Haley''s smile and teased, "What are you smiling about? Don''t worry, you''ll be eating soon!" He thought she was anxious about not being able to enjoy the spread.


    "There''s no rush!" Haley replied with a smile.


    Bernard raised his ss and cleared his throat. "With Christmas approaching, it''s a special reunion for our family. Maxwell and Mona, you''ve both been through a lot. At my age, I can''t believe that imposter deceived me. But now that everything''s alright, we must look forward. Today is a day for togetherness, so let''s enjoy our meal. Cheers!"


    Maxwell nodded. Although Mona reassured him that Bernard and the others didn''t me him, he still worried. Hearing Bernard speak those words made him feel a bit better. "Well said, Mr. Clem!" he eximed, raising his ss.


    During dinner, Maxwell continued to serve Mona as he always had. Whenever her eyesnded on a dish, he quickly added it to her te. Their synchronization was remarkable, and both spirits were lifted by the meal''s end.


    Chapter 343-


    Mona felt that she and Maxigell had returned to the joyous days after their wedding. From that evening on, they decided not to go back and would stay with the Clem family until the end of the year.


    After the family finished their dinner, they gathered around the TV to watch, but no one was focused on the screen. Instead, they chatted and shared stories. Mona eagerly told Jane and Bernard that she had asked Albert to prepare candlelights for Christmas. Jane paused in surprise after hearing this and said with delight, "That''s wonderful! It brings out the festive spirit."


    "Grandma is right; I feel the same way. Plus, with Haley around this year, it will be more lively," Mona said.


    Seeing Mona''s smiling face made Ja?e very happy. She suggested that Mona be the one to light the candlelights this year. Mona cheerfully epted and continued sharing some fun stories with Jane and Bernard.


    After Mona and Maxwell returned to their room and closed the door, Maxwell pulled her into his arms, pressing her against the door. He wrapped his arms around her waist, blocking the contact between her waist and the door. Burying his head in her neck, he murmured, "I need a hug!"


    Hearing Maxwell''s words, Mona''s heart fluttered as she wrapped her arms around him. She wondered if he had drunk too much while toasting with-Bernard, but she hadn''t had any alcohol because she didn''t want to embarrass herself.


    "Mona, where do you want to get my tattoo?" Maxwell asked, pressing a kiss against her neck. She smelled wonderful, a scent that lingered in his memory, and he couldn''t resist gently biting her.


    Mona felt Maxwell''s teeth against her skin, and her fingers instinctively curled around him. "Well, I haven''t decided where to get it yet," she replied. She wanted it in a discreet spot but hadn''t decided.


    Maxwell''s hand moved to just above Mona''s lower back, gently stroking through her dress. "This spot is nice," he murmured. He had considered suggesting the thigh but chose the lower back instead, as it was discreet and rarely exposed. Mona nodded and asked, "Alright, I''ll proceed with your suggestion. But where will you get my tattoo?"


    Maxwell''s hand lingered on Mona''s lower back, noting how slim her waist was, barely wider than his hand. Without a second thought, he replied, "I''ll tattoo you on my heart, forever and always!"


    Mona realized that Maxwell was probably drunk and hadn''t considered the tattoo''s spot. However, when hearing Maxwell say that made her incredibly happy.

 Chapter 346

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    "Alright, I''ll be in your heart forever!" Mona


    pas she reached out to turn on the lights.


    Light immediately lit the room as if it were daytime. Maxwell lowered his head and saw Mona''s glowing and tender face before him. He hugged Mona''s waist and carried her.


    Mona''s slender legs wrapped around Maxwell''s waist, and her hands circled his neck.


    They were now at eye level. Mona''s eyes looked into Maxwell''s. There were stars in his eyes.


    Mona was about to speak when her lips were sealed by Maxwell''s which tasted faintly of alcohol.


    However, it did not smell bad. Maxwell glued his lips around Mona''s and kissed her slowly. His tongue approached her mouth bit by bit and pried open her teeth to take in the fragrance. Mona slowly responded to Maxwell''s enthusiasm.


    It had been a long time since they had been so intimate. The kiss slowly ignited the fire in their bodies. They were husband and wife, and lovers. Neither of them had any scruples. Their clothes gradually scattered to the ground. Mona''s dress was more than half nted, revealing her shoulders.


    When Maxwell wanted to continue, Mona''s palm covered Maxwell''s lips. "I''ll go and wash first!" She had been outside for a day and was afraid she might be unattractive, and then Maxwell would despise her. "Alright, honey. You are the boss."


    Then Maxwell carried Mona into the bathroom and turned off the light that Mona had just turned on. He knew Mona was shy and did not like the light when doing intimate things.


    The room instantly darkened, and only the starlight outside shone in. Monay on Maxwell''s shoulder and gradually revealed a smile.


    As soon as the bathroom door closed, the sound of dripping water, muffled talking, and heavy breathing could be heard from the bathroom.


    Maxwell pressed against Mona, doing harder as if he wanted to melt Mona into his body. "Mona, I love you. I was afraid you were sad and didn''t like me anymore in the past few days."


    Mona raised her hand to touch Maxwell''s face, saying, "No, I will always love you."


    Maxwell responded to Mona with a shower of kisses.


    *****


    Mona felt exhausted on the snow-white bed the next day. Her both legs were trembling. Maxwell held her in his arms and stroked Mona''s back repeatedly, thinking about where he should get his name tattooed on Mona''s body tomorrow. "Mona, are you asleep?" Maxwell asked. He slowly caressed Mona''s soft and slender lower back. He seemed to have touched Mona''s bones and especially liked it.


    Mona leaned into Maxwell''s arms, wanting to prevent his hands from touching her waist so that she could sleep.


    "I''m sleeping. Don''t move your hands on me!" said Mona.


    Maxwell chuckled. Mona still talked even when she was asleep. However, he knew he had bullied her quite badly today. "Alright, go to sleep!"


    Then Maxwell obediently ced his hand on Mona''s lower back He held Mona''s soft and fragrant body in his arms and gradually closed his eyes.


    After all, he had not been intimate with Mona for too long and did not control himself well. He thought Mona would be delicate and tell him it hurt again tomorrow morning.


    Then he thought about Mona''s tattoo tomorrow and wondered if she would change her mind She would say it hurt and stop tattooing when they arrived at the shop.. Maxwell fell asleep as he thought about it.


    The sunlight slowly shone through the thick curtains on the big bed in the room, bringing a bit of starlight. There were also sounds of servants chatting outside. Perhaps it was Christmas Eve, and everything was festive.


    On the big bed, Mona slowly opened her eyes and realized Maxwell was still beside her. His hands around her waist slowly tightened.


    After that fake Maxwell Carter incident, Mona finally realized how much she loved Maxwell and wanted to be with him until the end of her time.


    Maxwell, beside her, was already awake. When he saw Mona in his arms moving, his eyes opened momentarily before closing again. However, his hand that wrapped around her waist was still exerting strength.


    He nced at the time. It was almost eight o''clock in the morning. They should get up. For some reason, he thought again about the feel of Mona''s lower back under his hand the night before.


    His hand slipped inside Mona''s nightgown again. The feel of her skin was just the same as it had been the night before. It was delicate, soft, and fragrant. As Maxwell spoke, he touched it again.


    Mona felt a tingling sensation on her back. Her eyes were closed but could also feel it. She thought about how Maxwell had touched her lower back when she was about to fall asleepst night. Thinking about it, Mona was a little upset. Since her hand was also on Maxwell''s lower back, she gave him a hard pinch.


    However, Mona''s grip was weak. Even if she exerted force, Maxwell did not feel any pain. Instead, he feltfortable. Looking at Mona, frowning, in his arms, Maxwellughed.


    "What are youughing at?" Mona''s eyes were still closed, but she could imagine what Maxwell would look like when heughed. She immediately opened her eyes and looked up at Maxwell''s smiling face. It was just as she had thought. His face was all smiley. Soon, Maxwell stoppedughing, and Mona woke up. "It''s nothing. It''s just your squeezing was weak just now. It was like you were tickling me," Maxwell said seriously.


    However, Mona was a bit upset when she heard him. ''He said my strength was weak, thought Mona. Then she thought about how Maxwell said her physical fitness was poor before, and she was easy to be tired. Some inappropriate scenes entered her mind, and she blushed unconsciously.


    "Hmph, I''m just guessing your lower back is injured," Mona said indifferently.


    Of course, she didn''t have much strength even if she tried her best.


    "Oh, I see. I misunderstood you. It''s gettingte. Hurry up and get up. Otherwise, Bernard and Jane will say you''rezy again," said Maxwell.


    Mona frowned naturally like before at the mention of getting up. She moved closer to Maxwell and even put her leg on Maxwell''s. "Wait two more minutes."


    Alright, two minutes. It''s 120 seconds. I''ll count silently and give you time to be ready," Maxwell said as he counted in his


    heart.


    Mona slowly closed her eyes and felt good. A few days ago, she still couldn''t sleep well every day. She braced herself and got Chapter 340


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    1. up. Then, she went to wake the fake Maxwell Carter up. The answer he gave her was to scold her. When she thought about it now, she felt terrific to pretend to sleep in Maxwell''s arms.


    Soon, Maxwell finished counting. He gently pinched Mona''s chubby face and said, "Mona, two minutes have passed. Time to get up." There was no hint of impatience in his tone. Instead, he enjoyed the feeling of Mona clinging to him.

 Chapter 347

    Mona did not stay in bed anymore this time. She got up with Maxwell after kissing Maxwell on the cheek.


    Bernard and Jane of the Clem family were old. They slept early and woke up early daily. As for Haley and Albert, they got up early and went for a run every morning. Therefore, Mona and Maxwell were thest two to get upte.


    Fortunately, Maxwell had figured out everything about thepany yesterday. The rest of the work would continue after Christmas. Rome was not built in a day. Maxwell knew things had to be done slowly.


    Mona and Maxwell''s main task today was to get tattoos. However, it was their little secret, so they didn''t tell Albert and the others.


    Maxwell had asked Nigel to find a tattoo shop. He booked it for the whole morning and nned to bring Mona over after breakfast.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Everyone had finished their breakfast. Jane and the others left food for Mona and Maxwell. When they went downstairs, Polly had prepared breakfast. Looking at the various types of breakfast, it was obvious Polly had spent a lot of effort to prepare them. Mona had grown up eating Polly''s cooking and was satisfied with Polly''s culinary skills. She was pulled by Maxwell and consumed a lot of staminast night. She felt starved in the early morning. As soon as she went downstairs, she greeted Jane and the others before slowly eating breakfast.


    Although Mona felt hungry, she did not wolf down the food. Instead, she ate slowly, showing the manners she had been taught since childhood.


    Maxwell sat beside Mona. He felt watching Mona eat was an enjoyment.


    Maxwell''s gaze was so intense that Mona did not even need to turn her head to know that. The people at home were each doing their things. Mona did not hesitate to ce the bagel she could not finish in Maxwell''s hands. "What are you looking at? I can''t eat anymore. You eat!" Mona ordered.


    Maxwell looked at the bagel in his bowl. He picked it up and ate it without any disdain. Then, he picked up a croissant for Mona. "I''m not looking at you anymore. Have a croissant. You''re not eating enough bagels."


    "Alright!" Mona said reluctantly. Although she felt hungry, she ate a few bites and then felt slightly full.


    Looking at the croissant given by Maxwell, Mona nned to eat it.


    The croissant was not big but delicious. After taking a bite, it was soft, fragrant, and crispy. Mona slowly finished it.


    Maxwell knew Mona''s appetite was not big. Upon seeing she had eaten a lot, he knew it was enough. He did not give her anything else and slowly ate the bagel in his hand. Everything that had been in Mona''s mouth tasted better to Maxwell.


    After breakfast, Maxwell took Mona to the tattoo shop that he had booked in advance. Maxwell didn''t let Haley and Nigel go with them. After driving there, Maxwell and Mona slowly strolled over hand in hand. The weather had rarely been so good those days. The sun appeared today.


    Mona especially liked sunny days because there was light and warmth during winter. It was always morefortable. Mona felt everything she did with Maxwell was memorable. However, the tattoo was the key to determining if he was the real Maxwell Carter, so Mona did not post it on Twitter.


    Another reason was that her and Maxwell''sments on the Inte were bad recently. Because of the fake Maxwell, ''Maxwell Carter'' had been staying in Mystique for a while. They were the people who knew Maxwell. Then, they were posted online. Chapter 347


    Therefore, mostizens were siding with Mona, saying Maxwe was an ungrateful man. Mona closed Twitter after she casually nced at them a few times. She thought after the influence of ''Maxwell Carter'' gradually faded, she would slowly correct Maxwell''s image in everyone''s eyes online. If she were to provide proof to Maxwell, it would be a mass.


    "Mona, here we are!" Maxwell said as he held Mona''s hand and yed with it, one by one, her little fingers were soft and boneless. He loved them so much that he could not bear to part with them.


    "Then let''s go in!" said Mona, mustering her courage. She had no idea if it was painful.


    She silently vowed in her heart that she would persevere and not cry no matter how much it hurt. The tears she shed were enough to cleanse her soul those few days..


    Maxwell and Mona walked in. The environment in the shop was dark. They both wore masks, but their figures attracted the receptionist''s attention when they entered.


    The receptionist couldn''t bear to reject such good-looking people. However, a big shot had booked their shop today, so she could only harden her heart and say, "I''m sorry, but our shop has been booked today. If you want a tattoo, you cane over tomorrow or go to our branch."


    "Maxwell Carter!" Maxwell said his name.


    Then he


    Then he held Mona''s hand and walked in because the person who booked the entire shop was Maxwell.


    As they walked inside, the environment was not as bright as the outside. Even the lights were dim. Mona followed behind Maxwell step by step.


    After entering, someone weed them and brought Mona and Maxwell to the private room aside.


    Mona exined his intentions to the tattoo artist.


    "Excuse me, you want to tattoo the letters ''JSH'' on your lower back?" the tattoo artist asked.


    Mona nodded. Shepared the size with her hand and tried to make it as small as possible. She was afraid of pain. She did not n to tattoo the words Maxwell Carter on her body because there were too many letters in the name. It would hurt. The fewer the letters, the better.


    "Is this size okay?" Mona pointed at her pinky cap.


    "Sure. I''ll go and prepare now. We will start in a minute."


    After the tattoo artist left, Maxwell helped Mona off her coat, revealing the light-colored knitted sweater Mona wore inside. Maxwell let Mona turn around.


    He looked at Mona back and lifted her clothes, revealing her slender waist. Last night, Maxwell already felt Mona''s waist was slender. He felt it was the same size as his palm. Now that he measured it carefully, it was more slender than the width of his palm.


    ''Such a slender waist looks easy to break. I must be gentler in the future and don''t want to hurt my wife, thought Maxwell. "Maxwell, why are you staring at me?" Mona felt ufortable under Maxwell''s gaze. She gradually brushed a bit.


    "You look pretty. I''m finding you a spot for the tattoo," Maxwell said in all seriousness. His hand caressed Mona''s waist a few times, making him unable to put his hand down.


    ''My wife''s skin was tender and smooth, thought Maxwell. His mouth was a little dry from looking at her. Maxwell lowered his head and kissed Mona''s slender waist while he thought about it.


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 Chapter 348

    Mona felt a warm feeling from her waist, a soft touch. She subconsciously looked outside the door. She knew Maxwell was kissing her. It would be awkward if someone came in at that moment.


    She gently pushed Maxwell behind her, but Maxwell did not take it seriously and even licked her. Mona immediately felt she could not sit still.


    She held Maxwell''s clothes tightly and whispered, "Maxwell, stop. Someone is going toe inter."


    After the kiss, Maxwell obediently sat straight and gently helped Mona straighten her clothes. "Alright, I''ll listen to you."


    Maxwell thought, ''It was wise for me to let Nigel book the shopst night. This way, I can choose a female tattoo artist to tattoo Mona.


    The tattoo artist walked in with the things almost as soon as Maxwell finished fixing Mona''s clothes.


    "Everything''s ready. Come on." said the tattoo artist.


    Mona nodded gently. She had yet to recover from the numbness. She smiled at Maxwell and told him not to worry. She could do it, could


    She sat on the chair, put her head in Maxwell''s arms, and wrapped her arms tightly around Maxwell''s waist, whispering, "I''m ready. We can start now!"


    Looking at Mona in his arms, Maxwell knew she was afraid it would hurt. He looked at the tattoo artist and said, "My wife is afraid of pain. Please be gentle." Then he helped Mona lift her clothes, revealing her waist. Mona''s skin was smooth. Under the dim light, it was shone.


    However, Maxwell could not look at it from the side because of the greenish-purple marks on the side of her waist with the obvious finger marks.


    Maxwell felt his name was good and blessed for the first time as he watched it tattooed on her skin.


    "Okay," the tattoo artist agreed softly. She could tell Maxwell and Mona had a good rtionship although they were wearing


    masks.


    "The three letters that the woman before me said should be the abbreviation of the man''s name beside me. How thought the tattoo artist. "Honey, don''t be afraid. It will be done in a while," Maxwellforted Mona. nice,''


    Mona nodded in Maxwell''s arms. "Yes, it''ll be over soon," she said as if tofort herself. However, she felt at ease with Maxwell by her side.


    Maxwell lowered his head. He slowly rxed when he saw Mona still smiling at him. His fingers wrapped around Mona''s hair as he slowly yed with it. He pointed at a spot where he had just kissed to show the tattoo artist. The tattoo artist nodded, pulled on her gloves, and slowly began her work.


    At first, Mona thought it would be painful, but she felt it was fine after slowly getting used to it. The tattoo artist''s hand that did her tattoo was not strong. Mona only felt as if ants were crawling on her lower back.


    When the tattoo was done, Mona did not cry


    but even smiled at Maxwell and thanked the tattoo artist.


    "It doesn''t hurt. I''ll let you use my arms when you''re doing it," Mona said with a smile.


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    Mona walked over to the micror and twisted around to get a look at her lower back, The room was dim, and the tattooed letters were tiny, but that didn''t stop her from admiring them. Three little letters. They were so small, barely even the size of her thumb. She focused on the "M" and "C" - they looked almost like a birthmark, something that had always been a part of her. A grin spread across her face, and for a moment, she didn''t even notice the ache in her lower back.


    After admiring it momentarily, she ran over and showed it to Maxwell. "Look, do you think it looks good? Your name will be my body forever," said Mona, feeling a little proud


    Maxwell''s fingers gently touched her skin around the tattoo and said, "Beautiful, really beautiful. It''s my honor!"


    Her skin was tender, and the skin around the tattoo was red. Maxwell felt both happy and heartbroken.


    "You''re going to get my name tattooed on your bodyter. Perhaps it will turn into a birthmark in your next life!" said Mona, using her imagination.


    "Then I''lle to find you with this tattoo in my next life. You can''t deny me!" Maxwell''s gaze lingered on Mona''s lower back for a long time. "Alright, I''ll remember you."


    While they were talking, another tattoo artist walked in, but it was a man.


    "Alright, it''s your turn. I''ll give you my embraceter," Mona said happily as she sat on the chair that Maxwell had just sat on.


    "Good. My wife is great." Then Maxwell sat in the same seat Mona had sat, put his arms around Mona''s slender waist, and did not dare touch it, afraid he would hit the ce where Mona had just gotten a tattoo. Let''s get started, alright? I want the same two letters she''s got," Maxwell said."


    Maxwell would have the tattoo on his lower back, almost the same ce as Mona''s tattoo.


    "Okay. You''re his wife?" asked the tattoo artist.


    The tattoo artist saw Mona was wearing a mask and looked young. Judging by the man''s address, he thought they must have been married.


    Mona nodded and said without any embarrassment, "We''ve been married for more than a year."


    "They have been married for over a year, and their rtionship seems great. It is not easy!'' thought the tattoo artist.


    "Why are you getting tattoos now?" asked the tattoo artist.


    Mona watched the tattoo artist put on his gloves. She touched Maxwell''s hair as if she wasforting him.


    "It was on a whim," Mona said. She dared not say it was because someone was pretending to be Maxwell Carter!


    "Your rtionship is great. How do you maintain it? Does your husband usually give in to you?" The tattoo artist chatted with


    Mona.


    Mona looked at Maxwell in her arms and Maxwell''s strong back. She was happy. "My husband is indulgent toward me. He treats me well and listens to me almost everything."


    Regarding the fact Maxwell loved her, Mona felt she could show it off to the whole world.


    When Maxwell heard Mona''s words, he ignored the pain in his back and smiled slightly.


    His nose was filled with the faint smell of Mona''s body. Maxwell felt the position was great. He gently touched Mona''s


    60%Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    clothes and yed with them slowly. Then, he pinched Mona''s arm and yed with it happily,


    Mona felt Maxwell''s movements. With outsiders around and Maxwell tattooing, Mona did not stop him. However, the slight itch on Mona''s body made it difficult for Mona to sit still.


    However, the tattooing ended quickly. Mona''s eyes lit up after it ended. She felt Maxwell''s waist looked much better.


    "It''s done. It''s the same as mine. It''s small." Mona gestured to Maxwell. It was the kind of tattoo that could not be seen if one did not look carefully.


    "Alright, it''s probably gettingte. Let''s go home. Bernard and Jane are probably waiting for us to have lunch," Maxwell said as he put down his clothes and held Mona''s hand after putting on his clothes. Mona said goodbye to the tattoo artist and left the tattoo shop with Maxwell.

 Chapter 349

    The sun coldness.


    outside was just right. The winter sun always makes people feel warm. When the breeze blew, it brought a hint of


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and yed with it carefully. "Does your waist still hurt?"


    The thought of her tender skin being tattooed made Maxwell feel heartache. However, the letters "JSH" still made him happy. The two emotions intertwined and made him feel a little odd.


    "A little, but it''s bearable," Mona said honestly. The tattoo on her lower back was painful, but she felt sweet inwardly. The small injury was not a problem.


    When Mona and Maxwell returned home, the family was ready to have lunch just as Maxwell had said.


    When Mona and Maxwell stepped inside, they were surprised to find Barbara sitting on the sofa chatting with Bernard and Jane. ''Barbara came too soon,'' thought Mona.


    However, it made sense after thinking about it. Albert and Barbara still had a good rtionship. With such a big event about real and fake Maxwell Carter, Albert surely told Barbara soon. Besides, t was Christmas Eve and Barbara was single, so she would naturally visit the Clem family and spend Christmas Eve with them.


    "Mona, Maxwell, you''re back. I have been waiting for you for a long time," said Barbara.


    Mona suddenly saw Barbara here. She was still thinking about things and immersed in her world. Barbara''s voice brought her back from her imagination.


    Mona nodded calmly when she saw Barbara''s smile. She did not even smile as she pulled Maxwell to sit opposite them.


    Mona felt she was already showing Albert respect. If Albert were not around, she would not even bother to answer Barbara''s


    nonsense.


    Mona''s extremely indifferent performance made the happy scene turn cold. Albert nced at Mona and vaguely felt Mona was too vengeful. It had been so long since then.


    Barbara''s reputation had been damaged after what happened with Teddy at the engagement ceremony. Even if Barbara won an award in a fashionpetition for her country, she could not erase the matter of her sleeping with Teddy.


    In Albert''s opinion, the key was Teddy was a scumbag. Without Barbara, Mona and Teddy would not have been happy after they got married. How could Mona have the chance to marry Maxwell and be Mrs. Carter, who was envied by all the people in Nathontown? These days, Maxwell was excellent for Mona. It made Albert feel Barbara''s mistake was nothing. Instead, it was beneficial to Mona.


    Moreover, Barbara was always obedient before Mona. She followed Mona''s instructions and apologized sincerely. Albert did not understand why Mona was still so resentful of Barbara after all this time.


    "Cough, cough. Since Mona and Maxwell are back, let Polly prepare to eat!" Bernard looked at the living room suddenly turned cold and tried to smooth things over.


    "Alright, I will help Bernard to the dining table," said Barbara, who did not take Mona''s coldness to heart. She just watched as Albert cast a pitiful nce at Mona and even hoped Mona would treat her more harshly. It was so harsh that everyone could not bear it. People always felt sorry for the weak. Compared to Mona, Barbara was the weak one. Naturally, she needed more care from others.


    "Alright, let''s go!" Bernard said as he grabbed Jane''s hand. Barbara walked on the other side of Bernard. When she was about to leave Mona, she turned around and looked at Mona with a smile.


    "Mona, It''s Christmas Eve. Please be nicer to Barbara!" said Alben, who looked into Mona''s eyes when he saw Barbara and the others walking away.


    "Albert, you''re not young anymore. I''ll be honest with you. Barbara and I can''t go back to the past. I won''t say anything if she behaves herself and continues to get along like this. Otherwise, she can return to where she came from as soon as possibler After experiencing so many things, Albert is not young anymore. It will not be long before he goes to university. I can not coax him like I did a year ago. Albert has to have a sense of right and wrong, thought Mona.


    "Maxwell, look at how stubborn my sister is!" said Albert, looking at Maxwell beside Mona when he saw he could not convince Mona. ''Mona does not listen to me, but Maxwell is her husband. Mona loves him, so she will more or less listen to Maxwell, thought Albert. "What are you talking about? Your sister is in charge of her matters. I support her unconditionally!" said Maxwell, holding Mona''s hand tightly. Their fingers were intertwined without any gaps.


    Then Mona and Maxwell walked toward the dining room.


    Albert looked at the backs of Mona and Maxwell andined in his heart that Maxwell was a wife-doting maniac. He did whatever Mona said and did not have any opinions at all. Albert followed them angrily.


    It was Christmas Eve, and the dishes on the dining table were sumptuous. There were chicken, duck, and fish cooked with different methods, and various kinds of vegetables that emitted a faint fragrance.


    Mona naturally sat with Maxwell. After Bernard started eating, Maxwell also picked up his fork and picked Mona''s favorite food for her.


    Barbara nced at Maxwell while eating She smiled and said, "I was wondering why Maxwell looked so abnormal a few days ago. He''s actually fake. His stic surgery is good. I couldn''t tell at all."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Barbara, it''s not just you can''t tell. Even I can''t. It''s Mona who feels something is wrong. Perhaps it''s because they were living together!" Albert echoed. Now, he looked up at Maxwell, who was still the same as the fake Maxwell fromst time. However, this Maxwell seemed to be even more difficult to approach.


    Albert felt it was normal for them not to be able to tell. Besides, there was the amnesia. Only Mona could tell after living with the fake Maxwell for so long.


    After hearing Albert''s words, Barbara covered her mouth with both hands and said in surprise, "Ah! Living together? Then Mona and that fake Maxwell..."


    Everyone at the dining table could tell although Barbara didn''t finish her sentence! Her words were ambiguous. Didn''t Barbara mean Mona''s innocence was gone and there was something between Mona and the fake Maxwell?


    Mona looked up at Barbara opposite her and thought, ''Barbara can''t wait for me to make a fool of myself!''


    Barbara immediately realized she had said something wrong. Just as Barbara was about to say something, Bernard said, "Shut up and eat!" The dining table immediately fell silent, and Barbara obediently lowered her head.


    Maxwell did not take Barbara''s small action to heart. Since he knew there was nothing between Mona and the fake Maxwell, he naturally would not care. Even if Mona had something with that person without knowing, Maxwell would not me Mona even though he felt ufortable. He would only me himself.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 350

    Maxwell was still picking up food for Mona. There was no additional expression on his face. All of that was reflected in Barbara''s eyes. It would be a lie to say she was not envious.


    After all, everyone wanted to have such a considerate husband. Barbara was also aware of Maxwell''s attitude toward her. It could not be said he disliked her but rather disgusted. He did not have the slightest bit of pity for Barbara.


    "Maxwell is great to Mona, who is so lucky. I have to find someone as considerate as Maxwell when I get married in the future," Barbara said as she ate. She wanted to case the atmosphere at the dining table.


    However, that was not what Mona heard. She felt Barbara was thinking about Maxwell. After all, Barbara''s favorite thing to do was to snatch what Mona liked since they were little. Barbara knew how to cry and wheedle with adults. Therefore, most nice things Mona had when she was little ended up in Barbara''s hands.


    "What''s the matter, Barbara? Are you thinking of getting married because Mona''s married well?" Bernard was the first to ask when Mona wanted to argue with Barbara.


    Bernard thought, ''Well, Barbara has graduated from university and is not young anymore. She has brought honor to the country and is ready to find a partner. I am not saying she should get married right now, but it''s okay to have a chat. However, which young man is good enough for Barbara?


    In the aristocratic circles of Nathontown, there are only two families that stand out: the Clem family and the Carter family. The rest are really up to par. Barbara''s marriage is still under consideration. However, it''s not hard to find a responsible, reliable man for Barbara among them.


    Upon hearing Bernard''s words, Barbara smiled delicately and pretended to be ignorant like a child. She looked into Bernard''s eyes and said, "Bernard, I''m just talking. Please don''t tease me. I still want to stay with you and Jane for a few more years!" Bernard saw Barbara''s shyness and thought. ''It is time to consider Barbara''s marriage and contact my old friends to see if


    suitable one.''


    there is


    any


    "Alright, alright. It''s good that Barbara is filial. Jane and I are still healthy. If you get married early, we might be able to look after your children in the future! Let''s make it clear. After Christmas, youe with Jane and I when we visit our friends!" Bernard said with a smile. However, it was sad to talk about looking after a child. Sweet Berry would probably have been born if nothing had happened to Mona. It could only be said the child and the Clem family were not destined to be together!


    "That''s right, Barbara. Look at how good Maxwell is to Mona. He even picks bones for her when she eats fish. How can one not be envious? Hurry up and find a man. When the timees someone will help you do these small things," Albert said half-jokingly. He did not know what kind of person was worthy of Barbara. It could not be a scumbag like Teddy. Otherwise, he would make the future man look bad.


    "Albert, even you are teasing me. Eat your food!" What Barbara said was to me Albert, but her tone was so cheerful that anyone could tell it was a conversation between them, who had a good rtionship.


    Barbara looked at the slightly greasy chicken drumsticks before her. She casually picked one and ced it on Albert''s te.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about it anymore. I know Barbara is shy!" Albert said with a smile as he picked up chicken drumsticks before him. The image of Haley eating chicken drumsticks subconsciously appeared in his mind. ''Haley''s favorite food is chicken drumsticks, thought Albert.


    Albert felt his appetite had unconsciously increased a lot when he thought of Haley. He finished the chicken drumsticks in a few bites.


    Mona listened to their words and slowly ate the food Maxwell had given her.


    <


    However, she felt ufortable as if a thorn was in her heart. She looked at Maxwell beside her and thought, My treasure is being coveted by others.


    ''Next time I''ll tell Maxwell not to be so considerate of me in pulle. One would envy me, and after envyes jealousy. Then one wants to possess what I have


    Maxwell felt it as soon as Mona raised her head to look at him. Just as he turned, he realized Mona had retracted her gaze. He did not understand why Mona suddenly looked at him.


    Mona did not have a good appetite and did not cat much for luh because of Barbara''s arrival. Maxwell had seen it, so he was thinking of adding a meal for Mona in the afternoon.


    "It was Christmas Eve and Maxwell naturally did not go to thepany. After lunch, Bernard and Jane had the habit of taking a nap. After chatting with Barbara, they returned to their rooms. Barbara still had something to do in the afternoon. She said she would be back tonight after she was done.


    Bernard said Barbara shoulde to live at his house because of Christmas. Mona couldn''t say anything. The whole family agreed, and she was the only one who objected. Now, Barbara was still alone without any rtives and it was Christmas. It wasn''t good for Mona to object. She guessed that not only Albert but also Bernard would object to her


    Therefore, Mona said nothing when they talked about it at the dining table. Fortunately, Christmas was only for a few days.


    Mona naturally returned to their room with Maxwell after Barbara left.


    Maxwell''srge hand gently rubbed Mona''s shoulders as he whispered, "Alright, don''t be unhappy. If you don''t want to spend Christmas with her, we can just go home and celebrate it ourselves." Maxwell didn''t like Barbara either because he loved Mona, he would love everything Mona loved and hate everything Mona hated. Humans are naturally the same.


    Mona shook her head and said firmly, "No, my grandparents are old. I want them to be happy in their remaining days, so I can endure it!"


    However, it was tolerance. Mona felt like a knife hanging over her head and wondered if Barbara would ruin the wonderful Christmas.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Alright, whatever you say. Don''t be unhappy," said Maxwell.


    After Mona and Maxwell were in their room, Maxwell sat on the sofa and let Mona sit on hisp. His fingers curled around Mona''s hair, and he slowly yed with it.


    Mona felt much better afterining to Maxwell. She wrapped her arms around Maxwell and felt the heating from his legs. "Got it."


    "Why did you suddenly look at me when we ate just then?" Maxwell asked. Although he did not see Mona''s gaze, he knew her gaze was not friendly.


    "It''s nothing. I only want to talk to you about something." Mona''s hand went up and touched Maxwell''s fine hair. His hair had been cut short. When she touched it, she felt an itch in her palm. It was just right. "Tell me?"


    "Yes. I think you''re terrific to me."


    "Can''t I treat you well? You''re my wife. If I don''t treat you well, who I treat well?" said Maxwell. ''I spoil you, my wife. You are unhappy,'' thought Maxwell.

 Chapter 351

    Of course, you can treat me well. I''m pleased you do. However you''re too nice to me. You''re so nice to me that removed the fish bones and gave me the fish meat as Albert said you even


    "Did you hear what Barbara said at the dining table today? She was envious. She was envious that you treated me well. Wasn''t she jealouster on? After being jealous, didn''t she want to snatch you away?" Mona exined in detail, bit by bit, revealing her thoughts to Maxwell.


    Maxwell knew what Mona meant at that point. He smiled and raised Mona''s chin with his fingers and made her in his arms look into his eyes. His eyes did not hide his love. "Honey, are you jealous?"


    Mona naturally saw love in Maxwell''s eyes. It was full as if it was about to overflow. "Yes, I''m jealous! I don''t feelfortable when others are thinking about you!"


    Maxwell belonged to her alone. Mona was especially domineering toward Maxwell.


    Soon, a heartyugh came from Maxwell''s mouth. Mona was a lile embarrassed by hisughter. Maxwell had neverughed like that in Mona''s impression. She even felt Maxwell''s chest vibrate because of hisughter.


    "You, Maxwell Carter, stopughing. Is it that funny?" Mona covered Maxwell''s mouth with her hands.


    Mona did not move her hands away when she felt the scorching heat on his lips.


    Maxwell finally stoppedughing after a long while. He kissed Mona''s palm and yed with it carefully. "It''s not funny, It''s just I''m happy. Also, Mona, you should rest assured because I only have you in my heart. Other people are just fleeting clouds to me."


    Mona nodded. She had no doubts about the love Maxwell had given her. "I know. It''s just you''re outstanding. I feel ufortable when others are thinking of you because I''m petty. You don''t have to treat me so well when there''s someone else.*


    The good rtionship between her and Maxwell was not just for show at the dinner table. There was no need to show it to others.


    Maxwell held Mona''s hand and said slowly, "Mona, even if I don''t put food on your te or hand you a tissue in front of other people, Barbara will still be jealous inwardly. She will be unhappy as your life goes smoothly and you''re better than her. In the end, she''ll do whatever she wants. Therefore, we can live as we want. We don''t have to worry about her. She can only be jealous and say a few jealous words. If I suddenly don''t put food on your te at the dining table, not only will she see it, but Bernard and Jane will also see it. Then, they''ll overthink."


    Maxwell thought, ''The small matters like picking up food for Mona and handing her tissues during the meal, had be my habit. I do not want to change them and feel no need. If others are jealous, so be it. Anyway, I know I''m Mona''s. No one can snatch me away! Mona thought about Maxwell''s words and realized what he said made sense. She agreed and nodded.


    ''Barbara is jealous and upset, thought Mona again. ''What can she do? If Maxwell''s heart is not in the same ce as mine and he has some feelings for Barbara, Barbara naturally makes a move to Maxwell.


    ''However, Maxwell''s heart is with me. What can Barbara do to Maxwell at the risk ofpletely cutting off contact with the Clem family? As long as Barbara isn''t a fool, she won''t do it.


    The more Mona thought about it, the more she felt it was right. She looked at Maxwell and smiled foolishly.


    On the other side, Barbara had resigned from the Clem Group. She learned from Mona and started preparing for her brand, but all the work would have to wait until after Christmas.


    III.


    <


    She had used the reason for her work for Teddy in the afternoon


    What Mona thought was true. Barbara knew Maxwell did not have any thoughts about her, so she would not be stupid enough to seduce Maxwell. In the end, she could end up being known as someone who specialized in seducing Mona''s man. Barbara felt uneasy watching Mona live so happily and wanted sabotage her. Barbara wished someone like Lydia couldThis content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    After thinking about it, Barbara thought Teddy would be a good choice for marriage. Maybe Teddy was Barbara''s first man, she always had some feelings for him.


    After a few photos and a series of provocative words, Elene, Mor''s substitute, was no longer by Teddy''s side. Now it was the time for Barbara to remind Teddy of her good side.


    It was not Barbara''s first time going to Teddy''s vi. However, she was kicked out or couldn''t even see Teddy when she went to see him.


    ''Men can be heartless when they make up their mindst thought Barbara.


    However, Barbara was confident she could meet Teddy this time because she had thetest news about Mona.


    Barbara felt exceptionally regretful when she thought about the fake Maxwell thing Gordon had done. She thought, "The fake Maxwell could have destroyed Mona. It was all Gordon''s fault for not agreeing. It turned out that things did not develop as he had imagined, and he missed a good opportunity. ''Howeyer, Mona had been with the fake Gordon for such a long time. No one knew if anything had happened. The matter will leave a thorn in Maxwell''s heart. Now, Maxwell still likes Mana and treats Mona as a treasure. It may not be the case as


    me passes,'' thought Barbara.


    Barbara''s mood improved a lot after thinking of those. When she arrived at Teddy''s house, She looked at her appearance in the car mirror and touched up her makeup slightly. Then she walked toward the vi. Barbara rang


    the doorbell and waited for a while, but no one came to open the door. She knew it was Teddy who had instructed. She was upset and picked up her phone to text Teddy


    [Teddy, I just came from Bernard''s house, where I learned a big secret about Maxwell. I want to talk to you about it!]


    Then she stopped ringing the doorbell because she knew someone would open the door for her soon.


    Just as Barbara had expected, it wasn''t long before a servant came over, smiling and opening the door for her. Barbara thanked her nicely and walked in.


    It wasn''t the first time she''d been here. She knew where Teddy''s room was and took small steps toward it.


    Teddy''s room door was open. Without hesitation, Barbara jogged over. As she had expected, the lights in it were not turned on, and even the curtains were drawn. The room was dark, and only a trace of light shone through the door. Meanwhile, Teddy sat alone on the wooden board on the ground with a bottle of wine in his hand. He looked dispirited. Barbara caught a whiff of alcohol as soon as she approached. Teddy held his phone in one hand and continued to drink with the other. His clothes were disarray and his chin was covered in stubble.

 Chapter 352

    Barbara walked to teddy and squatted. She looked at him at eye level and called softly, "Teddy"


    Only then did Teddy shift his gaze from the phone to Barbara. He spat out, "What secrets does Maxwell have? Speak"


    Barbara subconsciously nced at the content of Teddy''s phone screen. It was Elene''s WhatsApp interface. Barbara felt slightly upset and thought. Didn''t Elene apany Teddy just for a few months? Why is Teddy thinking about her even after she died?'' Barbara seemed to be burning with anger


    "Say something! If you don''t, get out!" Teddy was a little impatient when he saw Barbara had not spoken for a long time. He hated Barbara as much as he pitied her in the past.


    "I''ll tell you!" Barbara felt embarrassed by Teddy''s harsh words. She thought, ''It was all Elene''s fault for not letting me feel happy even after she died.


    "The original amnesiac, Maxwell Carter, was a fake, surgically disguised by a scheming impostor. However, the real Maxwell- has returned. His rtionship with Mona is still good. Teddy, you and Mona have no chance now. You''ve been drinking for so long. It''s time for you to sober up. Elene was gone. Your appearance will only make the hearts of those who care about you ache, such as me!"


    Barbara''s hand reached out to touch Teddy''s cheek as she said. She didn''t know why their rtionship hade to that. Teddy used to be so protective of her.


    Teddy pped Barbara directly before her slender fingers could touch Teddy''s cheek.


    In the dark room, the heavy curtains were slightly blown up by the wind. Neither of them spoke. The p was loud. Teddy roared at Barbara with red eyes, "She''s not dead. Elene is not dead. The police haven''t found her body yet!"


    His words were meant for Barbara and himself. It had been several days and nights, and there was no news of Elene. It was as if Elene had disappeared from the world.


    ''She didn''t die? They couldn''t find her corpse, Barbara mocked Teddy in her heart for deceiving himself. "There are so many wild beasts on the mountain. Perhaps Elene''s corpse had been eaten by them. She died without aplete corpse!''Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Of course, Barbara would not say that in front of Teddy. "Teddy, you''re hurting me!"


    Barbara''s voice sounded extremely aggrieved!


    However, Teddy no longer felt anything. His heart was filled with Elene, who was dead because of his choice. Those scenes seemed to coincide with Mona being pushed down from the top floor in his dream. The scenes yed in his mind. Moreover, Mona had be Elene in his dream.


    He did not want Elene to die and wanted to save her, but he could only save one. He could only choose one. He did not know how to choose because he subconsciously felt he owed Mona. He could only choose that way!


    "Get out!" Teddy pointed at the door and shouted at Barbara.


    Barbara met Teddy''s red eyes. Teddy spoke sternly. Barbara was so frightened that her heart trembled. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and slowly walked forward.


    "Teddy, you have to pull yourself together!" said Barbara.


    Then she walked out without waiting for Teddy''s reply.


    After she saw the servant who saw her off went in. Barbara used her alternate ount to text Hannah, Teddy''s mother.


    [Your son doesn''t eat or drink at home because of a woman''s death!]


    TIL


    r


    79%


    After sending it, Barbara drove back to pack her things. She handed Teddy to Hannah. She hoped he would be the high-spirited Teddy again after the Christmas season and not the way he was now. Just looking at him made her angry!


    On the Clem family''s side, Mona was dragged by Maxwell to take an afternoon nap. Mona felt refreshed when she woke up. Maxwell was already awake but did not get up. He pinched Mon''s face and rubbed her head, enjoying himself. "What time is it?" asked Mona, grabbing Maxwell''s mischievous band.


    "It''s after two. Do you want to get up?"


    Mona nodded. "Yes. Pull me up!"


    "Good!"


    Then Maxwell held Mona''s waist and half-carried her up.


    Mona wrapped her arms around Maxwell''s neck. Absence makes their heart grow fonder. Mona could not get close enough to Maxwell.


    When Mona and Maxwell went downstairs, Bernard and Jane were already drinking coffee. Mona and Maxwell greeted them. Jane said, "Mona, you''re finally awake. I want you to help me take a look at that dress! Hurry up and go upstairs with me to take a look!" Then she pulled Mona away from Maxwell. Mona squeezed Maxwell''s fingers before letting go.


    After Jane and Mona left, Maxwell sat beside Bernard and asked, "Bernard, what do you want to say to me by sending Mona away?"


    Bernard put down his cup leisurely and said, "That''s right. I have something to tell you. I don''t want Mona to hear it." Parents were always worried about their children.


    "Go ahead, I''m listening!"


    "What happened between Mona and that fake you was not what she wanted. She thought that person was you. I hope to make it clear to you. Don''t pamper her now but feel ufortable when you think of it dayster. Then you''ll see everything''s wrong with Mona, and it will hurt her feelings. If that timees, Jane and I will not let you off," said Bernard, looking into Maxwell''s eyes.


    Bernard''s eyes were filled with the strength of not admitting defeat.


    Jane and Bernard had not rested well the entire afternoon. They remembered what Barbara said at the dining table. They had not thought about it before, but after thinking about it, Bernard and Jane felt they should talk it out with Maxwell and not let Mona be sad in the future. Maxwell thought Bernard was going to tell him about thepany. He didn''t expect it to be this. Mona had told him about


    1. it.


    "Bernard, nothing happened between Mona and that fake Maxwell. They slept in separate rooms," said Maxwell.


    5


    Then, he looked at Bernard''s shocked gaze and said, "Bernard, please rest assured. I won''t me Mona even if something happens between her and that fake Maxwell. I won''t despise her. Instead, I''ll love her more and treat her well. I''ll erase the unhappiness in her heart. If this is the result, I can only say I''m useless and not strong enough to protect her. I should reflect on this."


    "You despise? MonaMona is wonderful. Hmph!"


    (


    Maxwell chuckled. "Why would I? Mona is


    my


    life!"


    He promised again.


    <


    17:08 Sat, Dec 14 G GO.


    "That''s right. Alright. Jane and I are relieved nothing happened. Sigh, that fake Maxwell messed up thepany. I''ll have to trouble you in the future. I only have Mona and Albert. Mona isn''t interested in thepany, and Albert hasn''t grown up yet. Take good care of Mona. Thepany will rely on you in the future!"

 Chapter 353

    Bernard''s words were clear. Thepany would be handed over to Maxwell after he passed away. The premise was Maxwell would continue to love and dote on Mona.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    *Bernard, I''m nice to Mona not for thepany..." said Maxwell


    Before Maxwell could finish his words, Bernard patted his shoulder and said, "I know you have your grand ambition and ability. The Clem Group in your hands is just to make your great cause faster. You can do whatever you want. I understand. 1 am old and hope Mona and Albert can live well from now on. I don''t think about anything else. I just want you all to be happy!"


    Perhaps when one was old, one would not care about money and power. One only hoped one''s children could live happily and spend more time with them. That way, one would have no regrets in one''s life.


    "Bernard, what you said is right. I have received your lecture. Meanwhile, I hope you can rest assured that my feelings for Mona are deeper than you think."


    Maxwell''s words gave Bernard peace of mind.


    Soon, the sound ofughter came from the staircase. Maxwell and Albert looked over, and their gazes stopped on their wives.


    Maxwell saw Bernard going to hold Jane''s hand. Everything was so natural. It was as if Maxwell could see him and Mona like them yearster. Maxwell thought, ''At that time, my family should have grown, and I have children with Mona. And our children have their children. The days in the future will be much better than before. My life is bitter before sweet!


    Mona saw Maxwell pondering something with a smile after she walked to him. Her palm swayed before Maxwell''s eyes. Then Maxwell caught her hand.


    "What''s the matter?" asked Maxwell.


    "Maxwell, I should be the one asking you that. What''s wrong?" said Mona.


    Maxwell thought about what he had just thought and smiled slightly. "It''s nothing. I was thinking my Mona looks terrific!"


    Mona burst outughing. "You''re so talkative!"


    However, Mona was still happy Maxwell praised her.


    After all, everyone likes to hear nice things.


    Barbara walked in with a small suitcase at night. Albert quickly greeted her and helped her put her luggage in the room.


    In Albert''s words, the house was so big. It was not as if there were no rooms. It was good enough for Barbara to live with Bernard and Jane. Why did they have to let her live out the home alone? However, Albert could not say anything since Bernard had bought the house. He might upset the whole family when the timees, and everyone would have an unpleased Christmas.


    The days passed peacefully. Before Christmas Eve, Donald called Maxwell and angrily told Maxwell toe back home the next day for Christmas.


    Of course, Maxwell would not agree. Richard had passed away. Maxwell had no feelings for Donald, his father.


    People''s feelings are mutual. If one person is good to another, another will be good to one person, too, and vice versa.


    Ever since Maxwell was born, Donald had never taken on the responsibility of being a father. Therefore, for Maxwell, Donald was just the man who provided sperm, no different from any other stranger. They didn''t have any father-son bond.


    III


    <


    The sound of music echoes in their ears intermittently. It was Christmas day. Mona opened her eyes slightly and felt the sky had just lit up.


    Mona waszy and did not get up. She pulled up the nket and leaned into Maxwell''s arms.


    Maxwell ced his hands on Mona''s car, trying to block the sound for her.


    However, Polly knocked on the door soon and urged them to get up.


    It was Christmas day. They needed to get up to paint and prepare lunch. Lunch must be sumptuous.


    Even though Mona didn''t want to get up so early, the Christmas rituals were still indispensable. She rolled twice on the big bed before reluctantly getting up. In Maxwell''s words, it was a good thing they had changed to a bigger bed after getting married. Otherwise, Mona would have rolled under the bed.


    Mona snorted softly and went to put on her clothes. Of course, Christmas had to be festive. Mona nned to wear her red coat, and the coat she prepared for Maxwell was also red.


    Maxwell and Mona looked at them in the mirror when they were washing up, The corners of Mona''s lips curled up unconsciously. Bernard was hospitalizedst Christmas. They celebrated Christmas in a perfunctory way. Today, they could celebrate.


    When Maxwell saw Mona smiling, he subconsciously smiled, too. Actually, he did not know why he was smiling. It might be because he felt happy when he saw Mona smiling!


    Maxwell tied Mona''s soft hair into a high hair bun with a red hair tie on top.


    "Mona, if the hair bun on your head is split into two, you will be like a lucky doll!" said Maxwell. It would be best if Mona had more flesh on her face. Mona''s face was not fleshy, but it did not stop Maxwell from imagining it.


    "What are you thinking about? Lucky doll? Is there a Lucky doll as big as me?" Mona applied bright red lipstick while looking in the mirror. She looked at herself, with perfect skin and beautiful makeup. She smiled and put away her lipstick.


    "What''s wrong with that? You''re my lucky doll. Come on, let me see if your lipstick is red enough," Maxwell said asnded on Mona''s lips. They were very close.


    Mona wore bright red lipstick, which made her smooth skin even more beautiful and her big eyes even brighter. "Am I beautiful?" asked Mona, looking at Maxwell, whose face was getting so close to hers.


    Maxwell nodded and pinched Mona''s chin with his thumb and index finger. "You look beautiful. I want to try it!"


    his


    gaze


    Then Maxwell''s kissnded. Mona pressed her hands against his chest, not wanting Maxwell to kiss her. She had just applied lipstick.


    However, Maxwell had pressed her onto the dressing table. His big hand had grabbed her wrists at some point in time, and another hand was still holding Mona''s chin. For a moment, Mona was unable to move. Her eyes were slightly closed, and a strong masculine smell came over. Mona could only endure Maxwell''s kiss!


    Their lips were pressed tightly against each other, and their breaths blended, emitting a minty smell.


    Maxwell had let go of Mona''s wrist. He held her hand and interlocked their fingers.


    Their kiss was still going on until Jane had Polly knock on Mona and Maxwell''s door again. "Ms. Clem, Mr. Carter, are you up yet?" said Polly.


    Mona pushed Maxwell in a panic. She took two deep breaths and replied, "I''m up. I''ll be downstairs soon!"


    Then she red at Maxwell.


    Maxwell was not angry-Instead, he held Mona''s hand and lowered his head to take a bite. He said hoarsely, "I''ll let you off now. I''ll kiss you properly tonight." The soft touch on his hand was followed by some pain. Mona snorted and stared at Maxwell with her big eyes.

 Chapter 354

    0


    Chapter


    354.


    Mona''s upset look did not make Maxwell angry. Instead, he found Mona even more adorable. He wished he could hold Mona in his arms and caress her.


    ''However, it will surely mess up Mona''s hair bun. Then Mona will probably be mad again, thought Maxwell.


    So Maxwell suppressed the thoughts. His thumb and index finger gently rubbed against the lipstick on Mona''s lips.


    "Don''t be angry anymore. It''s clean. Just reapply the lipstick," Maxwell said. He wanted to reach out and touch Mona''s cheek, but he stopped when he thought about how dirty his hand was.


    "Here''s the lipstick. Apply it for me. You''ve eaten all my lipstick!" said Mona.


    Maxwell happily took the lipstick from Mona''s hand and ced it on the dressing table. After wiping the lipstick off his lips, he went to wash his hands seriously.


    When he came out, he saw Mona was already seated. He picked up the lipstick he had just put on and opened it. He held Mona''s face with one hand and slowly wiped the lipstick across Mona''s lips, leaving a red mark.


    It was Maxwell''s first time personally applying lipstick to Mona. However, he had seen Mona do it many times, so he knew how to do it. After applying it, he asked Mona to purse her lips. Then, he applied the lipstick on where it was uneven. Upon seeing it was almost done, Maxwell nodded in satisfaction. "Mona, what do you think?"


    He looked like he was looking for praise.


    Maxwell supported Mona''s body and turned her around so that she could see herself in the mirror.


    Mona took a closer look at herself in the mirror. Her lipstick was right, and there was nothing extra on her lips. When she looked at the faint pink color on her cheeks, she seemed even more charming than before Maxwell kissed her. Mona nodded in satisfaction and reached out for Maxwell to help her up. They went out of the bedroom door.


    As soon as they were out, they saw Polly walking on the stairs again. Polly went downstairs when she saw Mona and Maxwelling down. Mona was a little embarrassed. She raised her head and red at Maxwell again. ''If it hadn''t been for Maxwell''s leading me to be mischievous, Polly wouldn''t havee several times, and I would have been humiliated,'' thought Mona.


    The whole family waited for them when Mona and Maxwell arrived at the dining room. Mona thought again, ''I would have woken up earlier if I had known earlier. Then they would have been toote even if Maxwell had pulled her to be mischievous.


    When Barbara saw Mona and Maxwell had arrived, she said happily, "Mona, Maxwell, here you are. We can have breakfast now!"


    Christmas was all about family reunions. If it were any other day, they would have eaten earlier, but today was special, so they waited for everyone toe together before eating!


    "Barbara, you woke up so early. Hurry up and eat!" Bernard said kindly.


    Then the sound of ceramics colliding could be heard on the dining table. Soon, Albert mentioned the painting after the meal.


    There were many rooms in the vi, so they would not post the paintings in all rooms. They would only post the paints on the ces they often went to. There was also the door. The servants would post them on the rooms they lived in. There would be a Christmas atmosphere.


    1/3 14:44 Sun, Dec 15 ti


    70%


    When it came to painting. Bernard painted all except ofst year His paintings were excellent. asionally, Mona would apany Bernard to paint a few. However, hers was not as good as Bernard''s. She was too embarrassed to post them, so she kept her paintings and ced them in her room. They had Maxwell this year. Bernard knew Maxwell painted well so he asked Maxwell to do it with him.


    After the family finished breakfast, the servants set up the table in the courtyard. There were papers and paintbrushes. Everything was prepared.


    The table was so big that the entire family could not gather around it. Mona stood beside Maxwell, and her eyes filled with anticipation.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As the head of the family, Bernard took the lead to paint. His work was marvelous!


    Almost as soon as Bernard finished, Albert praised, "Grandpa, you are getting better at painting year by year. You can sell it!"


    "Kid, can you tell if I''m good or bad?" Bernard asked. However, he was delighted Albert praised him.


    "Of course, I can tell. Grandpa''s painting is magnanimous. Don''t you think so, Mona?" said Albert. Although he didn''t quite understand, he saw Maxwell nod and knew it was great!


    Mona nodded. "Yes, Albert is right. I think it''s excellent, too. I''ll never be able to paint like this in my life!"


    She was well aware she couldn''t match Bernard''s paintings. Besides, she was not diligent in practicing, so she couldn''t paint well.


    "Mona, you little girl. If you don''t practice hard, it''ll be odd if you can paint well," said Bernard. "Bernard, I think your paint is great. I dare to ask you for your paint!" Barbara said with a smile.


    She sounded like a child asking an adult for candy. It was hard to refuse her.


    "Alright, here. Come on, Maxwell, give it a try!" As Bernard spoke, he handed Barbara his painting. Then, he stood up and gave his seat to Maxwell.


    Maxwell nodded and sat down. He also nned to paint one for Mona. He wanted Mona to be happy and be blessed for the rest of her life.


    Before Maxwell painted, Mona gave him a thumbs up and silently cheered him on!


    Maxwell could tell what Mona was saying and nodded at her.


    Maxwell painted skilledly. Compared to Bernard''s painting, it was even more arrogant!


    After Maxwell finished painting, Bernard looked at Maxwell''s work and nodded. Albert also nodded like Bernard. A momentter, Bernard said, "Maxwell''s painting is good. It''sparable to an old man like me!"


    "Alright, all of you paint well. I''m too embarrassed to do itter," Albert said with a smile. He could not calm down when painting because his hands were unstable and trembled easily. Therefore, his painting was bad. Albert knew his limits. "Maxwell''s painting is terrific. I wonder if you can give it to me so that I can collect it along with Bernard''s!" said Barbara.


    Barbara even leaned over as she spoke.


    ''I do not believe Maxwell will reject me with Bernard, Jane, and Albert around. Mona will feel upset when Maxwell''s first painting is in my hands,'' Barbara thought.


    Mona looked at Barbara beside Maxwell. She was angry. ''Barbara wants not only Grandpa''s first painting but also Maxwell''s. She is greedy. She just wants to ruin my Christmas mood, Mona thought. Chapter 351


    Tm sorry. I painted thts for my wife!" said Maxwell. His tone was filled with cold rejection


    Maxwell ced his painting on the table before Mona. He knew Barbara wanted to snatch his painting because the did not want Moira to be happy. Maxwell wanted Mons to be happy becsine he was Mona''s husband.

 Chapter 355

    hapter 355


    Maxwell didn''t feel it was ungentlemanly for him to turn down Barbara before so many people. If anyone was to be embarrassed, it should be Barbara, After all, Barbara was the one who was rejected, and Maxwell was the one who rejected her.


    Mona looked at the painting before her and Barbara''s aggrieved expression. ''Why am I so happy in my heart?'' thought Mona. She looked at Maxwell with her eyes full of admiration.


    Mona didn''t even have Maxwell''s painting, so how could she be nice enough to let Barbara have it?


    If Mona, before her rebirth, saw Barbara so wronged that she was about to shed tears, Mona would give Barbara the painting. However, Mona was different. After her rebirth, her tolerance would only make Barbara get worse. Mona had to firmly grasp what should be hers.


    "I know, Maxwell. It''s my fault. I am too greedy!" Barbara lowered her head as she spoke. Her hands were tightly holding onto her dress.


    Watching her pitiful appearance was heartbreaking.


    Bernard looked at Mona, then Barbara. Finally, his gazended on Maxwell, and he nodded in satisfaction. When Barbara said she wanted the painting, Mona''s eyes had looked at it. Clearly, Mona also wanted it.


    Maxwell noticed Mona''s gaze and gave Mona the painting between them, which satisfied Bernard. It meant Maxwell loved Mona and cared about her in every way.


    As for Barbara, Bernard felt he had to find a boyfriend for her. So, someone would paint for Barbara next Christmas. Albert still couldn''t bear to see Barbara being wronged. He quickly walked over and said, "Alright, Barbara. Of course, Maxwell''s painting has to be given to Mona. If you don''t mind, III paint one for youter."


    Barbara naturally shook her head and said she did not mind. Barbara looked at Albert with gratitude. She was still more important than Mona in Albert''s heart.


    In the end, Albert painted. However, instead of painting one as Barbara had expected, he did two.


    One was for Barbara, and another for Mona. Albert had done a good job, so neither Barbara nor Mona could say anything bad about it.


    Albert handed the painting to Mona and said, "It''s for you!"


    Mona nced at the painting given by Albert. It waspletely iparable to the ones painted by Bernard and Maxwell. She said in disdain, "How awful!"


    "Give it back to me if it''s awful. As the young master of the Clem family, even though my painting looks bad, someone will buy it!" Albert said. ''I know my painting is bad, but can Mona no say it before so many people? I still have my dignity!" thought Albert.


    "I want it even if it''s awful!" said Mona. Then she put away the two paints in her hand.


    Albert generously gave his painting to Mona when he saw how much she cherished it.


    When Barbara saw Albert had even painted for Mona, her happy mood disappeared instantly. Her fingers tightened around herself, and her fingertips turned white.


    Mona did not care too much. She looked at the two paintings in her hands and liked them no matter how she looked atMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    them.


    14:45 Sun,


    Later, under the urging of Albert and Maxwell, it was Mona''s tur Maxwell, she painted better than Albert. She also wanted to try


    years ago.


    to paint. Although Mona was not as good as Bernard or and see if it was much worse than what she painted a few


    Mona painted every Christmas. She was proficient in painting and did it smoothly. In Bernard''s words, it was beautiful butcked strength.


    "Well, of course! I''m a weak woman!" Mona found an excuse for herself. She was a girl, so she was not strong enough.


    "Well, Mona. I''ll give you full marks for this reason!" Albert gave Mona a thumbs up.


    Bernard and Jane also asked Barbara if she wanted to try it. Barbara shook her head and refused. It wouldn''t be good if the paint got on her clothes. Moreover, she didn''t like the smell of paint, which was a little smelly.


    ording to the usual practice every year, Bernard would start printing, the one that would be posted on the doll. However, since Maxwell was around this year and Bernard quite liked Maxwell''s painting, Bernard asked Maxwell to do it with him. Anyway, there were many ces at home to post them.


    The servant set up another table for Maxwell. When Maxwell walked over, Mona followed.


    Maxwell found a sample online. After he finished painting, he saw Albert holding Jane''s hand and painting looking like they were in love! Maxwell''s gaze subconsciously stopped on Mona.


    Soon, Maxwell waved his hand and ced a paintbrush in Mona''s hand. "Come on, I''ll teach you how to paint!


    "If you want to teach me, teach me." Mona chuckled and allowed Maxwell to hold her hand.


    Maxwell ced one hand on the table and held Mona''s hand with the other. His chin was slightly close to Mona''s, and his breath sprayed on Mona''s neck. Fortunately, it was winter and Mona was wearing thick clothes. Otherwise, Mona would have blushed. "Watch it!"


    Maxwell noticed Mona was in a daze. He wanted to bite Mona''s chubby earlobe but was worried about being around people, so he suppressed his thoughts. Mona nodded. "Got it. I''m watching!"


    Maxwell dipped the paintbrush in ink and gradually spread out on the paper. The colors alternated, making it especially eye-catching.


    Maxwell held Mona''s wrist and slowly turned it. Then, he raised it and continued painting. For a moment, Mona felt her hand was not under her control but Maxwell''s.


    Mona''s face turned red when she finished painting. Meanwhile, Maxwell thought the painting should be done in the room with the door closed, not in public.


    Mona and Maxwellpleted the painting together. So they unanimously decided to post it in Mona''s bedroom.


    When Maxwell still wanted to hold Mona''s hand, Jane hade over to call Mona to help in the kitchen. Maxwell''s suggestion could only be dropped. After Mona and the others left, Maxwell silently did a few paintings, and a few men went to post them. Not only did Mona but Barbara also went to the kitchen with Jane. Not long after Jane went to the kitchen, Bernard came over to call her to help him hold the stool. Jane smiled, washed her hands, and walked out of the kitchen.


    Only Mona and Barbara were in the kitchen at that moment, Polly and the others weren''t in.


    Mona was peeling potatoes with a knife when Barbara came over "Mona, may I help you?" 14:45 Sun, Dec 15 to


    70%


    Barbara was about to get the potatoes in Mona''s hand as she spoke.


    Mona quickly dodged and said, "No, I can do it myself." Then Mona thought, ''Who knows what Barbara might be up to? I can do it myself without her help.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 356

    6:45 Mon, Dec 16 Chapter


    356


    "Don''t do that, Mona. There are so many potatoes! Let me help you!" Barbara said sweetly and quickly snatched the peeler from Mona''s hand.


    "No need!" Mona emphasized once again. "There are many potatoes and a pecler beside me. Why does Barbara have to snatch the one I am holding?'' she thought.


    At that thought, Mona felt that Barbara must be up to no good. She became even more unwilling to give the peeler to Barbara.


    As the two struggled back and forth, the peeler in Mona''s hand slipped, grazing Barbara''s delicate skin and even drawing blood.


    At that moment, Albert appeared at the kitchen door. He saw the final scene where Mona was holding the peeler that had cut Barbara''s hand.


    Mona had her back to the kitchen door, while Barbara was facing the door. It could be said that Barbara had seen Albert earlier.


    "M-Mona, it hurts!" Barbara whined.


    Barbara spoke in a yful tone as if she were acting coy with Mona, though her gaze was fixed on the doorway.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Sensing someone behind her, Mona instinctively turned her head, locking eyes with Albert.


    Just moments ago, Mona had not understood what Barbara was trying to do, but now, seeing Albert there, she instantly realized Barbara''s intentions.


    Mona wanted to exin, but Albert had already walked over and was staring at Barbara with heartache.


    "Barbara, don''t cry. It''s nothing serious, just a little scrape. I''ll go get you a band-aid!" Albert said.


    Barbara sniffled and looked at Albert with a pitiful expression. "It''s my fault, Albert. I was the one who insisted on getting close to Mona, and that''s why the peeler cut my hand. It has nothing to do with Barbara!''


    Although Barbara was merely stating the facts to Mona, it somehow sounded as if she was being med.


    After hearing Barbara''s words, Albert felt even more sympathetic for her. He had seen clearly that it was Mona who identally cut Barbara''s hand, and yet Barbara was still speaking up for Mona. Mona, however, had not even offered an apology, and her expression remained indifferent, making Albert feel that Mona was deliberately picking on Barbara.


    "Mona, you hurt Barbara so shouldn''t you at least apologize?" Albert asked, noticing the blood seeping from Barbara''s hand. He quickly held her hand, feeling the warmth of her blood against his skin.


    Mona put down the potato and replied tly, "Barbara said it herself-she got close, and that''s how her hand got cut. It has nothing to do with me. I didn''t do anything wrong, so why should I apologize?"


    Hearing Mona''s words, Albert felt she was being unreasonably cold and heartless. He stared at Mona intently, clearly displeased.


    "Yes, Albert. Mona is right. It''s all because I wanted to help Mona peel the potato that I ended up cutting my own hand. Let''s not talk about it anymore. Could you go to my room and get me a band-aid?" Barbara asked.


    With teary eyes, Barbara gently pushed Albert out.


    Instead, Albert pulled Barbara closer, his concern for her growing even deeper. Holding up Barbara''s injured hand for Mona to see, he said coldly, "Mona, look at Barbara''s hand-you''re the one who hurt her. I saw it with my own eyes. Don''t you Chapter 350


    think an apology is the feast you could offer?"


    Albert subconsciously raised his voice as he spoke.


    "I didn''t do anything wrong. This has nothing to do with me. It''s not my fault!" Mona said determinedly.


    If Mona had simply apologized to Barbara, the matter would have been resolved-after all, it was a small issue. But Mona was stubborn. If she believed she was not at fault, she would not pologize, especially not to Barbara. She was extremely reluctant to do so. Just then, Maxwell and the others arrived, having heard themotion in the kitchen. As Maxwell walked in, he noticed the strained look on Mona''s face. He immediately went to her side and naturally took her hand, offering her support. "Grandpa, please say something to Mona! Look, she caused Barbara''s hand to bleed, yet she refuses to apologize, Albertined as soon as Bernard entered. Albert felt that he could not persuade Mona, but perhaps Bernard could. Bernard and the others noticed the blood on Barbara''s hand and the spot Albert held, realizing that a simple band-aid would not be enough.


    Instead of following Albert''s suggestion to make Mona apologize Bernard asked Jane to help tend to Barbara''s wound.


    Jane first applied medicine to Barbara''s injured finger, then wrapped it thickly with gauze. "Remind me to change the dressing tonight, and avoid getting the injured area wet for the next few days," Jane said.


    Barbara looked down, her eyes red as she thanked Jane and promised to remember her instructions.


    Deep down, she understood that while Jane and Bernard were not her biological grandparents, they treated her kindly though Mona was treated much better than her. After Jane finished tending to Barbara''s wound, the three of them exined the kitchen incident to Bernard and the others, Finally, Mona said, "As Barbara said herself, it has nothing to do with me; she brought this upon herself."


    "You''re right, Mona," Barbara said softly. "I ruined the Christmas spirit. I should just gather my things and leave. Without me, everyone will surely be happier." She lightly wiped a tear from her cheek and stood up to go to her room to pack.


    Watching her, Albert felt a pang of sympathy. He could see how much Barbara had to tiptoe around here, and the image of her happy face when she arrived with her suitcase came to mind. "Today, I will make sure that Mona apologizes to Barbara, he thought determinedly.


    It was Christmas, and Barbara had alreadye all this way. Berard would never allow her, a young woman, to spend the holiday alone. There was no way he would let her leave.


    "Mona, look, Barbara''s hand is hurt. Why don''t you just apologize to her?" Bernard said gently after a long pause. From the conversation between the three of them, Bernard understood that Mona had not done it intentionally. Barbara had approached Mona, and Mona simply had not pulled back the peeler in time, which led to Barbara''s injury.


    At this moment, though, Barbara was indeed injured and had lost quite a bit of blood. Bernard thought it would be simple enough for Mona to just apologize..


    "Come on, just apologize to her. You were the one who hurt her, so it''s only right to apologize," Bernard said, looking Mona in the eye with a slightly firm tone.


    "They have already made it clear earlier-it wasn''t Mona''s fault. She doesn''t need to apologize!" Maxwell said coldly, casting a harsh re at Barbara. He thought, ''It''s just a bit of blood, what''s the big deal? And now she''s crying. So fake!


    Mona patted Maxwell''s hand to reassure him. She looked at everyone in the living room. There were no surveince cameras in the kitchen. ''It seems like I''m going to suffer in silence again. There''s no way I''m going to allow that to happen!'' she thought.

 Chapter 357

    "Mona, sweetheart, just say sorry, okay?" Jane said gently, noticing that Mona was still quiet and sensing Bernard''s displeasure growing.


    "Fine, Grandpa, Grandma, Lapologize," Mona replied tly.


    Hearing Mona''s apology, Bernard finally felt satisfied. He thought it was the right thing to do. Barbara was hurt, so Mona should apologize-even if Mona was his beloved granddaughter she should not be too headstrong. He hoped this would make Barbara feel better. Just as Bernard was about to say something to Barbara, he noticed Mona heading back into the kitchen.


    Barbara, meanwhile, felt pleased when she heard Mona''s apology. It had been worth the little injury-not only had it made everyone side with her, but it also slightly humbled Mona.


    Among the group, most felt relieved when Mona apologized, but not Maxwell. He stared after Mona as she walked away. He looked at Barbara, thinking how odd it was that Mona had to apologize to, someone so hypocritical. It was Barbara''s own fault, after all. Maxwell''s annoyance with Barbara only grew, and a part of him even felt a sudden urge to beat Barbara, wondering why Mona was heading into the kitchen again. Soon, Mona returned from the kitchen, holding the small peeler concealed in her palm. No one even noticed what was inR¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    her hand.


    Mona walked straight to Barbara and stared at her coldly.


    Barbara did not quite understand why, but a strange feeling of dread began to creep over her as she watched Mona approach, step by step. ''Why should I feel nervous? Mona is justing to apologize to me!'' Barbara thought.


    At the thought of this, Barbara adjusted her expression, returning to her usual look of helpless innocence, waiting for Mona to offer her apology.


    No one intervened so Mona quickly reached Barbara''s side. Mona took Barbara''s hand, which had been obediently resting on herp. Without a second thought as to whether it was the injured one, with her other hand holding the peeler, Mona made a swift, forceful scrape across the back of Barbara''s hand. A sharp sting immediately spread through Barbara''s body.


    The moment Mona grabbed her hand, Barbara had a fleeting sense of impending trouble, but before she could react, the pain had already struck her.


    Now, Barbara''s grievances were all too real, mixed with a deep anger. ''How can Mona have the guts to hurt me in front of everyone?'' Barbara thought in shock. However, with Bernard and the others watching, she knew she could not even call the cops.


    "Mona, you..." Barbara''s voice wasden with a pitiful tone and tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Everyone else, including Bernard, was equally stunned by Mona''s actions. It was clear now that Mona had indeed been spoiled for far too long to have the guts to bully Barbara so openly. Just as Bernard was about to demand that Mona apologize to Barbara once more, Mona''s icy gaze held him back


    Mona looked Barbara straight in the eye, gave a sincere "sorry," and followed up with a formal bow."


    "I didn''t do anything wrong. You all insist I apologize but I refuse. Since you all keep forcing me to apologize, I went ahead and did what Albert imed I did before apologizing. Now look, it''s bleeding. Yes, I was responsible for it. I''ve apologized already," Mona said withposure, directing her gaze at Albert. You wanted an apology, so here it is,'' she thought.


    This was how Mona was. If it was not her mistake or responsibility, she would not apologize, no matter what anyone said. But if they all insisted so much on an apology, then fine-she would give them one.


    "You... How can you... Bernard was at a loss for words.


    "Okay, calm down. It''s Christmas, and since Barbara got the apology she wanted, let''s just leave it at that!" Maxwell pulled Mona to his side, knowing well that she was not someone to be filled with. The way she pped Barbara during their engagement party was enough evidence. Mona''s beautiful and bold attitude only made Maxwell like her even more.


    "Mona, go to the kitchen and help Polly. Go quickly!" Jane urged


    After that, Jane walked to Barbara and looked at the blood on the back of Barbara''s hand. She carefully cleaned it applied medicine.


    Jane felt that Mona''s personality was very simr to Emily''s. up and


    Jane remembered a time during an exam when Emily was used by a ssmate of cheating. The teacher found a small piece of paper on Emily''s desk, and no matter how much Emily exined, the teacher would not believe her. Eventually, Jane was called into the office. Jane was shocked to hear about the cheating usation against Emily but did not know what to say since the evidence seemed so clear.


    Afterward, Emily was punished and had to write a self-reflection. Jane still remembered that night-Emily was feeling extremely aggrieved, and during the Monday g-raising ceremony, she had to read her reflection in front of her ssmates. As a result, Emily was unhappy for several days.


    When the final exams came around, Emily brought back an almost perfect test paper for Jane to sign. Jane praised her for her improvement, and after signing, Emily said, "Mom, I actually cheated on this test. Since I didn''t cheatst time and still had to write a reflection, I thought I should cheat at least once to make it worth it."


    Now that she thought about it, Mona really had the same personality as Emily!


    Albert watched Mona''s gradually receding figure, unsure of what to say. He felt that Mona was incredibly stubborn. He looked over at Barbara on the sofa, noticing the wounds on her hand, and wondered if he had made a mistake. Maxwell followed Mona into the kitchen and seeing that others had remained outside, asked, "Were you scared earlier?" Mona handed the peeler to Maxwell. Her voice was tinged with a hint of grievance as she said, "Yes, I was scared, but not that much. It''s not like it was my hand that got cut. Do you think I''m too mean?"


    Maxwell shook his head, saying, "Mean? No, I''d call it charming. You''re so charming that I''mpletely taken with you!"


    With sparkling eyes, Mona looked at Maxwell and asked, slightly doubtful, "Really?"


    Maxwell nodded solemnly. "Yes!"


    "After Christmas, you should teach me some self-defense moves. That way, if I ever find myself in a tough spot, I''ll be able to handle it," Mona said. Mona had been considering this ever since Elene kidnapped herst time. She had just been too busy to bring it up. If she had had Maxwell with her, or even Albert''s strength, she could have managed the situation on her own and would not have needed Teddy''s help-maybe she could have saved two lives!


    Looking back, she felt a sense of regret for Elene. That girl was really too naive.


    "Sure, even if it''s not that useful, it''s great for you to work out and get fit. That way, you won''tin about being tired every night!" Maxwell had been thinking about this for a while but had not found the right moment to bring it up. Now that Mona had mentioned it herself, it was perfect!


    "What are you talking about? It''s the broad daylight!" Mona turned away, not wanting to look at Maxwell, fearing he might


    say something inappropriate

 Chapter 358

    Chapter


    358


    "Alright, we''ll talk about it in detail tonight," Maxwell said, ncing at Polly as she washed vegetables. He secretly hooked his pinky around Mona''s, the contact between their fingers causing him to smile.


    When her finger was suddenly caught by Maxwell, Mona instinctively looked up at Maxwell. He held a te in one hand, and there was no difort on his face; if it were not for his grip on her finger, she really would not have noticed anything at all!


    Mona pulled her hand out of Maxwell''s grip. She nced at him and said, "Stop talking nonsense. Go and cook!"


    "Alright, I''ll listen to my wife. I''ll cook well!" Maxwell said.


    As they chatted, the two of them started to get busy. Due to Christmas, the Clem family were kind enough to allow the servants to celebrate with their families. This left only Polly in the kitchen, so they took on the cooking duties.


    Albert did not know how to cook; he had only made a mess in the kitchen as a child. Since there were already enough people in the kitchen, he decided not to join in. After spending some timeforting Barbara in the living room, he went upstairs to look for Haley in the gym.


    Haley was a person who liked to eat and exercise. Albert was aware of this.


    He was in a bad mood now. After what had just happened, Albert felt that Mona was angry with him.


    As Albert approached, Haley was doing a nk. Despite the cold weather, she was only wearing a ck tank top, which showcased her strong arms and tanned neck. Her short hair glistened with sweat as beads of perspiration dripped from her face down to her neck. Hearing footsteps approaching, Haley subconsciously asked, "Is it almost lunchtime?" She sounded surprised.


    That was because Mona had told her that they would have a sumptuous lunch early today. She had been thinking about it!


    Albert nced at Haley''s slender waist and awkwardly averted his gaze, saying, "Lunch? Haley, is there anything in your mind other than food?"


    "There''s also Mona! My main task is to protect Mona, so I have to improve my physical fitness to keep her safe," Haley replied seriously, not noticing that Albert''s tone was different from usual when he spoke.


    "Fine. Food and Mona are the only things on your mind. Get up I have something for you," Albert said as he went to grab a towel for Haley to wipe off her sweat.


    Haley thought that lunchtime was approaching, so she listened to Albert and got up. She naturally epted the towel that he had handed her and wiped the sweat off her face and neck.


    "What do you have for me? Is it food?" Haley asked subconsciously. It was Christmas, so she wondered whether Albert could have gotten food from some delicious ce.


    "Food? You really only have food on your mind!" Albert said with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes before he handed over the calligraphy piece he had just written, depicting the word "prosperity". Haley took it and nced at it casually. "You wrote this?"


    Albert nodded. "That''s right. My handwriting is not bad, right?"


    Albert was feeling pretty pleased with himself. Sure, his handwriting was not as impressive as Bernard''s, but since Haley had not seen Bernard''s, she would think that his handwriting was great.


    Haley looked at it in disdain and asked, "Can I exchange this for one chicken drumstick?"


    Mon,


    What was the use of the word "prosperity"? It was not as realistic as chicken drumsticks!


    When Albert heard that, he could not hold back his annoyance. He said furiously, "One chicken drumstick? How is it that my calligraphy is only worth one chicken drumstick? You''d better keep this present well!"


    "How about two chicken drumsticks?" Haley said with a smile. She looked at the word in her hand and felt that it was good to exchange two chicken drumsticks.


    "Haley, don''t even think about trading that for chicken drumsticks! This is my gift to you, so you better hold on to it. I''ll be checking next year, and if you don''t have it, don''t expect to get any food from me!" Albert said with a hint of anger. Once Haley heard his words and saw his stern face, she realized Albert was having a rough day. She gently stroked his back, trying to ease his frustration.


    "Alright, alright, don''t getupset. I promise to take care of this gift as if it were a sacred relic. How does that sound? Don''t be mad!" Haley was willing to endure Albert''s asional outbursts for the tasty treats he brought her.


    ''I know when to yield and when to stand tall!'' she thought.


    "That''s more like it! Be sure to keep it well. I had you in mind as I was writing this word," Albert said, feeling a bit more rxed as he noticed Haley giving in.


    Haley hurriedly nodded and promised, "I''ll definitely keep it well. Don''t worry. By the way, is it almost time to eat? Let''s go down!"


    "Okay."


    "What''s wrong with you today? It''s Christmas, why do I feel that you''re not very happy?" Haley asked suspiciously.


    "Yeah, I''m feeling a little upset. Let me tell yobout it," Albert said.


    "Yes, tell me, I''ll help you!" Haley said righteously.


    Albert told Haley about what happened in the kitchen, including how he saw Mona cut Barbara''s hand with a peeler, how he asked Mona to apologize to Barbara, and finally, how Mona cut Barbara''s hands with a peeler before apologizing.


    Haley, feeling furious, threw the towel in her hand at Albert''s face and said angrily, "You all are treating Mona unfairly! It''s outrageous! But Mona''s actions are really impressive; she''s definitely the woman I admire!"


    "Do


    you also think it was wrong for Mona to apologize to Barbara?" Albert asked. He now knew that it was Barbara who had approached Mona first and got hurt. Still, no matter how one looked at it, it was Mona who had injured Barbara with the peeler! ''Can it be that I was truly in the wrong?'' he wondered.


    "Of course, it''s not right. Mona didn''t do anything wrong, so why would she apologize?" Haley said indifferently. If she had known that this would happen, she would have gone over when Mona called her over earlier.


    "You''re right, but I feel like Mona is angry now. What should I do?" Albert said dispiritedly.


    "Apologize. Sincerely apologize to Mona. She has a good temper and you''re her brother. She won''t hold it against you," Haley said.


    Haley gazed into Albert''s eyes and spoke, noticing how the outside light fell on his face. She thought he had a pretty high nose bridge. ANA


    After saying that, Haley saw that Albert still remained unmoving, so she pulled him up forcefully. "Let''s go now. Dwelling on it isn''t going to help."


    After that, Haley went to the nearby changing room to change her clothes, then tugged at Albert''s shirt and headed outside. Chapter 358


    Reluctantly, Albert foliowed Haley downstairs, heading toward the kitchen.


    When the two of them passed by the living room, Haley red a Barbara who was sitting on the sofa, thinking about how she could avenge Mona.


    0From N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 359

    Albert and Haley walked into the kitchen and saw Maxwell frying vegetables while Mona stood beside him, assisting him.


    Looking at the two figures, they seemed exceptionally well-matched.


    Haley greeted Mona and said, "Albert says that he wants to apologize to you."


    Albert had been unsure how to start, but with Haley''s words, he no longer felt anxious. It felt much easier to speak up. "Mona, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have pressured you to apologize carlier."


    "Oh," Mona replied calmly.


    Mona had always wanted Albert to get to know the real Barbara, but there had never been an opportunity. On top of that, Barbara had purposely allowed Albert to witness the moment she scratched Barbara''s hand. Mona felt that perhaps she and Barbara held equal standing in Albert''s eyes, which exined why Albert demanded that she apologize to Barbara. Mona understood his perspective.


    What she was not sure about was whether Albert would see through Barbara''s hypocrisy after this incident. However, it seemed unlikely, as Albert did not tend to think in that direction at all.


    "Mona, don''t be angry with me. It''s not good for your health." Albert did not know whether Mona was still angry with him when he saw how nonchnt she was.


    "It''s Christmas. I didn''t take this to heart at all. Regardless of whether you believe me or not, I told Barbara that I didn''t need her help, yet she insisted on approaching me. I didn''t even move the peeler at all," Mona said.


    After thinking for a bit, Mona decided to exin the incident to Albert once more. She had said clearly that she did not move, yet Barbara got injured. The only possibility could be that Barbara had deliberately cut herself. She wondered if Albert understood what she meant.


    "I believe you, Mona. Then this matter is over. It''s Christmas, it''s not good for you to be angry!" Albert grinned.


    When Mona mentioned that Barbara had scratched her own hand on purpose, Albert did not believe it at all.


    "Okay, the food''s almost ready!" Mona could tell, based on Albert''s response, that what she said had not really registered with him. This was something Albert would have to see for himself. "Alright, Mona. I''ll take this steak out first."


    Albert felt much relieved after knowing that Mona was not angry with him anymore.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Haley served the dishes with Albert. It was about time to have lunch. Haley was so hungry that she was almost drooling.


    With Polly and Maxwell around, the Christmas lunch spread was particrlyvish. Most of the dishes were already on the table when Bernard stepped outside with a lighter to set off fireworks.


    The loud crackling of the fireworks signaled that the meal was about to begin-an-annual tradition that added to the holiday spirit.


    By the time Bernard returned, the dining table was full of delicious food. Mona was the first to capture the moment with a photo, reflecting on howst year, with Bernard in the hospital, Christmas hardly felt like a holiday. Today marked her and Maxwell''s first true Christmas celebration together.


    As the head of the family, Bernard offered festive wishes for Christmas. Everyone raised their sses in a toast, signaling the official start of lunch.


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    The meal was warm and joyous, with Albert and Haley adding a lively touch to the atmosphere with their yful banter.


    Maxwell, attentive as ever, continued to serve Mona throughout the meal. With just a nce from her, he could instantly pinpoint and serve exactly the dishes she wanted to eat.


    In the afternoon, Barbara did not cause any more trouble. The family sat down to make pastry puffs. There was a special one which had 20 cents hidden inside. If anyone managed to eat this among the many pastry puffs, it meant that they would be lucky next year. Since childhood, Mona had never gotten the lucky pastry puff with a hidden coin inside. She did not hold any hope, but after taking a bite, she bit into something hard. She pulled out a small coin and could not help but smile, a warm excitement lighting up her whole face. "Hahaha, I''m the lucky one this year!" she eximed.


    "Mona, how are you the lucky one this year? You only have a few pastry puffs in your bowl. You''re so lucky!" Albert looked at the numerous pastry puffs in his bowl, suddenly losing his appetite.


    Mona said, "Maxwell handed me this. He''s the lucky one."


    Maxwell looked at the smile on Mona''s face and felt that it was indeed a wise choice for him to give Mona the pastry puff with the hidden coin.


    While making the pastry puffs, Maxwell noticed Mona''s gaze asionally drifting toward the puff with the hidden coin-he knew she wanted it. When cing the puffs in the pot, Maxwell gave that one an extra squeeze along the edge, leaving a slight fingerprint mark so he could spot it among the others. Sure enough, he managed to serve that exact pastry puff to Mona''s bowl. "It''s not that I''m lucky; it''s destiny that brought this pastry to you, Mona," Maxwell said with a smile. And indeed, it was a little destiny he had made for her.


    Mona nodded, thinking he made perfect sense-next year would surely be a lucky one. She hoped many more people would like Star, and that her family would stay healthy and well. What she wished for the most was for Maxwell to always be here, without any more confusion or setbacks like this year.


    They finished their meal early and waited for nightfall. That way, they would get the best view of the fireworks. They could already hear some people setting fireworks outside, adding to the festive mood, but they were not in a rush to do so.


    As Mona sat on the sofa, she continued to examine the coin she had just eaten, resolving to keep it safe. Maxwell''s gaze lingered on her, a light smile adorning his face.


    Just then, Mona''s phone rang. To her surprise, it was Ava who wasing to set off fireworks with them. Moreover, she had invited quite a few others along.


    Of course, Mona returned. Not long after, Ava and the others arrived. Along with Ava were Nigel and ra.


    ording to Ava, Artemis was staying in Noretin for Christmas this year, seemingly because of a man.


    However, it had not been confirmed yet, ?o Mona did not ask too much about it.


    When Ava and the rest arrived, the sky had begun to dim. Albert and Haley had already headed into the vi''s courtyard with fireworks in their arms, while Mona and the others trailed behind. Barbara walked beside Albert, holding a sparkler in her hand. This Christmas, the Clem family had really gone all out with the fireworks!


    With the arrival of Ava and ra, Maxwell got shoved to the back, ncing at Mona, who was surrounded by people on both sides, feeling a deep-seated frustration he could not express.


    It was the same for Ava''s boyfriend, Joseph. The three women walked in front, so they could only walk behind.


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    Joseph saw Ava holding Mona''s arm and then he turned to look at the man beside him who was exuding a cold aura. He was not sure where to put his hand.


    "Erm... My name is Joseph. Ava and Mona seem to have a good rtionship!" Given the vi''s high-quality security system, Joseph was unarmed for the fireworks, and his eyes gleamed with excitement.


    0


    COMMENT


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 360

    Maxwell nodded slightly as if to acknowledge Joseph''s earlierment. Due to Bud''s influence, Maxwell had a poor first impression of Joseph.


    Bud was someone who, after a long time, finally had feelings for someone and wanted to reconcile with Ava, but now that opportunity was gone. Maxwell could only me Bud for making mistakes. However, he felt quite displeased when looking at Joseph. Joseph noticed that Maxwell seemed aloof and cold, and given the rumors circting outside, it seemed true that Maxwell was unapproachable. So, he quietly turned his attention to Ava''s silhouette.


    Soon, everyone arrived at the small square, where Albert and Haley were setting up the fireworks. Albert instructed everyone to disperse before being the first to ignite the fireworks.


    All this while, the fireworks in the sky had not stopped at all. The ones Albert bought were brighter and more varied when they ascended, and supposedly, they were less harmful to the environment.


    With a loud "bang," colorful fireworks exploded in the sky, illuminating the dark night, apanied by the sounds of popping explosions.


    Mona and Ava stood at the back and looked at the fireworks in the sky. All this while, Mona had been smiling,


    Suddenly, a pair ofrge hands gripped her waist, and through her clothing, Mona could feel the warmth of his hands. Instinctively, she turned her head and saw Maxwell standing behind her, his chin resting on her head.


    The fireworks emitted a pink glow, casting a soft light on Mona''s tanned cheeks, making her features appear even more defined.


    With an intense gaze, Maxwell focused on Mona''s face, clearly seeing his reflection in her half-closed eyes. He turned his head and delicately pressed a kiss on Mona''s cheek.


    A soft sensation brushed against her face, prompting Mona to timidly grip Maxwell''s hand resting on her waist. She felt a bit bashful. She noticed that the others were all engrossed in the fireworks and Joseph had taken Ava to another ce. Noticing that Joseph had quietly taken Ava''s hand and that Ava had rested her head on his shoulder, Mona''s shyness dissipated, and she allowed Maxwell to wrap his arms around her.


    The fireworkssted quite a while; as they watched, Albert and Haley ran around nearby. Mona stole a nce at them, thinking her brother had yet to mature.


    Barbara watched Mona''s beaming face with a sense of difort. ''Why does Mona get to enjoy happiness from childhood to adulthood?'' she thought. Barbara felt resentful and unsatisfied. She was alone, while Mona had her husband to apany her. Jealousy distorted her features.


    Later, with Maxwell''s help, Mona lit a firework. The instant the fuse caught fire, Mona took Maxwell''s hand and quickly ran toward the open space. Almost immediately, the fireworks crackled and burst in the air, and Mona''s smile shone with extraordinary brilliance. Maxwell found himself quietly watching Mona, thinking that her smile outshone even the most stunning fireworks overhead.


    A momentter, he held Mona in his arms and gently brushed her hair away from her face. He was filled with hope for the future.


    Because Mona was beside him.


    At this moment, Albert''s scream interrupted the


    peace


    Maxwell felt.


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    Mona pulled Maxwell anxiously with her as they rushed in that direction, her heart filled with worry when she saw Albert lying on the ground.


    "Albert, what''s wrong?" Mona asked as she ran. She was a little worried that something bad would really happen during


    Christmas.


    Upon getting nearer, Mona noticed Albert climbing back up, will Haley still on the ground.


    For a moment, Mona''s thoughts went astray.


    At that point, Haley hurriedly got to her feet, ring at Albert with hostility and wiping her lips with her hand.


    "W-what happened?" Mona stuttered. She hoped it was not what she thought.


    As soon as Albert yelled out, not only Mona and Maxwell, but Ava, ra, and Barbara also came.


    A group of people surrounded Albert and Haley, asking all sorts of questions. Albert could not stand the feeling of being interrogated. In a daze, Albert realized that this might be how Mona felt when she was interrogated by them this morning! Without saying anything, Albert pulled Haley and quickly ran home.


    Her wrist was suddenly captured by a powerful hand, and the heat emanating from it made Haley acutely aware of Albert''s grip.


    "Albert, what are you doing? Let go of me!" Haley protested, straining to escape.


    However, for some reason, Albert was exceptionally strong today. Haley tried her best to break free, but she did not feel like his grip was loosening at all.


    Thinking of the unexpected kiss between the two of them just now, Haley felt her heart burning and felt exceptionally ufortable.


    Just like that, she was pulled home by Albert. The house was empty since the two elderly were visiting neighbors.


    "Why did you bring me back in such a hurry? What if Mona is in dangerter?" Haley asked angrily. After saying that, she wanted to go back.


    Despite her efforts, Albert kept holding her wrist firmly. As Haley fought to escape, their eyes locked in a silent contest of will.


    After a moment of struggle, Haley noticed that Albert''s face had turned an intense shade of red, especially illuminated by the lights in the living room, and the flush had reached down to his neck.


    "What''s wrong? Say something. Why is your face so red? Are you sick?" As she spoke, Haley wanted to reach out to touch the warmth on Albert''s face.


    Albert obediently let Haley touch his forehead. Then, Haley touched her forehead and muttered, "Our temperature is about the same. In fact, it seems that my forehead is even hotter than yours. Albert, where are you feeling unwell?" When Haley saw that Albert''s cheeks were abnormally red, she was certain that he was sick.


    "My heart isn''t feeling well, feel it!" As he spoke, Albert ced Haley''s hand on his chest.


    His heart pounded wildly, each beat louder than thest. For some reason, when Haley felt the heat of his skin, she instinctively pulled her hand back quickly.


    As she ran, she eximed, "I-if your heart hurts, you should hurry and see a doctor!"


    "Haley, I will be responsible for you!" Albert yelled as he looked at Haley''s departing figure. ''When I grow up, I will marry


    237Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    you, Albert thought.


    K € 59%


    He tucked the thought away in his heart, raising a hand to touch his lips, still faintly scented with Haley''s milky fragrance.


    Now, recalling the way they had run together near the fireworks, the vibrant colors illuminating the night allowed him to see his own feelings clearly. He could not help but wish for Haley to be his mentor, In fact, he wanted far more than this.

 Chapter 361

    COMMENT Chapter


    361


    After the fireworks were finished, Mona and Maxwell went back When Albert pulled Haley away, Mona vaguely guessed that something had just happened between the two of them.


    When Mona returned to the vi, it was alreadyte. She asked Maxwell to take a shower first. She went next door and knocked on Albert''s door.


    After entering. Mona did not beat around the bush. She asked Albert directly what had just happened between him and Haley.


    Albert looked at Mona ufortably and stammered, "N-nothing. Mona, stop asking. He could not possibly tell Mona about such a thing.


    "Alright, even if you don''t say it, I can roughly guess what happened between the two of you just now. However, you''re still young, and Haley doesn''t have any romantic feelings yet. Listen, don''t ever think of hurting her. I raised Haley as a younger sister. If you make her sad, I won''t let you off even if you''re my biological younger brother," Mona said solemnly.


    This time, Albert understood the meaning behind Mona''s words. He did not intend to do anything in the first ce. He was still young. He would talk to Haley about it when he became an adult. "Mona, I know. I don''t want to do anything."


    "Yes, it''s gettingte. You should rest early." With that, Mona walked towards the door.


    Albert looked at Mona''s slender back. It was unknown what he was thinking, but he stopped her and said, "Mona, what happened at noon today was my fault. I didn''t consider your feelings. It was also the same in the past. Sometimes, my words are unpleasant, but I don''t mean any harm. It''s just that I have a sharp tongue."


    This apology was sincere. He thought about how mischievous he was when he was young and what he did made Mona sad.


    "Got it. I''m a big-hearted person, so I won''t hold it against you. Hurry up and rest. It''s gettingte," Mona said with a smile before gently closing the door.


    When Mona returned to her room, Maxwell had already taken a shower ande out. When Maxwell saw that Mona still had a smile on her face after returning, he said, "I told you it was fine. Albert knows his limits. Today was an ident. You worried for nothing, right?" Mona walked over and took the towel from Maxwell''s hand. She began to dry his hair. "Yes, you''re smart, okay?"


    After Albert pulled Haley away, Mona could not remain calm anymore. She wondered if Albert and Haley had something going on. At this time, Albert was still underage. In Mona''s heart, he was just a child. Could he understand his feelings?


    At that time, Maxwell hadforted her that it was an ident. Albert was not a child anymore and knew his own mind. Maxwell told Mona not to worry so much.


    "I''m smart. It''s fine as long as there''s one smart person in each family. Leave the difficult questions to me. You don''t have to overwork your brain." Maxwell wrapped his arms around Mona''s waist and felt the softness of her body.


    "Maxwell, are you indirectly calling me stupid?" Mona angrily wiped Maxwell''s head a few times with the towel.


    This angry action made Maxwellugh out loud. "That''s not true, Honey, you''re reading too much into it. You''re smart." "Wipe it yourself. I''m going to take a shower." Mona threw the towel into Maxwell''s hands and turned around to walk into the bathroom.


    She thought, ''Am I not smart? Of course, I am. It''s just thatpared to Maxwell, I''m a littlecking.''


    After taking a shower, the two of themy on the bed. Soon, it was midnight.


    When midnight came, Mona and Maxwell said to each other at the same time, "Happy New Year."


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    Then, Maxwell pulled Mona into his arms and lowered his head to kiss her lips. There was no lust in the kiss. It was just a light kiss.


    The people who were setting off the fireworks outside had not stopped. Mona and Maxwell knew that the fireworks would probably not stop for the entire night. Maxwell''s hand rested on Mona''s waist, stroking it again and again. This feeling made Mona tremble. "Stop it. We have to be up in a few hours." Mona stopped Maxwell. Their New Year''s custom was to get up in the morning to have pastry puffs, give the younger generation New Year''s gifts, and then rx for a day.


    "I know. Let me rub it for you," Maxwell said softly. He touched the spot where Mona''s tattoo was. It was already smooth and could not be felt.


    Gradually, the fireworks outside stopped. Mona nestled in Maxwell''s arms and gradually fell asleep.


    Then just before dawn at three or four o''clock, someone was setting off fireworks again. Fortunately, this livelinesssted only one day.


    There was a knock on the door. Mona knew that she had to get up. Her arms wrapped around Maxwell''s neck like a water snake. She groaned for a long time and did not want to get up.


    However, she knew that Bernard and Jane were waiting for them. After dawdling for a while, she got up.


    Mona had just gotten dressed and was in a daze when she saw a gift appear in front of her.


    Maxwell''s voice sounded in Mona''s ear. "Honey, this is your New Year''s gift."


    Mona''s heart was filled with love as she took it." That''s great. I got a New Year''s gift after getting married."


    "Of course, I remember everything rted to you." Maxwell helped Mona straighten the cor of her sweater. He looked into Mona''s eyes as if he was waiting for a reward.


    Mona smiled at Maxwell. "That''s great. Go wash up quickly. Grandpa and Grandma have probably been waiting for a long time."


    While washing up, Mona realized that Maxwell did not seem very happy. He was no longer smiling. Mona asked softly, "What''s wrong?"


    Maxwell did not say anything. He just looked at Mona with his mesmerizing eyes filled with love.


    Mona thought about it. It seemed that when Maxwell gave her the gift just now, she did not give him a reward. She thought that Maxwell was really petty.


    Then, she ced the foam from the facial cleanser on Maxwell''s face and washed it evenly.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Mona smiled at Maxwell''s handsome face that was distorted by her own y. She held Maxwell''s cheeks, sealing a kiss on his lips.


    "Are you happy now?" Mona asked with a smile.


    Maxwell said, "Give me another kiss."


    As soon as Maxwell finished speaking, Mona obediently nted another kiss on Maxwell''s lips. "Alright, it''s gettingte. Let''s hurry up. Otherwise, Polly would knock on the door again.


    Maxwell was in a good mood after being rewarded with two consecutive kisses from Mona. He washed his face quickly and walked out with Mona,


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    After receiving the New Year''s gifts and eating the pastry puffs, the reunion gradually came to an


    end.


    In the next few days after New Year, the Clem family had an endless stream of guests. On the sixth day, Teddy''s parents brought Teddy to the Clem family''s residence, saying that they were there to pay their New Year greetings to Bernard and Jane. When the servant came to report, Mona and Maxwell were discussing when to go to work. Bernard was still thinking about New Year and told the servant that he would not see them.

 Chapter 362

    COMMENT


    Mona and Maxwell did not have any objections, whereas Barbara wanted to reconcile the rtionship between the Powers and Clem families. This would be beneficial to her rtionship with Teddy. However, under such circumstances, Parbara did not have the right to speak, so she kept quiet.


    "Mr. Clem, Mr. Powers said that he has something to tell you. With his back facing Mona and the others, the servant approached Bernard and said softly, "He said that it has something to do with Ms. Clem''s biological father"


    In the Clem family, although everyone knew that Mona''s biological father was not Jeremy, but someone else, no one dared to mention it. This matter seemed to have be the Clem family''s unspeakable secret. Bernard frowned at the servant''s words. He paused and said reluctantly, "Let them in?


    Mona looked up at Bernard, wondering why he had changed his mind. Then, she realized that Bernard was also looking at her. She could not read the emotions in his eyes.


    At this moment, Teddy''s family came and handed the gifts they brought to the servants. Bernard didn''t even look at what the Powers family had brought and called Matthew to the study


    Mona guessed that it might be rted to work matters. However, if it was about work, Bernard would have called Maxwell to go in and listen. Mona was puzzled.


    Of course, Maxwell saw the doubt in Mona''s eyes. He raised his hand and stroked Mona''s hair. "If you can''t figure it out, don''t think about it. If you really want to know, you can ask Grandpa when hees out." Mona nodded. "Well, I guess that''s the only way."


    Teddy was dragged to the Clem family''s residence by his parents. Initially, he did not want toe. He only wanted to stay at home alone and wait for news from Elene. Now that Elene''s body had not been found, he did not believe that Elene would die just like that. "Teddy, sit down." Hannah tugged at Teddy''s clothes and pulled him down. Then, she looked at Jane and smiled. She praised Mona, Maxwell, and Albert. Finally, her eyesnded on Barbara. Her gaze was a little awkward, but she still mentioned Barbara''s award, which had brought glory to the Clem family.


    No matter what Hannah said, Jane had a faint smile on her lips. She was neither friendly nor distant. It was just simple etiquette.


    When Teddy saw his mother fawning over Jane, he felt ufortable and felt that it hurt his dignity.


    However, just as his father Matthew had said, the Clem family would dominate Nathontown in the future. The Carter family was originally able topete with the Clem family. However, after Richard died, Maxwell severed ties with the Carter family, and Carter Group was handed over to Gordon. Gordon did not have any special talent in business and had average abilities. The Clem family was different. Therefore, if the Powers family still wanted to establish a foothold in Nathontown, they could not let others know that the Clem family was targeting the Powers family. They had to visit the Elem family during New Year to maintain the status quo.


    In the study upstairs, Bernard and Matthew sat on the sofa. Bernard stared at Matthew and said, "What do you know? Speak."


    Bernard did get someone to investigate Emily''s matters before she returned to the country, but she led a regr life. He did not find any useful information. Over time, Bernard gradually forgot about it. No one mentioned Mona''s biological father, and Bernard did not get to the bottom of it.


    Matthew ced the evidence that he had painstakingly found in front of Bernard. "This is the evidence."


    Bernard learned about the Conrad family of Noretin from Matthew. It was said that the Conrad family called the shots in Noretin. This was something Bernard already knew.


    The patriarch of the Conrad family had passed away for more than ten years. The Conrad family had been handed over to his eldest son, Edward Conrad Up until now, most of their business had been handed over to Edward''s son, Brendan Edward''s younger brother, Edwin Conrad, had be a recluse ording to Matthew, Edwin was assassinated in Yosneosnd previously, and the person who saved him was Bernard''s daughter, Emily. Matthew was not clear about what happened subsequently. He said that Mona was the daughter of Emily and Edwin. He did not have any evidence. He only had a photo of Emily supporting Edwin, and Edwin was holding a white cane. At that time, Emily was still young.


    "What can a photo prove?" Bernard asked. He had never heard Emily mention that she knew anyone in Noretin or was involved with the Conrad family. It was said that the Conrad family engaged in all kinds of business, be it legal or illegal. Bernard did not want to have anything to do with that family.


    "If you don''t believe this, you can get someone to investigate carefully." Matthew had also sent someone to investigate for a long time before he gradually made some progress.


    "Mr. Powers, please don''t tell anyone about this, including Mona Let''s forget about the engagement ceremony. Our families will get along well in the future," Bernard said seriously.


    Since Emily was no longer around and Mona had already grown up, she did not need the so-called fatherly love. Why would she look for her biological father? Perhaps he was already married with children. If Mona found out, she would be sad. Moreover, Bernard did not want to have any entanglement with the Conrad family, so it was better to pretend that he did not know about this.


    Matthew looked into Bernard''s eyes and said seriously, "Of course. In the past, Teddy was insensible and caused trouble for the Clem family. I promise that he won''t do it again."


    Originally, he thought that Bernard would be grateful to him and not target Powers Group. He did not expect Bernard to ask him to keep it a secret. However, no matter what the oue was, as long as he achieved his goal, it was fine.


    At noon, Bernard naturally asked the Powers family to stay for lunch. At the dining table, Maxwell picked up food for Mona as usual. Perhaps because Teddy was around, he was even more meticulous. He got every chili that he could off the food for


    her..


    Then, he looked at Teddy vigntly and acted like he was protecting Mona.


    Mona knew that Maxwellcked love and insecurity. Under the dining table, Mona''s hand held Maxwell''s hand. She signaled Maxwell with her eyes to reassure him.


    Teddy looked up and saw Mona and Maxwell''s expressions. He remembered the time when he met Mona and Maxwell in Mystique, and Barbara said that Maxwell was fake. It seemed that it was true.


    However, looking at the way the two of them interacted, he was thinking about Elene. However, every time it was Elene picking up food for him, and he was the one enjoying it.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    After lunch, the Powers family chatted with the Clem family for a while before leaving. Bernard called Maxwell to the study. Intuition told Mona that the content was rted to the Powers family''s arrival. After Bernard and Matthew came out of the study, Mona felt that Bernard''s attitude towards the Powers family had be different. He had be much friendlier.


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