The Queen's Back

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 placed 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 glanced 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 relationship 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.

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 accompany 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 and later 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 left completely alone in a strange, foreign place, 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 the last 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, come 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 to completely 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 placed their interlaced 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 to come back, when were you planning 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 occasion, you guys should come over more and keep me company. 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 that last 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, come with me to the study. I have somethingText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.