The Queen's Back

Chapter 38

Mona smiled and said. "Even if it were possible, I wouldn't let you do that, cousin. I want to compete 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."

Ever since Mona discovered Barbara's affair with Teddy, it was as if she had become 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's compete fairly. I hope you'll give it your all!"

"Of course!"

Barbara, preoccupied 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.

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

Barbara close, his hands

to ask you," Barbara said, resting

intimacy had drained

"Sure, what is it?"

"Teddy, have you made up

up on Mona. "No, I'm thinking of letting her go," he

last 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

for the pressure from the Clem and Carter Groups on the Powers

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?

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Mona getting married. It seemed unlikely that such news would have escaped her

feigned surprise. "They're

didn't know?" Teddy asked

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Clem family because my biological father is Jeremy. So I know nothing about my cousin's affairs." Barbara's voice was

upset, Barbara. It's my fault for misunderstanding. It's the Clem family's

at you. She still likes you. Remember how she treated you during college? She designed suits for you and brought you meals

we want to get the Clem Group shares, Mona is key.