The Queen's Back

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 was last 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 naïve she had been. Teddy didn't want her working simply because he thought it was inappropriate for his fiancée 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 the company'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 glance at her.

She could guess why. Back in the day, she was always the last 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'd come in early, wearing a white blouse and a and a black skirt-looking professional and mature.

Around half past t eight,

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.

you'll be out of here in no time," another

a warm welcome,' 'Leander Ford, the design manager, announced, leading

clearly overheard I a young woman nearby whisper, "Oh, so she's the one who

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 fiancé.

If she needs help, make

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

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Chapter 20

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

"I'm afraid you might be disappointed. I'm just an

lightly, clearly sensing Mona's bitterness about her affair with Teddy. "That's okay.

from Clem Group's past projects. She was set on reclaiming 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

surprised that Mona spoke to her directly and said, "I just don't feel like it. I'm not into people like

need what she's giving out," the

the way, I don't think I

woltyesced herself. "I'm Elara Whitlock." She noticed Mona seemed different today, maybe shaken by the whole fiancé affair. Elara felt a twinge of sympathy. 'Being a rich heiress isn't all it's cracked up to be,' she

woman eagerly