The Queen's Back

Chapter 240

Barbara snapped back to attention and gave a bright smile. "Oh, so Mona is pregnant? That is an amazing news!"

Albert let out a big breath, relieved to see her smiling. "Yeah, that's right! Polly said it's better for us to keep things quiet for the first three months-just to be safe. You had to leave early for work that day, remember? So, no one had a chance to fill you in. But don't worry, Barbara; Mona and I will always keep you close."

Barbara nodded, her expression softer as she said, "I get it now. Guess I was just overthinking things."

"Good. Just pretend you don't know for now. If Mona finds out I told, I will be in a big trouble for it," Albert said with a chuckle, already picturing a scolding-or, worse, Maxwell's reaction.

"Don't worry! Your secret is safe with me," Barbara agreed, and they spent a little longer wandering through the market, picking up a few things before heading home.

But after Albert left, Barbara wasted no time texting Molly and Gordon to share the news about Mona's pregnancy. She knew they would be as unhappy as she was-especially Molly, who despised Mona just as much.

Meanwhile, after leaving the night market, Albert didn't go directly to the Clem family's house because he couldn't resist visiting Mona's place. He hadn't seen Sweet Berry in nearly a month, and he was sure the baby missed him

As soon as Albert arrived, he greeted Hattie at the door, then noticed an odd sound coming from the living room. When he walked in, he found Maxwell lounging on the sofa with Mona tucked at his side, the two of them watching cartoons on TV. Clearly, he had walked in on some cozy downtime. But Albert, being Albert, wasn't about to let a little intimacy scare him off. Since he was here, he was staying.

The living room had a warm, cozy vibe-Maxwell had made sure of it. Mona liked to sit here and work on her designs, so he'd asked Hattie to replace the furniture with softer pieces, even had the lighting changed to a gentle, warm glow.

It was already dark now, and Mona's head was resting on Maxwell's lap. Her thick hair spilled down, framing her small, delicate face and making her look even softer.

nowhere near the two clumsy bears on the TV. Every so often, he would wind a lock of her hair around

wriggled her fingers around his hand. "Maxwell, stop pinching me! That tickles, you know,"

"Uh... Mona, Maxwell, hey! I'm

voice, Mona quickly sat up from Maxwell's lap. "Albert! What brings

a bit, but I don't think it was enough," Albert replied,

his stomach was already rumbling again. As he spoke, Mona sniffed

off for something delicious before coming here?" she teased, her

to pick up on it so quickly. Despite walking around outside, the smell of blue cheese balls had

but I am still hungry!" Albert protested, feigning innocence. But Mona wasn't buying it.

you need a shower. You smell so bad,

stink"

get a chance

out he had been munching on them, she would definitely want to try them, and Maxwell

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Chapter 240

knew it wasn't the healthiest choice, but she still raised her hands, pleading. "I will only have one

his head. "No way.