The Queen's Back

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Mona realized that in her current condition, meeting Artemis Rain was impossible. Her design wouldn't be seen, making her trip to Arkenvale seem pointless. She sighed, feeling a sense of frustration. As she idly scrolled through her phone, a message suddenly appeared, causing her eyes to widen in disbelief. The surprise jolted her upright, despite the pain in her back. [Dear Miss Clem, Artemis has seen your gown design and likes it very much. It's a style she hasn't tried before. Although she has already chosen another gown, if you're willing, you could create yours as well. At the awards ceremony, she will wear whichever gown suits her best.] The message was from Artemis Rain's assistant, using the contact information Mona had provided. This unexpected news filled Mona with joy.

After the

the initial excitement, Mona pondered how Artemis had seen her design and why she had considered it. She suspected Maxwell Carter's involvement. Since the previous night, Maxwell had been in charge of her belongings, which included her design for Artemis. It seemed likely that Maxwell had helped her. "How did you know I was in the hospital?" Mona asked. Only Maxwell and Nigel knew about her hospitalization, and neither would have shared the information. T

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by Teddy entering the room with flowers and a fruit basket. He looked at Mona with feigned concern. "Mona, how did you get so badly hurt? It pains me to see you like this"

"Of course, I'm concerned about you. What kind of marriage do you have with Maxwell if he lets you get hurt? If I were there, I'd protect you with my life," Teddy said, placing the items on the table with a concerned tone. Mona responded with a roll of

Don't dodge the question. How did you know I was in the hospital? If you don't want to say, thene situation arose, Teddy would push her aside to save himself. to say, then leave. You're not welcome here," Mona replied coldly. couldn't t muster any kindness toward Teddy, the man who had betrayed her. His presence only fuele fueled I her anger.

She

"Mona, I told you, it's because I care. I'm also in Arkenvale for business. I saw the local news last night. Although your face wasn't clear, I recognized you from your silhouette. Today, I saw Maxwell leaving here, so I knew you were inside," Teddy explained. Taking advantage of Mona's situation, Teddy hoped to win her forgiveness for his infidelity. Without the Clem Group's support, the Powers Group's operations had suffered.

Teddy, seeing Mona's silence, continued, "Mona, look how much I care about you. It's been so long since our engagement. Surely you're not still upset? Don't be with Maxwell just to spite me. I'll treat you well from now on."

Mona lifted her gaze to meet Teddy's earnest eyes. Previously, she might have fallen for his sweet talk and forgiven him.

But she was no longer the same Mona. She had seen Teddy's true colors and now found his words amusing, a reminder of her past naivety.

"Teddy, let me say this one last time: we're truly over. Leave and don't come looking for me again," Mona said calmly. Just as she finished speaking, Maxwell entered the room, catching the tail end of her declaration. A smile tugged at. "Mr. Powers, it's been a while. I didn't expect you to visit my wife. That's very thoughtful of you," Maxwell said lightly as he lips.

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look a a seat beside MonContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

He turned to Mona and asked, "Are you still feeling uncomfortable? What would you like for lunch?"

His fingers brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, a gesture full of affection.

Mona shook her head, gazing at Maxwell with eyes full of warmth. "I'm fine now. Anything you prepare, I'll love."

Teddy, still processing the situation, muttered, "Your wife? You two got married?"

His disbelief was evident. He remembered the girl who once followed him around, talking about becoming his bride, and now she was someone else's wife.

ΠΙΟ

Maxwell and I are officially married. That's why I said we're impossible," Mona replied, having no intention of hiding the truth from Teddy.

Married? Mona, how could you marry Maxwell?" Teddy questioned.

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Though he didn't love Mona, he had always assumed they would marry and that she would be his. The news of her marriage to someone else was hard to accept.

Mona laughed coldly. Marrying Maxwell meant Teddy wouldn't gain any shares in the Clem Group, and his frustration was showing. "Do I need my ex-boyfriend's permission to marry someone? You have some nerve."

"Mona you're such a fickle woman. Just wait, you'll regret this, and then you'll come begging to me," Teddy spat before storming out, slamming the door behind him, leaving the room in silence.

Maxwell, about to move to a nearby chair, was stopped by Mona's hand. "Maxwell, did you help me by showing my design to Artemis Rain?" she asked, looking up at him.

Maxwell nodded without hesitation. He knew that Mona had come to Arkenvale specifically for this opportunity, and he didn't want her trip to be in vain. So, he had Nigel deliver her design. "Was it because of you that Artemis Rain chose my design?" Mona asked softly, uncertain if Maxwell's influence had swayed the decision.

Maxwell looked at Mona, his eyes brightening as he replied, "No, it wasn't because of me. Nigel just delivered it, and Artemis made her own choice."

He spoke the truth. Nigel had simply explained the situation to Artemis, and upon seeing Mona's design, Artemis liked it and instructed her assistant to send Mona the positive response.

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08:24 Mon, Oc