The Queen's Back

FT

Seeing Richard keep quiet, Maxwell cut in. "Let's get this straight I've managed the Carter family business all these years. but only out of respect for the family that raised me. Consider it my way of paying it back." He paused, glancing around the Toom

"From here on out, whatever happens to Carter Group is not my concern."

"Maxwell, is that what do you mean? Are you saying you are done with the Carter family?" Donald snapped, barely able to keep his anger in check.

Donald could never quite figure out what his son was thinking, even since Maxwell was young. The company was only temporarily under Maxwell's care-the shares still belonged to Richard. Now that Gordon was set to lead the Carter Group for its own future, Maxwell decided to cut ties completely. Donald felt his patience fray.

That's right. Maxwell replied, his lips barely moving. He'd rather be free from a family like this, save himself the hassle of showing up with Mona out of some sense of duty,

Actually, cutting ties with the Carters was long overdue.

You-you ungrateful son!" Donald shouted, grabbing the ashtray off the table and hurling it at Maxwell.

Richard had not expected things to escalate this much-just the mention of Gordon taking over, and Maxwell was ready to walk away from the family.

Maxwell saw the ashtray coming but didn't bother dodging. This was his version of respecting his father for the last time

The ashtray hit his knee and clattered to the floor. Then, Maxwell calmly brushed the cigarette ash off his suit pants, his face expressionless.

"Mr. Carter, I will let this go this time. But if it happens again, I won't just stand here and take it.

"You cold-hearted wretch. How dare you speak to me like this! am your father-the one who gave you life. What now? Are you planning to throw a punch at me?" Donald was mad, his teeth clenched as he glared at Maxwell's unflinching face. However, Donald's voice was thick with challenge as he spoke, almost daring Maxwell to hit him back.

Seeing this whole mess about to blow up, Richard banged his walking stick on the floor and said. "Enough! We're family. Do you even hear yourselves? Aren't you worried people will laugh if they find out we're brawling like this?"

Turning to Maxwell, his voice hardened. "If you walk out that door, consider yourself cut off from the Carter family

Most people would fight to be part of a family like the Carters, but Maxwell was different. It felt like the Carter family needed him more than he needed them.

Now, with one last calm look around, Maxwell walked out without a second glance. For over twenty years, Maxwell had put

with this family. Mona was the only one who had ever treated him with real kindness.

up

Donald, his father, hadn't even bothered to be a parent. After Richard brought him back, he had barely looked his way, just signed off on a DNA test and ignored him-even when Gordon locked him up in the basement, he didn't even lift a finger to help.

As for Richard, this old man had pulled him from the countryside, sure, gave him a "better life," but only because he had Carter blood. Maxwell had worked his tail off managing Carter Group, keeping them on par with Clem Group in Nathontown, only to be pushed aside when he had done his job now.

Meanwhile, Stephanie, Juliet, Gordon-they all looked down on him and schemed against him. There was nothing worth staying for in this family.

As Maxwell's figure disappeared, Richard stared after him, gritting his teeth. "Raised that boy for years, and this is what

get

"Dad, you should've let me go aftes him, Donald snapped. "Should've beaten some sense into him-where'd he get this nerve from?"

"Grandpa, Dad, calm down," Gordon said smoothly. "Maxwell is just mad. Give him a few days to cool off, and he'll come back to apologize."

But secretly, Gordon hoped Maxwell wouldn't come back at all-then everything in the Carter family would finally be his.

"Exactly. Maxwell's just being stubborn," Juliet added, pleased. She had been thinking about ways to push Maxwell out, but now he was doing it all on his own.

Around nine that night, Mona and Haley landed back in Nathontown from Yosneosiland. She had been anxious about Maxwell and the company, so she came straight home after a quick lunch at Danielle's place.

Now, she was almost home. With Haley around, there was nothing to worry about. She planned to surprise Maxwell.

As Mona arrived, she spotted Nigel leaving the Carter family estate. She learned from him that Maxwell had just returned from his own visit with the family and might not be in the best mood.

With that, Mona headed inside, kicked off her flats, flipped on the living room light, and went upstairs to the darkened second floor. She didn't bother with the lights, the moonlight pouring in was enough to guide her. She checked the bedroom-empty. Quietly, she moved to the study, where the door was slightly open.

There, standing by the window, was Maxwell She knew his silhouette by heart. Walking up quietly, Mona stood on her toes and gently covered his eyes from behind.

"Guess who?" she whispered, her voice soft and playful. What she didn't know was that Maxwell had sensed her the moment she reached the second floor, waiting for her to find him.

Holding her hands, he smiled. "The one who missed me-Mrs. Carter!"

"Smart guess!" Mona laughed. "You've earned a kiss. She leaned in, kissing him softly on the neck.

Maxwell turned around and planted a kiss on Mona's lips. Mona wrapped her arms around his strong waist, tilting her head back to meet his kiss, feeling their breaths mix in the stillness of the night.

After a long moment, they both pulled away, breathing a bit unevenly. Maxwell finally let her go and flicked on the light, flooding the room with brightness that made it feel like daytime,

He settled into the office chair and pulled Mona onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.

"Maxwell, you can talk to me about anything that's bothering you," Mona said, meeting his tired eyes. "I might not have all the answers, but I can definitely be your ear to vent to," "You're the best wife, you know that?" Maxwell said, resting his chin on her neck and soaking up her warmth.

FT

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