The Queen's Back

Chapter

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 flawless 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 flatter yourself." She then looped her arm through Maxwell's and **ly announced, "The engagement goes on as planned."

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 to compete with him-if Maxwell got control of those shares, Teddy wouldn't stand a chance anymore.

Mona gave Teddy a cold glance 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!"

company, 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

another chance. Today is supposed to be your engagement ceremony-how can you just switch fiancés 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

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

"I've already decided to get engaged to Maxwell. A man who cheats once isn't worth keeping." She turned to the emcee

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15.16 Sat, Chapter 6

Maxwell

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

she fumbled for a matching ring and placed 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 his last chance for her to reconsider. If she chose to be the light in his dark world, he

may kiss your

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

her long lashes 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,"