The Queen's Back

Chapter 148

Mona looked at Maxwell and said, "Honey, are you done here? I'm here to take you home."

Maxwell Carter did not hold back at all. He grabbed Mona Clem's hand and said in a much gentler tone, "It should be over now. Honey, let's go home!"

He glanced over at Nico, as if asking if there was anything else. Nico shook his head quickly. "Nope, all done, no more."

The relief on Nico's face was obvious-he'd been counting down the minutes for Maxwell to leave. Just sitting in that room. with him had been tense.

Seeing Maxwell take Mona's hand, Nico suddenly realized just how much he'd misjudged the situation. He had spent a fortune trying to find a woman for Maxwell, but looking at the couple now, he felt absurdly foolish. Was Maxwell really... henpecked? he thought. The more he looked at the couple, the more he noticed how well they seemed to fit together.

People might say the Carter and Clem families only had a mutually beneficial arrangement, but this... felt like something else..

"Alright then, Nico, we'll be off," Maxwell said, leading Mona toward the door.

Just before leaving, Mona turned back and shot Nico a look. "By the way, I heard someone thought it would be a good idea to set my husband up with a woman. Wonder who's brave enough to pull that? Guess he's not too worried about his family's well-being, huh?" Nico chuckled nervously, desperately wanting the floor to open up and swallow him whole. 'Mr. Carter actually told her about that? Wow, he really is totally under her thumb.

As soon as they were out of the room, Mona turned to Maxwell with a raised eyebrow. "So, you did all this on purpose, huh?"

t was becoming clear that Maxwell had invited her here to make a point to the directors-Mona was here to show them that she was always at his side, as if to say he was under her watch.

But the second she heard about someone trying to throw a woman at him, she had practically flown over.

"On purpose?" Maxwell just grinned and asked back.

"You definitely set this up," Mona said, giving him a knowing look. "Calling me over like this, just to let everyone know I've got you on a tight leash. Now they'll all think twice before trying to set you up with someone."

Maxwell chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Exactly, Mrs. Carter. I knew you would catch on. Isn't it nice? Now nobody's pestering your husband."

it was a win, but Mona sighed. Now she would

gossip about me behind my back, saying stuff like, 'Mrs. Carter runs a tight ship." She rolled her eyes, whispering, "Great reputation." Maxwell laughed. "That's fine by me. I'll play

about

I'm some kind of tyrant when I don't care much about you," Mona muttered under her

car door and helped her in. "You're in charge; I'm happy to follow your lead." 16:13

Chapter 148

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groaned and settled into the car. Then, Maxwell climbed in beer, lowered

order, immediately headed for the

Maxwell leaned in close, gently pressing her back into the corner of the seat. He brushed his lips along Mona's neck, breathing in her familiar scent. After a few days, he had missed her,

me here. Behave." Outside, the faint lights cast a soft glow over her face, her delicate features only half-visible through

his lips against hers, soft and warm,

the kiss, Mona quickly

toward the front. Even with

embarrassing.

of Nigel overhearing them was

Mona, leaning closer to whisper, "I got you a new set of pajamas a few days ago.

playful and low, but Mona shook her head. "Absolutely not," she muttered, knowing

through the layers of their coats, he could feel her warmth, and it only drew him in closer. "Not going to

Mona finally gave in, her cheeks flushed. "Fine, fine. I'll wear it! Just-sit properly now."

was inevitable she'd be caught up with Maxwell once they got home-unlike now, with

Maxwell settled back with a satisfied smile, keeping his arm around

the road, smoothly picking up speed, nearly running two red lights

Nigel watched them as Mona walked ahead and Maxwell followed closely behind. Their shadows merged together, creating