The Queen's Back

Chapter 233

Time passed, and today, like most lays, Mona and Maxwell headed over to the Clem family home. This time was special, though-Albert was back from the army for a two-week break, and they would finally get to have lunch together. When Mona and Maxwell pulled up, they saw Albert already at the front door, waving them down. He had a two-week leave from the army, giving him some rare time to hang out at home with their family.

Before Maxwell even parked. Mona noticed her brother's big grin practically glowing in the sunlight. She couldn't help but smile-Albert was tanned again, of course, but he looked even more energetic than usual.

"Mona! You knew I was coming home today, but no airport pickup? Guess you've forgotten about me, huh?" Albert teased as she got out of the car.

He had been so worried about Mona when he heard about the plagiarism mess, and he had used every spare minute online defending her on Twitter, firing off paragraph after paragraph.

Now that he was finally on break from the army, Albert was a little annoyed Mona had not shown up at the airport. He felt like she did not really care about him.

"Hey, don't pin this on me!" She laughed, nudging him. "You gave me, like, zero notice. I was half-asleep when I saw your message, and you'd practically landed. So, I sent the driver instead-if not, you'd have been bored to death waiting for me. She motioned to her loosely tied hair and added, "Look, I barely had time to get myself together! Now let's get inside. I'm melting out here!"

The July sun was beating down hard. Mona hadn't been outside for long, but her skin was already starting to feel scorched, and she was getting a bit lightheaded.

While she talked, Mona gave Albert a little shove to get him moving. Maxwell trailed behind, a bit sulky that his wife had completely overlooked him.

"What time is it? Seriously, just now rolling out of bed?" Albert said, shaking his head. "You're getting lazier by the day, Mora! If it weren't for Maxwell's endless patience, I know you would be in trouble."

Besides Maxwell, who was clearly blinded by love, Albert couldn't imagine anyone else putting up with Mona's moods. Good thing it was Maxwell who married her and not Teddy

"Oh, please!" Mona grinned back. "My husband loves doting on me, don't you, Maxwell?"

Maxwell smiled, giving her a warm look. "Every day, for the rest of your life."

Albert rolled his eyes and replied, "Maxwell, spoiling her like this... are you not worried she's going to get used to it?"

replied, grinning. "The more spoiled she is, the less

two. So ridiculous!" He walked ahead, thinking. I don't get it. Why is Maxwell so shameless? If I ever get married, there's no way I'm gonna turn into sope wife-worshipper like him. No chance' With Albert moving on ahead, Maxwell took the

her hair neatly tied up today. With a quick glance at Bernard, her grandfather, she realized he must've been the one to

07:18 Thu, Nov 7

Chapter 233

inherited Jane's beauty and grace. Even in her age, Jane's charm was undeniable; anyone could

A wounan in a painting? Oh, I am too old for that! What if people hear and laugh?" Jane said, though clearly pleased. Mona's charm could really win everyone over, not only was she beautiful, but she always had the sweetest things to say. "Mona, Maxwell, Albert, isn't Jane's hair looking good in that bun? Bernard chimed in with pride. "It's my masterpiece, you know-took me a few tries,

three of them nodded in

stop standing around. Go sit on the couch and try some of the watermelon Jane

down when Albert jumped up and said, "Grandpa, Grandma, you enjoy

favorites, especially since he had just picked Mona up, so he hurried off to

go ahead, then, Bernard waved, grinning.

her-probably too busy-but Mona assumed she would show up today.

came back with Barbara, who was holding a small gift. She looked

Grandpa, Grandma, Mona, Maxwell!" Barbara greeted them with a warm smile, and Bernard

TO SİL

kept things polite. After all, Barbara helped testing the medicine

eating well lately?" Bernard asked, noting how much more worn out she

Barbara did look paler and thinner, and even Mona seemed a bit out of it, lounging lazily

her cheek and said, "Really? Maybe it's from staying up too much-I've been preparing for another competition. If I

If it weren't for her, we could've competed together and made Nathontown proud!" Barbara clutched Mona's

with Albert right there, rodded slightly, feeling

real trouble.