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!"

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

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,

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

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 planned. My mind is

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this, Maxwell

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

finger, 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.

Carter, you may kiss your fiancée," the emcee

her mouth. His strong hand cradled the back of her head, pulling them closer. The subtle scent of his shampoo mixed with a

fluttering. Before she could fully take in what just happened, Maxwell had already pulled away, but she