The Queen's Back

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If Maxwell had not known the full story and Mona's true personality, he might have been convinced by Barbara's acting The way she turned on the waterworks at a moment's notice, was a waste she was not in show business.

"Mona, Barbara only developed this side effect because she participated in the clinical trials for your grandfather's medication. Don't hold it against her." Jane said, trying to persuade Mona. When Mona tumbled down the stairs, Jane's heart ached. Mona was her own flesh and blood.

But since Barbara sacrificed herself for Bernard's drug trial, Jane felt it would not be right for her to take Mona's side too much. Furthermore, Bernard had not voiced his thoughts on the matter. Speaking up for Mona might disrupt the Clem family's harmony. "Why are you apologizing, Barbara? Do you really think I'm the type to get violent? I know you didn't mean any harm, so let's move on from this, Mona said reluctantly.

Mona knew Bernard and Jane still felt deeply grateful toward Barbara as it had not been long since the clinical trials. If she kept pushing the issue, they would be put in a tough spot. She did not want to upset them.

She decided to chalk it up as one of those days when nothing seemed to go her way.

"Really? You're the best, Mona!" Barbara said. Her voice was full of excitement as she took Mona's hand.

As she reached out, Barbara accidentally grabbed Mona's wrist. Mona winced softly out of pain. It was the same spot where she was injured when she fell down the stairs.

Seeing this, Maxwell walked toward Mona. In a chilly tone, he frowned and said. "Talk if you want to talk, but keep your hands to yourself. Can't you see that Mona's wrist is bruised?"

To the Clem family, Barbara was a lifesaver who had sacrificed for Bernard's drug trials. Everyone treated her with respect. But it was different for Maxwell. The only person he cared about was Mona. He took on her feelings as his own. He cared for everyone Mona loved and hated everyone she disliked.

"T-I got it. I'm sorry. I just got a little too excited," Barbara said as she let go of Mona's hand.

Barbara thought, 'Honestly, Mona is just so lucky. She called off her engagement with Teddy, yet somehow still found an incredible guy like Maxwell. He absolutely adores her!'

Barbara had tried many times to get Maxwell's attention but to no avail. She pretended to bump into him on several occasions and barely got a word in with him.

"Is there anything else you need, Barbara? If not, I'd appreciate it if you could let me rest. I'm aching all over and could use some quiet, Mona said.

Mona had no desire to keep up the charade with Barbara. Barbara hated Mona's guts but still pretended like they were close.

"Alright, then! Get plenty of rest, and don't forget to drink the chicken soup. I made if just for you! Barbara said as she headed toward the door. As she passed by Jane, Barbara even said goodbye sweetly.

Once Barbara was gone, Jane sat down beside Mona. Her voice was full of concern as she said, "Sweetheart, I know this has

en hard on you. Barbara only recently completed the clinical trials and is still feeling the side effects. Your grandfather

and I don't feel it's too nice to call her ou!"

Mona held Jane's hand and responded, "I'm not upset at all. I understand where you're coming from."

*Okay, make sure you rest well and remember to have the chicken soup, Jane said as she left Mona's room, leaving her with Maxwell.

Staring at the bowl of chicken soup on her nightstand, Mona felthothing but irritation. She turned to Maxwell and said, Just pour that chicken soup down the toilet." Even if Mona did not ask, Maxwell knew she would never drink the soup Barbara made. He nodded and quietly emptied the bowl into the toilet.

When he returned, he looked at Mona's pale face and asked, "What would you like to eat? I'll cook it for you. It's been ages since you've had anything made by me." Hearing Maxwell's suggestion, Mona realized she was actually hungry. Td love a bowl of your noodles! I remember they tasted really good. Could you also add a sunny side up on top?" "Alright, then. You lie down and rest for a bit. I'll go make it for you," Maxwell agreed.

Mona nodded. After Maxwell helped her lie back down, he gathered the bowls from the table and headed downstairs.

The moment Maxwell left the room, Barbara heard him from her room. When she noticed he was heading to the kitchen. she figured that he must be feeling hungry,

Barbara thought to herself, "Mona is lying in bed right now, it's the perfect opportunity for me to get closer to Maxwell Who knows, maybe I'll be able to win him over

With her plan in place, Barbara went to her room to put on a sof, nude lipstick. Paired with her natural makeup and white dress, she looked as youthful as ever. And with that, Barbara tiptoed downstairs toward the kitchen.

Seeing Maxwell in the kitchen cracking eggs, Barbara was a little surprised. She assumed he had gone into the kitchen. looking for something to snack on, not to cook.

It was obvious who he was cooking for. It must be for Mona who was lying in bed.

Seeing this, Barbara's jealousy toward Mona deepened.

While cracking eggs, Maxwell sensed someone watching him from behind and turned around cautiously,

Their eyes met unexpectedly and Barbara quickly shifted to a cheerful smile. She looked at Maxwell with a hint of surprise and said, "Wow, I didn't know you could cook! Mona is so lucky"

Maxwell had no desire to engage with Barbara who was in front of him. He quickly looked away and returned to what he was doing. He added oil to the frying pan and poured in the eggs when the oil was heated up.

Even though Maxwell did not respond, Barbara did not mind. She was already used to his indifference. She simply went on and said with a smile, "The egg smells really amazing and they look great tool"

As Maxwell cooked noodles for Mona, Barbara continued chattering away by his side. Maxwell, however, did not say a single word.

When the noodles were finally ready, Barbara was thrilled to see Maxwell serving up two bowls, each with a sunny side up She could not help but think that one of them might be for her

After all, she had been keeping him company in the kitchen. She thought she deserved a bowl of noodles too.

Just as Barbara reached out to take the bowl from Maxwell's hands, he abruptly lifted it out of reach, fixing her with a cold stare.

NOV

"Aren't these noodles for me? Barbara asked awkwardly. Her hand was still outstretched, hanging in mid-air,

"It's for Mona, Maxwell finally broke his silence.

Barbara glanced at the two large bowls and said, "One bowl is more than enough for Mona"

In other words, Barbara wanted the other bowl for herself.

"I know," Maxwell replied.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Then who's the other bowl for?" Barbara asked.

Maxwell replied with obvious irritation, "Can't you see I'm standing right here? Of course, it's for me."

Without giving Barbara another glance, Maxwell lifted the tray with the two bowls of noodles and walked past her. His eyes were fixed straight ahead, not sparing her even a sidelong